Saturday, August 29th, 2009

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 Saturday, August 29th, 2009, 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 Knife and Gun Self-defense techniques and the second on the Batto-do.

Self-Defense Seminar

The Self-Defense 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 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 move the body in unison with different types of blocks in order to move away from the knife or gun attack. This was followed by instuction in a variety of self-defense technqiues. Partners worked together as Grandmaster Demura, Mr. Hobbib, and Grandmaster Crandall circulated through the room to assist with one-one instruction and clarification.

Batto-Do Seminar

After the Self-Defense 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 Batto-do.  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 is also Grandmaster Crandall's direct instructor for the area of Batto-do. Grandmaster Crandall accepted the invitation to train under Grandmaster Demura after his Iaido instructor Tsuneyoshi Matsuno passed away in 2005.

The seminar began 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.

The students broke into groups based on experience and learned different Batto-do katas. The most advanced students worked directly with Grandmaster Demura on the 7th and 8th Batto katas (There are 8 katas in total).

The seminar concluded practice cutting.  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.  The students practice on the reeds and on rolled newspaper.

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.