American Martial Arts Institute

Press Releases

Grandmaster Fumio Demura Seminar
August 7th, 2010

On Saturday, August 7th, 2010, Grandmaster Fumio Demura presented an empty-hand self-defense seminar for students and instructors of the American Martial Arts Institute, which is under the direction of its founder, Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr. The seminar was nearly 2 hours long and covered a wide range of self-defense concepts and techniques.

The seminar was held at the Harts Hill Inn in Whitesboro, New York, and the particpants filled the large ball room. Grandmaster Crandall started the event by bowing the participants in and then introducing Grandmaster Demura. Grandmaster Demura is 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 original 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.
	After Grandmaster Demura's introduction, he took the time to speak about some of the traditional aspects of the martial arts which he viewed as important. Key among these were the issues of respect, courtesy, and actively making a positive contribution to your community. He spoke about the need for martial artists to develop themselves for the betterment of society, and said that he can tell alot about from someone from the way they bow, describing it as akin to a strong handshake. As a tradional school, the American Martial Arts Institute shares these values, and many of the students and instructors commented on how impressive it was to hear coming from another traditional and well-respected martial artist, Grandmaster Demura.
Following stretching, Grandmaster Demura began the physical segment of the seminar, which began with students practicing power, speed, and focus with a drill that involved punching toward a stationary partner. It also was demonstration of care and concern for one's fellow students as they execised control with one another. The exercise was fun and the large training room was filled with the enthusiasm of the participants. This was followed by a similar set of exercises, one which involved kicking over a partner who curled up into a ball on the floor, and another which involved using elbows to strike at (but not hit) vulnerable targets such as the head, ribs, and solar plexus.
	Following the repetative drills and exercises, Grandmaster Demura taught several empty-hand self-defense techniques. These included how to escape from a Bear Hug, overly agressive handshake, wrist grab, and more. Many of these techniques were similar to American Eagle Style techniques, but the subtle differences of Master Demura's Japanese style gave the students a new appreciation for their own style. The seminar was attended by 65 participants, most of whom were able to stay after the seminar for a group photograph to commemorate the event. The majority of the students were from the American Eagle Style, but a few were also students of Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall Iaido and the American Cane System, two other styles taught at the American Martial Arts Institute.
Learning from Grandmaster Demura was an exciting opportunity for everyone who participated. Following the seminar, Grandmaster Demura spent the afternoon at the American Martial Arts Institute main location in New Hartford. Grandmaster Crandall is also the Headmaster of Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall Iaido and a student in the art of Batto-do under Grandmaster Demura. Headmaster Crandall and Mr. Nathan Morris (who is a Renshi in Iaido), trained privately in Batto katas for an hour, followed by a private class and training session for 3 hours for 8 of Headmaster Crandall's advanced Iaido students. While Grandmaster Demura left New York State the next evening to continue his rigorous schedule of teaching around the world, the participants continue to share their excitement with their friends and family.

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