Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Genbu-Kai

Karate

A Japanese word meaning "empty" (Kara) and "hand" (The). It is a system of attack and defense that used all parts of the body (hands, feet, elbows, fingers, etc.) to kick, punch, chop, but or any other move that is effective in defending yourself. Many of the movements have been analyzed and geometrically calculated so that wherever the action, a block or a punch, it is the maximum the human body can achieve. One quickly learns that it is not the size and strength alone that are the deciding factors in who will emerge victorious in physical combat.

True Karate is a physical Art, a technique if self-defense and a sport. One of its greatest attributes is that anyone, irrespective of size, age, or sex can practice this Art. Your degree of skill, of course, depends on these factors. However, one can practice Karate according to' his own capabilities or, if he has them, handicaps.

History

Karate-style fighting has been traced to the monks and priests of China, India, and Tibet. These men took time to refine and codify ways of self-defense into a skillful and efficient Art. From China, it crossed to Okinawa where it was known as ''Te" and consisted mainly of hand movements. In 1922, Masters Mabuni and Funakoshi introduced "Okinawa Te" to Japan. Many of our servicemen stationed throughout the world, especially in Japan and other Far East nations, brought back many different systems to the United States. The largest of these systems is the Japanese system.

The Shito-Ryu System

The Shito-Ryu System was passed on from Mr. ltosu and Mr. Hjgaonna. In Kanji, the first two letters in their names spell "Shi" and "To". Mr. Mabuni combined them to name and form our style as it was handed down to him. Born in 1893, Mr. Mabuni was the 17th generation son of a famous samurai named Onigusuki. In 1929, he moved to Osaka and instructed many students, among them Ruysho Sakagami, who, in tum taught new generations including Mr. Fumio Demura. Today Shihan Demura is the chief instructor of the Shito-Ryu Karate-Do GenbuKai Organization.

Besides teaching Karate, Mr. Demura is the stuntman for Pat Morita in Karate Kid I, II, Ill, and O'Hara. Other films include, Island of Dr. Moreau, Bring 'Em back Alive, and most recently, Rising Sun, Mortal Kombat. These are just a few of the numerous films in which Mr. Demura has performed. For years he has featured al Japanese Village and al Las Vegas. Today he spends the brief time away that he takes from his Dojo to demonstrate at Tournaments and Charity events, and visit GenbuKai schools throughout the USA and the world.