Fumio Demura (born in Yokohama, Japan in 1938)
Style: Karate
At the age of 10 he began training in the martial arts under Asano Sensei, and started training under Ryusho Sakagami 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 1958 Demura began training in kobudo, a style of Okinawan weapons training, under the direction of Sensei Shinken Taira. 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.
Demura lives in Southern California, but spends much of his time touring (in the USA and abroad) as a teacher and guest official. Despite having lived in the United States for over 40 years, Demura remains a Japanese citizen.
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