Fumio Demura (September 15, 1938 - April 24, 2023) was a world-renowned martial artist who has made significant contributions to the world of karate. Born in Yokohama, Japan in 1938, Demura began studying martial arts at a young age. His dedication and hard work paid off as he went on to become one of the most successful competitors in the history of the Japan Karate Association.
In 1965, Demura moved to the United States to teach karate, and he quickly became a beloved figure in the martial arts community.
He founded the Shito-ryu Karate-Do Genbu-Kai organization, which has schools in over 20 countries. Demura's mastery of the martial arts has earned him numerous accolades over the years, including induction into the Black Belt Hall of Fame and the Masters Hall of Fame.
In addition to his achievements in karate, Demura was also a skilled weapons practitioner, particularly well-known for his mastery of the nunchaku, a traditional Okinawan weapon consisting of two sticks connected by a chain or rope. Demura wrote several books on the subject, including "Nunchaku: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense," which is considered a classic in the field.
Throughout his career, Demura appeared in several movies and television shows. He served as a stunt double for Pat Morita in the "Karate Kid" movie franchise and has appeared in films such as "Mortal Kombat" and "Rising Sun." Demura's contributions to the world of martial arts have had a significant impact on the sport, and he is considered one of the most respected and influential martial artists in the world.
Demura continued to teach martial arts and was a sought-after instructor and seminar presenter. He also maintained an active presence on social media and had a YouTube channel where he shared instructional videos on karate, weapons, and much more. Demura's dedication to his craft and his commitment to passing on his knowledge to future generations have earned him a place in the pantheon of martial arts legends.
He passed away on April 24, 2023 at the age of 84 years old.