Master Instructor Shihan Fumio Demura (9th Dan Shito-Ryu Karate) recently visited the Florida Genbu-Kai Headquarters in Wellington for training seminars.
Many participants for the weekend events traveled to Wellington from across Florida, Miami to Jacksonville, and also included Genbu-Kai members from New York, Georgia, North Carolina and Indiana.
Students trained in basic techniques, forms, weapons, sword and self-defense applications. During the awards banquet, students who recently tested were awarded their next ranks directly from Demura Shihan.
Demura Shihan is credited with being the first person to introduce Shito-Ryu Karate and Okinawan Kobudo (weapons) outside mainland Japan.
In 1965, he settled in southern California and has since grown his organization to include 20 branch locations within the U.S., as well as Canada, South America and beyond.
Along the way, Demura Shihan has amassed more than 4 million air miles in his quest to spread his teachings, visiting current and new locations.
Not known to many, Demura Shihan was Pat Morita’s stunt double in the original Karate Kid movie series. Over the past few years, HBO has produce a documentary on Demura Shihan’s life called The Real Miyagi. The documentary is scheduled to be aired this February. The premise of the original Karate Kid movie is based on Demura Shihan’s teachings and beliefs.
For more information on Genbu-Kai classes in Wellington, call (561) 804-1002 or visit www.floridagenbukai.com.
