Yesterday, on April 24th, 2023, the world of martial arts lost one of its greatest and most influential figures, Fumio Demura. Though he was a master of Shito-Ryu, his impact transcended styles and enriched the entire martial arts community. As practitioners of Chito-Ryu, we still feel the loss of this dedicated and passionate martial artist. This blog post will delve into the impact Fumio Demura had on Karate over his lifetime, celebrating his achievements and paying tribute to his unwavering dedication to the arts.
Born in Yokohama, Japan, on September 15, 1938, Fumio Demura began his martial arts journey at the age of nine. He first studied Kendo and later transitioned to Karate under the tutelage of Ryusho Sakagami, a prominent Shito-Ryu master. Demura’s skill and dedication to the art led him to become one of the foremost practitioners of his generation. In 1965, he moved to the United States, where he established a Karate school in California and played a vital role in popularizing martial arts in the Western world.
Fumio Demura’s impact on Karate is immeasurable. As a highly skilled and respected competitor, he won numerous championships in kata (forms) and kumite (sparring), including the All-Japan Karate Championships and the All-Japan Karate-do Federation Championships. He was also instrumental in the founding of the North American Karate-do Federation, which was later merged with other organizations to form the USA National Karate-do Federation.
Furthermore, Demura’s influence reached the silver screen, with him serving as a stunt double for Pat Morita in the iconic “Karate Kid” film series. He also trained many notable martial artists and actors, including Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee. Demura’s passion and expertise helped to elevate the public’s understanding and appreciation of martial arts, making them more accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Though Fumio Demura studied Shito-Ryu, his influence extended far beyond the confines of his chosen style. His dedication to the martial arts and their principles touched the lives of countless practitioners, regardless of their chosen discipline. As Chito-Ryu practitioners, we share his love for Karate and acknowledge the immense contribution he made to the martial arts world.
In the spirit of “Ichimi,” the concept of unity and oneness, we must remember that our martial arts family transcends stylistic differences. The loss of Fumio Demura is a reminder that we all share a common bond, as well as a passion for the arts and a desire to perpetuate their teachings. Let us celebrate Fumio Demura’s life and remember the impact he had on the world of martial arts by carrying on his dedication, passion, and love for the art of Karate.
Fumio Demura was a true pioneer and an ambassador for the martial arts. His passion for Karate and his dedication to sharing its teachings left an indelible mark on the global martial arts community. Although he is no longer with us, his impact will continue to be felt by practitioners of all styles. As we honour his memory and celebrate his life, let us also embrace the spirit of “Ichimi” and strive to uphold the values and principles that Fumio Demura so ardently championed. Rest in peace, Fumio Demura, and thank you for your immeasurable contributions to the world of martial arts.