Sunday, April 13th, 2008

Grandmaster Fumio Demura has been called a “living legend,” and for good reason.  As the director and chief instructor of Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Genbu-Kai International, he has traveled the world, sharing his martial arts knowledge, skills, enthusiasm, and dedication.  Fumio Demura introduced Shito-Ryu Karate to the United States in 1965.  He has authored several books, such as Kama: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense.  In addition, he has appeared in several Hollywood movies.  These include the Karate Kid Series (I-IV) as Pat Morita’s stunt double for the character Mr. Miyagi, the Rising Sun, Mortal Kombat, and many more.  He has appeared on the cover of black belt magazine several times, and travels the world every week of the year presenting seminars.

On Sunday, April 13th, 2008, Grandmaster Demura presented two seminars for the American Martial Arts Institute, under the direction of Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr., in Central New York.  The first seminar focused on the Bo and the second on the sword.

Bo Seminar

The Bo seminar began with an introduction by Grandmaster Crandall.  The gym reserved for the event was filled with rows of instructors and students who had traveled from across New York State and New Hampshire for the opportunity to learn from Grandmaster Demura.  Grandmaster Demura was assisted by one of his black belt’s, Mr. Charles Hobbib, who owns a school in Oneonta. 

Grandmaster Demura began by teaching how to hold and manipulate the Bo as an extension of the body.  The different transitions, blocks, and strikes were practiced both standing still and moving forward and backward in stances.  After practicing these drills in rows, the participants paired up for partner exercises.
           
The partners practiced different ranges for striking with the Bo, incorporating the different types of hand transitions learned earlier in the seminar.
           
From this foundation, the participants learned a traditional Bo kata.  Grandmaster Demura presented a Bo seminar for the American Martial Arts Institute back in 2006.  During this seminar Demura Bo Kata Ichi (Basic Bo kata) was taught.  Students who were not present at the 2006 seminar learned that kata.  The other participants were taught the traditional bo kata Sushi No Kon Sho.  Grandmaster Demura explained that two versions of this form exist, and he presented the older version of the kata that is not often taught.

Sword Seminar

After the Bo Seminar ended, there was a short break to prepare for the sword seminar.  During this time many of the participants changed from their American Eagle Style uniforms into Iaido uniforms that included hakamas.  Grandmaster Crandall is also Headmaster for the world of Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall, a 300-year old traditional samurai sword style currently in its seventh generation.  Training in the sword has the opportunities of a traditional empty hand style.  In the sword the area of kata is Iaido, that of sparring is Kendo, and that of breaking is Battodo.  Each area of sword has some overlap, especially in etiquettes and rituals.  Grandmaster Crandall’s position as both Grandmaster of American Eagle Style and Headmaster of Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall (Iaido), allow his students to train in both styles if they choose, a rare opportunity for traditional martial artists who are normally expected to train in a single style.  Now with Grandmaster Demura teaching Headmaster Crandall his art of cutting, Headmaster Crandall’s Iaido students will receive both the kata and cutting of traditional sword.

Grandmaster Demura began the seminar with a short discussion of the etiquette and tradition of the sword.  He taught how to draw the sword properly, a process that involves a level of complexity and subtly to perform correctly.  Participants then spread out to practice drawing and sheathing their swords or bokkens.
Next, Grandmaster Demura taught a short traditional cutting kata that defends against a single attacker.  While the participants practiced, Grandmaster Demura, Grandmaster Crandall, and Mr. Hobbib circulated through the group, assisting students individually and in small groups.

The students paired up for practice in the practical application of the kata (referred to as Bunkai).  Similar to an Ippon Kumite, where one partner is the attacker and the other the defender, the students took turns simulating the defensive scenario of the kata.

The seminar concluded with a unique opportunity, a cutting demonstration.  Traditional sword may be practiced in three aspects: kata (Iaido), sparring (Kendo), and cutting (Batto-do).  Batto-do involves using a live (sharpened) sword to cut through soaked tatami (woven straw) mats that are coiled into a cylinder.  Grandmaster Demura explained some of the principles and intricacies of batto-do.  His student, Charles Hobbib, demonstrated for the participants.  After this demonstration, some of the Iaido students had the opportunity to make one or two cuts.  This included Tashi Nathan Morris and Tashi David Philips (Headmaster Crandall’s top two Iaido students who are also fifth and sixth degree black belts in American Eagle Style respectively).

Learning from Grandmaster Demura was an exciting opportunity for everyone who participated.  While Grandmaster Demura left New York State the next morning to continue his rigorous schedule of teaching around the world, the participants continue to share their excitement with their friends and family.