Shihan Fumio Demura (9 dan) was born in Yokohama, Japan in 1938. He began the study martial arts (kendo) at eight years of age. A few years later - kendo (under master Asano) and ken-jitsu (battodo Toyama-ryu) under the legendary Nakamura Taisaburo Sensei. Master Asano was also karate practitioner and Fumio Demura was very interested in this new way of budo. Later master Asano introduced his student to karate-do shito-ryu master Sakagami Ryusho who was one of the top disciple of Kenwa Mabuni. At his dojo in the Tsurumi district of Yokohama Fumio Demura studied martial arts many years. Sakagami sensei was also expert of kendo, kobudo and iai-do (Eishin-ryu).
Shihan Demura quickly became a prominent figure in the American karate world through his teachings and his highly skillful and entertaining demonstrations. Since beginning sensei travels through the world. Therefore he has his students in several states of USA, in Canada, in Middle and South America, in South Africa, Asia and Europe. Over the years that followed Shihan Demura and his top students introduced thousands of people to the martial arts. In 1969 Shihan Demura was awarded the prestigious "Black Belt Hall of Fame" award for "Karate Sensei of the Year&", and in 1975 he was named "Martial Artist of the Year"          
During the 1970's and 1980's, he authored several books on karate and kobudo for
Shihan Demura is an authentic karate sensei. Combining the traditions of the past with modern approaches to training, he is regarded by his students with love, trust and admiration. In his personal life as well as within the walls of the dojo, Shihan is a living model of what all true martial artists strive to be. Photo left: sensei Demura with soke Kenzo Mabuni (passed away 2005).
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Demura trained daily many hours the martial arts, achieving high levels of proficiency at a young age. He
was introduced to the Okinawan kobudo teacher Taira Shinken Sensei, and soon
became knowledgeable in various Ryukyu weapons, an ability he would become
famous for after his move to America. Under old master Taira sensei Fumio Demura
trained daily many hours. He lived in dojo in order not to waste a time!
Ohara Publications, and has been featured in numerous martial arts publications.
Shihan Demura is a favorite amongst karate magazines for his dynamic and
insightful approach to all martial arts. In the 1980's Shihan Demura
became involved in the “Karate Kid” series, serving as stunt double to actor Pat
Morita (passed away 2005). This was followed by several other appearances in
feature films such as “Mortal Combat” and “Rising Sun”. 
Today
Shihan Demura serves as director and Chief Instructor for the Shito-ryu
Karate-Do Genbu-kai International, an organization encompassing twenty five
nations and thousands of members. He still teaches at his Santa Ana, California
dojo and most weekends are spent giving seminars or assisting at tournaments
literally throughout the world. Each February, he hosts his annual Goodwill
Championships in Costa Mesa, considered by many to be the foremost traditional
tournament in southern California.
