George Dillman

By Susan Shelly, (based on an interview with George Dillman by Fitness Berks editor Caroline Hill).

The tournament was moved to Reading in 1968, where it was held every year until 1996. Dillman is widely known for his method of pressure point selfdefense, an art that he developed over a period of 25 years by researching and studying with great masters around the world. In addition, he worked with neurologists to develop the system, which identies 361 pressure points in a persons body and teaches students to disable opponents by attacking those points.

A Berks County Legend

eorge Dillman is much more than a Berks County legend he is one of the worlds most highly regarded martial arts experts. Dillmans long career has spanned six decades, during which time he has earned hundreds of awards, trained thousands of students and developed one of the most successful martial arts schools in the world. About to turn 70, Dillman, who still hikes four to six miles on most days with his wife, Suzanne, travels around the world to conduct seminars and workshops and owns and runs a training camp in Schuylkill County; talked recently with Caroline Hill, about his life and his extraordinary career in the martial arts. A 10th degree black belt in the discipline of Ryukyu Kempo karate and a master of pressure point ghting, Dillman got his start in the martial arts when he was just nine years old and began judo lessons. It quickly became apparent that he possessed a natural afnity for martial arts and self-defense, but after ve years his teacher moved away and his lessons were discontinued. Dillman took up boxing in order to stay busy and in shape, and added running to his workout a habit that he maintained throughout his career. He gained notoriety for his boxing skills during the 12 years he spent in military service, during which time he represented his barracks in tournaments. It was also during this time that he met Harry G. Smith, a martial arts instructor with whom Dillman began training. By the time his military service ended, Dillman had been ranked four times as a National Karate Champion, and was consistently named among the top 10 competitors in the nation. By 1972, Dillman had won more than 300 awards in all areas of karate and was enjoying a high level of notoriety. While Dillman was competing in martial arts, he also set up his own tournament, the Northeast Open Karate Championships.
George Dillman with World Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali.

He rst learned about pressure points from Hohan Soken, an Okinawan who was perhaps the most widely respected martial artist in the world. Soken was 83 when Dillman began training with him, and Dillman, who said he has always considered himself to be a student, was receptive to learning everything he could. Dillman also studied with masters Daniel K. Pail, Robert Trias and Seiyu Oyata. While Dillman is best known for his karate skills, he remains well known in boxing circles and claims to be the only person ever to have trained with both Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee. His rst love, however, remains martial arts, a form of exercise that he says incorporates mental and physical aspects of tness.

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Fitness Berks

In particular, Dillman stresses the use of proper breathing techniques, which he said make all the difference between being successful and unsuccessful in martial arts. Just as taking a breath at the wrong time can adversely affect a swimmer, it can mean the difference between winning and losing in martial arts. Another form of exercise that relies on controlled breathing is yoga, which Dillman said is a benecial form of cross training for those in martial arts.

While Dillman has achieved many honors and distinctions during his long career, one of his proudest moments occurred in a very quiet setting. He had just nished teaching a seminar in China, Dillman recounted, when he was approached by Shi Di Jing, the highest priest and a man of very high regard. Jing asked Dillman if he would walk with him back to the temple and tell him about Dillmans experiences with martial arts. When they arrived at the ancient Shalomin Temple, Dillman was invited inside, although that honor is normally reserved for high-ranking ofcials. Many years after the experience, Dillman still recalls looking out of a window of the temple and observing more than 10,000 Chinese citizens practicing the art of Kata and forms on the ground below. It was profound moment, Dillman said, and a treasured memory. Nearly 70, Dillman remains active. He owns and participates in the operations of 200 schools around the world, including China, Australia and many European countries. The Schuylkill County camp he owns, which was formerly Muhammad Alis training site, is for sale, but remains an active site for people who come from around the world to study and train. A member of both the Berks and Schuylkill counties Sports Halls of Fame, Dillmans legacy and inuence in martial arts continues, both locally and around the world. Many of people who are involved locally in martial arts were trained under Dillman, or someone who had been trained by Dillman. His presence in the eld remains strong, and those who have been fortunate enough to benet from his training and techniques remain grateful.

George Dillmans Notable Achievements & Highlights

s Trained security guards for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. s Was offered a government position in Australia to teach martial arts to military personnel. s Is noted in "Ripleys Believe it or Not" for ghting a bear.

Geor remai ge still ns and in active with m volved artial arts

s Appeared during the 1980s on the television show Real People, during which he broke 1,200 pounds of ice during lming on a stage in Reading High School. s Served in Washington, D.C. with the Military Police during the 1960s; was a guard for Martin Luther King, Jr. during his second I Have a Dream speech. s Worked with and trained: Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee, Daniel K. Pay, Chuck Norris and Billy Blanks. s Taught martial arts at Kutztown University and Albright College.
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