Fumio Demura

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Fumio Demura (born in Yokohama, Japan in 1938) is a Japanese martial artist and martial arts teacher.

[edit] Background

At the age of 8 he began training in the martial arts under Asano Sensei, and started training under Ryusho Sakagami Sensei in Shito Ryu Itosu Kai karate when he was 12. Demura received his 1st Degree black belt in 1956 and won the East Japan Karate Championship in 1957. In early 1958 Demura began training in kobudo, a style of Okinawan weapons training, under the direction of Sensei Shinken Taira. Demura is renown for his abilities as a weapons instructor and taught famous martial arts movie performers such as Bruce Lee. In 1961 he won the All-Japan Karate Championships. Four years later, in partnership with Dan Ivan, Demura came to the United States to teach and promote Shito Ryu Karate.

In the following years Demura gained international renown with his innovative martial arts demonstrations in southern California and Las Vegas. He also became the Chief Instructor of Shito Ryu Itosu Kai USA.

Demura has received numerous awards and recognitions from the American and International martial arts communities. In 2005 he celebrated his 40th year in the United States as a martial artist and teacher. He is currently the President and Chief Instructor of Shito Ryu Genbu Kai International. Genbu Kai International split off from Itosu Kai International in 2003 after a political dispute. He was expelled in 2001 from Shito Ryu Itosu Kai.

Demura lives in Southern California, but spends much of his time touring (in the USA and abroad) as a teacher and guest official. He teaches Karate to different students in various places, such as Winona, Minnesota, Pittsburg, Kansas, New Jersey and New Castle Pennsylvania. Despite having lived in the United States for over 40 years, Demura remains a Japanese citizen but can speak english very well. Lately he has suffered some minor heart problems and has been traveling much less often.

[edit] Film career

Demura is also known for his work in such movies as The Karate Kid series, for which he taught Pat Morita, "Mr. Miyagi", broken English, Rising Sun, Mortal Kombat, and The Island of Dr. Moreau.

[edit] External links

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