Ryuso – Founder

Biography

1938: Birth and Early Training
– September 15, 1938: Fumio Demura is born in Yokohama, Japan.
– Initiates Kendo and Karate training with Asano Sensei.

1950s: Itosu-Kai and Black Belt Achievement
– 1950: Commences training in Itosu-Kai under Ryusho Sakagami Sensei.
– 1956: Achieves his first black belt in karate.

1950s-1960s: Championship Wins and Diversified Training
– 1957: Secures first place in East Japan Championships.
– 1958: Embarks on Iaido study under Ryusho Sakagami Sensei.
– 1959: Commences Kobudo training with Shinken Taira Sensei.
– 1961: Triumphs in the All-Japan Karate Championships.

1960s-1970s: Move to the USA and Leadership Roles
– 1965: Relocates to the USA as Chief Instructor/Director of Japan Karate-Do Itosu-Kai.
– 1965: Organizes the First Annual International Goodwill Tournament.
– 1968: Assumes the role of Chief Director of the Olympics Karate Policy Committee.
– 1971: Hosts the first Annual International Goodwill Karate Championships.

1970s-1980s: Recognition and Promotions
– 1969: Inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame as “Sensei of the Year”.
– 1975: Recognized again in the Black Belt Hall of Fame as “Martial Artist of the Year”.
– 1986: Attains the rank of 7th Dan (Black Belt) in Shito-Ryu Karate.

1989-2000: Continuous Learning and Hall of Fame Inductions
– 1989: Initiates the study of Batto-Ryu with Taizaburo Nakamura Sensei.
– 1999: Inducted into the Martial Arts Museum Hall of Fame.
– 2000: Enshrined into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

2001-2005: Leadership and Milestone Celebrations
– 2001: Assumes the role of Chief Instructor/Director of Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Genbu-Kai.
– 2003: Inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
– 2005: Celebrates 40 years as an Instructor in the United States.
– 2005: Promoted to 9th Dan (Black Belt) in Shito-Ryu Karate.

2006-2023: Legacy and Honors
– 2006: Inducted into the World Martial Art Masters Association Hall of Fame.
– 2023: Passes away on April 24th.

Shihan Fumio Demura’s life is a testament to his dedication to martial arts, marked by numerous achievements, leadership roles, and continuous contributions to the global martial arts community.