On September 7th, 2009, Grand Master Georg Iberl was honored with the flying of a United States Flag over our Capitol.

He was awarded the Flag as a sign of appreciation for his decades of dedication to Isshinryu and to his students.

Grand Master Iberl was born on September 7, 1936 in Nuremburg, Germany.  At age 9, he began his martial arts training with the Youth Division of WWII Germany studying jujitsu and hand-to-hand combat.  He studied savate kickboxing from 1950 through 1955, culminating his training by winning the Middleweight Division Championship.  In 1956, he joined the army and served for 2 years. 

Grand Master Iberl moved to the United States in 1958 where he was introduced to Master Harry Smith.  In 1964, Iberl moved to Washington D.C. where he met and ran two dojos with Master Rick Niemira.  He also studied with Master Tatsuo Shimabuku in 1964 in Pittsburgh and for two months in 1966 in New York.

Grand Master Iberl, Same as Grand Master Shimabuku

In 1967, Master Iberl was introduced to Master Angi Uezu.  This began a friendship that has lasted over 40 years and continues today.  “He is the heart of Isshinryu,” states Iberl. 

Master Iberl’s competative years spanned over three decades.  He competed extensively through the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s.  His last competition was in the mid 90's.  At 60 years old, he took first place.

Master Iberl moved to York, PA in 1969 and opened a school.  Over the years, he has had dojos in York, Gettysburg, Hanover, Lancaster, Manchester, D.C., and Dillsburg.  He currently runs a dojo in Dillsburg, PA and teaches class throughout the week.

In 1997, Master Iberl founded the OIKKA Hall of Fame.  The Hall of Fame includes such masters as Angi Uezu, Tsuyoshi Uechi, Ichiro Nakahodo, Rick Niemira, Ed McGrath, Don Nagle, Ralph Lindquist, Willy Adams, Rod Crimmins, Carl Martin, and Marilyn Firerro.

  In May of 1999, Master Iberl was promoted to 9^th Dan by Grand Master Angi Uezu and the OIKKA.  His martial arts career has spanned 65 years and continues today.  He has been a devoted and traditional Isshinryu practitioner for over 50 years.