History of Shito-Ryu Karate

Shito-Ryu Karate was developed by the late Karate Master Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1952), an Okinawan descended from the "Nobility" class. Mabuni Sensei studied Karate from two of the most prominent figures in the history of Okinawan Karate, Master Anko Itosu (1830-1915) and Master Kanryo Higaonna (1853-1915). From Itosu Sensei, Mabuni learned the “Shuri-te” or "Shorin-Ryu" style of karate which emphasizes powerful, linear techniques. From Higaonna Sensei, Mabuni learned the "Naha-te" or "Shorei-Ryu" style of Karate which emphasizes circular techniques. From these two distinctly separate styles, he created Shito-Ryu Karate in Japan where it became immensely popular with the Japanese people and many University Karate Clubs were thus formed. Mabuni was recognized as being one of the most knowledgeable Karate masters of his time and many other Karate masters sought instruction from him.

Kenwa Mabuni's senior student and protégé was the late Ryusho Sakagami. After Mabuni's death, Sakagami Sensei formed the Itosu-Kai Karate organization in honor of Mabuni's teacher Anko Itosu. One of Sakagami's top students and the most prominent Shito-Ryu master today is Shihan Fumio Demura. Demura Sensei emigrated from Japan to the U.S. in 1965 for the purpose of teaching Karate. In 2000 Demura created the "Genbu-Kai” Karate organization. The purpose of the Genbu-Kai is to pass on Master Mabuni's teachings in their original form. While many other Karate styles have altered their original form and bear little resemblance to what was originally taught, Demura Sensei believes that the "Kata" of Karate Forms should not be changed. Demura's main "Dojo" is in Santa Ana, California, where he resides today.