From the time he was introduced to Karate by his older brother (Sensei Najeem), there has been no looking back for Kyoshi (7th Dan) V. A. M. Iqbal. As a youth, his energy and enthusiasm combined with his hard work in the dojo led him to becoming an able assistant to his teacher back home in Kerala.
Having enjoyed a large student following and a successful tournament career, in 1979 he decided to move to the UAE in search of better prospects. His relentless effort and complete dedication have ensured nothing but steady progress and paved the way to success in his life and in his art.
As an instructor, he has always given his students anything less than his best. Nor did he ever compromise on his own training. Apart from his regular training schedule, Kyoshi Iqbal makes sure he spends at least a few days a year receiving instruction and corrections from his Senseis, wherever in the world that may be. Consequently, he has been around the world, having trained in:
• India (where it all began)
• Malaysia
• Germany
• USA
• Okinawa, Japan
He has won the love and respect of not only his students, but of the entire Seibukan world.
Ranked 7th Dan in Karate, 6th Dan in Kobudo and 4th Dan in Aikido, Kyoshi Iqbal is Chief Instructor for the UAE and Technical Director for the Middle East region; for each of the styles he represents.
In 2008, he was elected to the Executive Board of the International Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Seibukan Karate-do Association (IOSSKA) – the governing body of the Karate style he represents.
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