Fumio Demura was a legendary martial artist and actor known for his traditional Japanese martial arts expertise, particularly in Shito-Ryu karate, who passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023. The circumstances that led to his death are not disclosed to the public; officials will release details of his obituary later. In this article, we will remember his journey from a white belt to a black belt, and his contributions to the karate world.
Contents
Early Years in Japan
Fumio Demura was born on September 15, 1938, in Yokohama, Japan. At the age of 9, he began training in karate and kendo under an instructor named Asano. At the age of 12, he started training under Ryusho Sakagami in Itosu-kai karate. Demura received his 1st dan black belt in 1956, and won the East Japan Championships in 1957. In 1959, he began training in kobudo, a style of traditional Okinawan weapons training, under the direction of Taira Shinken. In 1963, he became acquainted with Koga-ryu ninjutsu master Seiko Fujita. Demura met martial arts scholar Donn Draeger, who introduced him to Dan Ivan, who would eventually bring him to the United States as a karate instructor.
Career in the United States
In 1965, Demura came to the United States, representing the Japan Karate-do Itosu-kai. From his base in southern California, he became well known for his karate and kobudo skills. He founded the JKF (Japan Karate Federation) and taught karate to many celebrities, including Steven Seagal and Bruce Lee. He also wrote several martial arts books, such as Shito-Ryu Karate (1971), Advanced Nunchaku (1976), Tonfa: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense (1982), Nunchaku: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense (1986), Bo: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense (1987), and Sai: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense (1987).
In 1986, Demura was promoted to 7th dan in Shito-Ryu karate. In 2005, he was promoted to 9th dan. He became the Chief Instructor (Shihan)/Director of Shito-Ryu Karate-do Genbu-Kai with local dojo in Santa Ana, California in 2001. He was inducted into the World Martial Arts Masters Association Hall of Fame in 2006.
Role in the Karate Kid Films
Perhaps Demura’s most lasting contribution to karate came through performing several of the martial arts scenes for Pat Morita’s “Mr. Miyagi” character in the Karate Kid movies. He was sometimes cited as an inspirational source for the legendary film sensei. The Karate Kid screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen stated that Mr. Miyagi was named after Chojun Miyagi, the founder of the Goju-Ryu karate style, and that Fumio Demura was one of the inspirations for the character.
Demura appeared in several films and documentaries, including: The Warrior Within (1976), The Island of Dr. Moreau (1977), The Karate Kid (1984), The Karate Kid Part III (1989), Shootfighter: Fight to the Death (1992), Rising Sun (1993), The Next Karate Kid (1994), Masters of the Martial Arts (1998), Mystic Origins of the Martial Arts (1998), Modern Warriors (2002), XMA: Xtreme Martial Arts (2003), and Ninja (2009).
Legacy and Impact
Fumio Demura was a pioneer and a master of karate who influenced generations of martial artists around the world. He was respected and admired for his skill, dedication, and humility. He taught karate not only as a physical art, but also as a way of life that fosters character development and moral values. He once said: “In Genbu-Kai Karate our goal is for every one of our students to have a strong character and to have the successful life of a good person – this is the core of our way, our Samurai spirit.”
Fumio Demura cause of death is a sad news for the karate community and his fans. He will be remembered as a legend who left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and motivate many people.
