Gebhardt Martial Arts

In Memory of Sifu Bill Gebhardt

Bill Gebhardt was a world champion martial artist and the owner and head instructor of the State College Martial Arts Academy. Mr. Gebhardt’s death on September 17, 2002 may have halted his life, but not his legacy. TITAN FITNESS has named its martial arts program after the man who inspired it.

Sifu Bill Gebhardt was the head instructor and owner of the SCMAA. Mr. Gebhardt's martial arts training spanned a period of over 20 years. Mr. Gebhardt was a certified instructor in both Jun Fan/JKD Concepts and Filipino Martial Arts under Dan Inosanto, the man personally chosen by Bruce Lee to carry on the concepts and philosophy of Jeet Kune Do. Mr. Gebhardt is also a certified instructor in Thai Boxing under Master Surachai Sirisute, President and Founder of the Thai Boxing Association (TBA) of the U.S.A. Sifu Gebhardt served as the TBA's Pennsylvania state representative. He was also a certified boxing instructor through USA Boxing, the nation's largest amateur governing body. Competitively, Mr. Gebhardt placed second in his division for full contact stick fighting at the World Championships in Manila, Philippines (January 1992). Mr. Gebhardt was voted the State College Jaycee's Outstanding Young Fitness Leader of 1993-94. He is the father of a ten year old son.

Inosanto.com Article:

Bill Gebhardt was the head instructor and founder of the SCMAA. Mr. Gebhardt’s martial arts training spanned over twenty years.

At the age of 16, Bill started in the martial arts as part of Sifu Kevin Seaman’s private backyard group. He diligently focused and developed into a professional in the fields of martial arts and business. He was Kevin Seaman’s Senior Most student, and holds a Full Instructor credential in both Jun Fan Gung Fu/JKD and the Filipino Martial Arts under Sifu Seaman.

Bill Gebhardt received his instructor certification in Jun Fan Gung Fu and Jeet Kune Do in 1992 under Sifu Dan Inosanto, the man personally chosen by Bruce Lee to carry on the art and philosophy of Jeet Kune Do. Bill also held an instructor credential in Filipino Martial Arts under Guro Inosanto, which he also received in 1992.

Competitively, Bill fought in full-contact stick fighting matches on regional, national and international levels. He placed second in his division in full-contact stick fighting at the world Championships in January 1992, which were held at the Aquino Memorial Stadium in Manila, Philippines. As a competitive coach and trainer, he trained dozens of fighters in amateur Thai Boxing, boxing, Shoot Wrestling, and contact stick fighting. He acted as a guiding light for students and competitors of all ages.

Bill Gebhardt was a certified instructor in Thai Boxing under Master Surachai Sirisute, President and Founder of the Thai Boxing Association of the U.S.A., and served as the Pennsylvania State Representative for the TBA.

A boxing coach and instructor, Bill was certified through USA Boxing, the nation’ largest amateur governing body. In 1993, he was voted the State College Jaycee’s Outstanding Fitness Leader of 1993-1994. He was the proud father of an year old son, Jordan – his most prized accomplishment.