Welcome to Genbu-Kai
Founded by the late Shihan Fumio Demura (1940-2023), Genbu Kai is a worldwide martial arts organization dedicated to traditional karate since 1965.
As the Hombu Dojo of Demura-Ha Shito-Ryu and Demura-Ha Shotokan, it preserves Shihan Demura's lifetime of training in empty-hand karate and traditional weapons-kobudo and batto-do.
His legacy continues today through Sensei Thanh Nguyen, and Sensei David Hines, along with our loyal members worldwide, upholding discipline, respect, strength, loyalty, and tradition.
What is Genbu-Kai?
• Genbu-Kai means "original (or professional) martial arts organization"
• Gen -"Original," "Beginning," or "Professional"
• Bu -"Martial Arts"
• Kai -"Organization"
Demura-Ha Karate emphasizes kihon, kata, bunkai (application), self-defense, and traditional values, preserving Shihan Demura's teachings within Genbu-Kai, Rengo-Kai.
Core Arts of Demura-Ha Genbu Kai International
Demura-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Genbu-Kai
• Shihan Dcmura's formal foundation was in Shito-Ryu (Itosukai) under
Master Ryusho Sakagami
• Genbu-Kai is rooted in Shihan Mabuni's traditional Shito-Ryu,
one of Japan's four major karate styles.
• Combines the hard, linear techniques of Shuri-Te with the circular,
softer movements ofNaha-Te.
• Preserved and taught as Shihan Demura practiced under
Master Ryusho Sakagami (Itosukai lineage).
• Emphasis on practical bunkai (applications of kata) and self-defense.
• Strong integration of kobudo as part of the complete martial education.
Demura-Ua Shotokan Karate-Do Rengo-Kai
• When Shihan Demura came to the U.S. in 1965 (sponsored by Dan Ivan),
most Americans who knew "karate" were actually exposed to Shotokan first
(via JKA founding members and instructors like Shihan Hidetaka Nishiyama
and Shihan Tsutomu Ohshima).
• Many students who came to Shihan Demura's dojo already had some
Shotokan background.
• Shihan Demura, being adaptable, taught elements of Shotokan kata and
methods alongside Shito-Ryu, bridging the two styles.
• Over time, his personal expression of Shotokan-in:fluenccd training became
recognized as Demura-Ha Shotokan Karate.
• Within Genbu Kai and Rengo Kai, both Demura-Ila Shito-Ryu and
Demura-Ha Shotokan are acknowledged pillars of his lineage.
Okinawa Kobudo Rengo-Kai
• Traditional Okinawan weapons training, inherited from Sensei Taira Shin ken,
one of the great kobudo masters.
• Includes Bo, sai, tonfa, kama, nunchaku, eku, tsuno tekko and more.
• Preserved as an essential marlial heritage and taught worldwide.
Kokusai Batto-Do Rengo-Kai
• A Japanese sword art emphasizing drawing, cutting, kumitachi,
and kata with the katana.
• Shihan Demura studied battodo under Master Taizaburo Nakamura,
founder of modern Toyama-Ryu Battodo.
• Students train in precision, control, and spirit through battodo and
tameshigiri (test-cutting) .
