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.
Official Site
Official Genbu-Kai Karate International Website