Shihan Fumio Demura introduced Shito-Ryu Karate to the USA in 1965. He also introduced Okinawa Kobudo: Sai, Nunchuku, Bo, Tonfa and Kama.

He started teaching in California and was introduced to the public by Black Belt Magazine making him well known in the martial arts arena.

He started Karate demonstrations at the Japanese Village and Deer Park in Buena Park, California in 1968. The show was such a success it became one of the top attractions in the park, making it the first professional Karate demonstration in the world. After seven years of demonstrations the show moved to the Las Vegas Hilton. There he presented a daily show for two consecutive years.

In 1974 he entered into the Hong Kong film industry and in 1975 he entered into the Hollywood film industry. In 1977 he appeared in his first movie, The Island of Dr. Moreau. Many films followed such as Karate Kid I, II, III, IV where he was the stunt double for Pat Morita's character 'Miyagi'.

He continued to be the stunt double for Pat Morita in the television series O'Hara and others for approximaely 14 years. His movie credits also include Rising Sun, Mortal Kombat, Walker Texas Ranger and many others.

In addition to his acting career he travels throughout the world to present martial arts seminars, conduct demonstrations and give radio interviews.

Rather than emphasizing competition. Sensei Demura emphasizes personal growth and mental discipline in his training to help people become better human beings. Through his open mindedness he has been an example to others including: Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Steven Segal, Sho Kosugi, Mike Stone, Richard Norton....and many other top world martial artists today.


Today Shihan Demura serves as director and Chief Instructor for the Shito-Ryu Genbu-Kai International. An organization encompassing nearly twenty nations and thousands of members. He still teaches at his Santa Ana, California Dojo and most weekends are spent giving seminars or assisting at tournaments literally throughout the world. Each February, he hosts his annual Goodwill Championships in Costa Mesa, considered by many to be the foremost traditional tournament in southern California.

Shihan Demura is an authentic Karate Sensei. Combining the traditions of the past with modern approaches to training, he is regarded by his students with love, trust and admiration. In his personal life as well as within the walls of the Dojo, Shihan is a living model of what all true martial artists strive to be!

 

SHIHAN DEMURA AT A GLANCE

1938...Fumio Demura is born in Yokohama, Japan. 1948...Begins kendo and karate traiing with Asano Sensei. 1950...Begins training Itosu-kai under Ryusho Sakagami Sensei. 1956...Receives his first black belt in karate. 1957...Wins first place in East Japan Championships. 1958...Beings Iaido study under Ryusho Skagami Sensei. 1959...Begins kobudo training with Shinken Taira Sensei. 1961...Wins All-Japan Karate Championships. 1965...Comes to America and become Chief Instructor/Director of Japan Karat-do Itosu-kai and Japan Karat Federation. 1965...Holds first Annual Interdojo tournament. 1968...Becomes Chief Director of the Policy Olympics Karate Committee. 1971...Holds first Anual Invitational Goodwill Karate Championship. 1975…Inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame as “Martial Artist of the Year.” 1986...Received current level of black belt (7th dan).

Sensei and Arnold Schwarzenegger meeting in 2003 to discuss karate and the Inner City Games Foundation. 1989...Begins study of Batto-Ryu with Taizaburo Nakamura Sensei. 1999…Inducted into the Martial Arts Museum Hall of Fame. 2001… Becomes Chief Instructor/Director of Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Genbu-Kai.