SHITO-RYU KARATE-DO GENBU-KAI
Karate
A Japanese word meaning "empty" (Kara) and "hand" (Te). It is a system of attack and defense that used all parts of the body (hands, feet, elbows, fingers, etc.) to kick, punch, chop, and other moves that are effective in defending yourself. Many of the movements have been analyzed and geometrically calculated so that wherever the action, a block or a punch, it is the maximum the human body can achieve. One quickly learns that it is not the size and strength alone that are the deciding factors in who will emerge victorious in physical combat.
True Karate is a physical art, a method of self-defense and a sport. One of its greatest attributes is that anyone, irrespective of size, age, or gender can practice this Art. One can practice Karate according to his or her own capabilities or handicaps.
History
Karate-style fighting has been traced to the monks and priests of China, India, and Tibet. These men took time to refine and codify ways of self-defense into a skillful and efficient Art. From China, it crossed to Okinawa where it was known as ''Te" and consisted mainly of hand movements. In 1922, Masters Mabuni and Funakoshi introduced "Okinawa Te" to Japan. Many of our servicemen stationed throughout the world, especially in Japan and other Far East nations, brought back many different systems to the United States. The largest of these systems is the Japanese system.
The Shito-Ryu System
The Shito-Ryu System was passed on from Mr. ltosu and Mr. Hjgaonna. In Kanji, the first two letters in their names spell "Shi" and "To". Mr. Mabuni combined them to name and form our style as it was handed down to him. Born in 1893, Mr. Mabuni was the 17th generation son of a famous samurai named Onigusuki. In 1929, he moved to Osaka and instructed many students, among them Ruysho Sakagami, who, in tum taught new generations including Mr. Fumio Demura.
Genbu-Kai
"Gen" means original, professional and "Bu" refers to martial arts. "Kai" means organization. Genbu-Kai is an international organization that encompasses 32 countries and thousands of members. The name Genbu-Kai was given by Shihan Fumio Demura, who was the director and chief instructor. His primary goal ways to introduce martial arts to people throughout the world, with the primary goal of helping people to be better human beings and have better, more successful lives. Shihan Fumio Demura’s dojo is the Genbu-Kai headquarters which is located in Santa Anna CA., and one of the oldest karate schools in America.
SHIHAN DEMURA
Shihan Fumio Demura, a 9th degree black belt, 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.
Sensei Demura 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'.
Sensei Demura continued to be the stunt double for Pat Morita in the television series O'Hara and others for approximately 14 years. His movie credits also include Rising Sun, Mortal Kombat, Walker Texas Ranger and many others. In addition to his acting career he traveled 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.
Shihan Demura served as Director and Chief Instructor for Shito-Ryu Genbu-Kai International, an organization encompassing thirty-two countries and thousands of members. Right up until his passing in April of 2023, he taught at his Santa Ana, California Dojo and most weekends were spent giving seminars or assisting at tournaments literally throughout the world. Each February, he hosted his annual Goodwill Championships in Costa Mesa, considered by many to be the foremost traditional tournament in southern California. This tradition will continue in his name.
Shihan Demura was an authentic Karate Sensei. Combining the traditions of the past with modern approaches to training, he was regarded by his students with love, trust and admiration. In his personal life as well as within the walls of the Dojo, he was a living model of what all true martial artists strive to be!
