Master Instructor Shihan Fumio Demura (9th Dan Shito-Ryu Karate) recently visited the Florida Genbu-Kai headquarters in Wellington for training seminars. Participants for the weekend events traveled from all over the nation. Students trained in basics techniques, forms, weapons, sword and self-defense applications.
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 several branch locations within the US, Canada and Mexico.
Not known to many, Demura Shihan was Pat Morita’s stunt double in the original Karate Kid movie series. The premise of the original Karate Kid movie is based on Demura Shihan’s teachings and beliefs. HBO recently released a program on Demura Shihan’s life called The Real Miyagi.
For more information on classes, call (561) 804-1002 or visit www.floridagenbukai.com.
ABOVE: (L-R) Ron Martin (Genbu-Kai Florida), Brent Bedwell (Genbu-Kai North Carolina), Mike Hritcko (Genbu-Kai New York), Shubham Debnath (Genbu-Kai Minnesota), Shihan Demura, Keith Moore (Genbu-Kai Florida Chief Instructor), Michael Simms (Rengo-Kai Ohio) and Sean Demura (Genbu-Kai California).
