2002 U.S.K.A. World Championship

Held at the Rassin hotel in New Orleans. August 1-4, 2002. There were over 1000 people in attendence. Sensei Demura participated in this event for the last 15 years and many of his students attended including: (David Hines, Tom Shinoda, Bill Stoner, Jerry Short, Benny Sorentino, Thanh Nguyen, Kevin Suzuki, Christie Hines, Denise B. Nguyen)

This year Sensei, Benny Sorentino and Kevin Suzuki attended. The demo was on the last day of the event, August 4. Opening at 7 PM with the Jr. Kata finale and weapons Kumite, and Black Belt Kata final. After that Sensei Demura Benny and Kevin stood up on stage and Kevin demonstrated the kata "Chinto" and Benny did "Double Nunchaku." After they finished Kevin and Benny showed how to use new Karate technique (showed 4) and tried them on Sensei Demura. Sensei Demura took down Kevin and Benny with 1 hand! After that they both attacked Sensei Demura at the same time and all 3 made a very good fighting demonstration. Dr, Jordan and Mr.Jim Hawkes members of USK Allinace thanked us for our participation!

46th Annual Nisei Week

Lance Baker (Riverside) and Marcus Garcia (Costa Mesa) were honored to represent Demura Sensei and Genbu-Kai at Mr. Oshima's 46th Annual Nisei Week Karate Exhibition and Tournament, Saturday, August, 3, 2002 at the Nishi Hongwamji Gymnasium in Los Angeles. The event is sponsored by Shotokan Karate of America, and is a Kumite competition of 32 black belts, 30 from Shotokan across the United States, and 2 invited Genbu-Kai competitors. For many years, Mr. Oshima has invited only Demura Sensei to send two of his fighters to compete. Lance and Marcus both fought really well. Lance got 4th! He executed an ashi barai with his right foot and his left foot didn't pivot, so he injured his left knee in the third round, but fought bravely two more rounds! Marcus lost in the third round, but won the Outstanding Competitor medal. They were both happy to participate and honored to represent Demura Sensei. The tournament champion was Dusty Dupree!

** Orange County Fair **

Costa Mesa California. 43 volunteers from the Costa Mesa Dojo of the Japan Karate-Do Genbu Kai presented two days of Karate Demonstrations to hundreds of delighted fair visitors. The first two shows were presented Monday July 15^th at 2:00 and 4:00pm on the large covered outdoor "Sun Stage" just inside the fairs 2 main entrances. Capacity crowds were thrilled and delighted and amazed by the comprehensive Karate performances.

This years third show was on Friday July 19^th at 3:00pm, also on the "Sun Stage."

The fourth show was presented inside the "Youth in Motion" building at 5:00pm. On the tiny indoor "Celebration Stage" to a crowd that included very many local children. The volunteers led by Senpai Jacquelyn (Jackie) Long performed Karate Basics, Katas’(individual and group). 1 point sparring and Kumite. Senpai Roy Center performed the Kata "Neiseishi." Weapons Demonstrations included Bo, Eku-Bo, Tonfa, Sai and Nunchaku. Finishing with the always popular "Board Breaking." In an unexpected gesture, the Orange County Fair this year awarded all of the participants in the Karate demos Yellow 2002 O.C. Fair "Participant" ribbons. Many of the spectators and most of the participants are already looking forward to next years demos at the O.C. Fair! Hope to see you there.

Sunday, June 30, 2002

Costa Mesa HighSchool was the site for this years Super Summer Workshop. Beginning at 8:30 a.m.Advanced Katas were taught by Shihan Demura to Ni-Dan and above Black Belts. At 10:00 a.m. the remainder of the students began the general session with a warm up period. Shihan Fumio Demura gave a talk on the literal meaning of “Sensei” as a reference to a doctor, teacher or even an elderly person, whereas the term “Shihan” could also refer to a teacher, it would only be applicable in martial arts. Fumio Demura is properly referred to as “Shihan” although he humbly prefers to be called “Sensei”. For myself, I address him as “Sensei” when speaking directly to him, since that is his preference, and “Shihan” when speaking about him. Shihan also spoke on the importance of enjoying the seminar as well as training hard. He spoke of the importance of having some hobby to keep throughout your life. For him, it has always been Karate and in more recent years a second interest in fishing, for others stamp collecting or whatever interests you might choose.

A brief history of Shito-Ryu Karate-Do was presented by Dwight Lomayesva beginning at the roots in China, following to Okinawa and eventually to Japan. Sempai Dwight, a Sixth Dan and a Professor in American History, is the student that has been with Shihan Demura the longest. (Over 40 some years.) Sempai Jacki Long, a Fourth Dan, gave a presentation of dojo etiquette and the relationship of Kohai to Sempai as one of protection as well as instruction. Sempai Jacki says that it makes her uncomfortable to be called “Sensei”, especially if Shihan Demura is around.

The morning session was devoted to the instruction of Kata for all levels, taught by Ni-Dan and above Black Belts. Following a short lunch break, the afternoon session had the group broken into Junior Kumite instructed by Thanh Nguyen and Kevin Suzuki, adult Kumite instructed by David Hines and Frank Almeida and adult Self-Defense instructed by Ted Bleiweis, assisted by Jim and Jo-Ann Eyre. The final session of the afternoon was devoted to self-defense techniques taught by Shihan Demura.

At the end of the seminar, Shihan presented Sho-Dan-Ho Black Belts to Kenny Miller, Kim Schmok, Florence Stewart and Sam Banis. Congratulations!

Everyone present seemed to really enjoy the training and those I spoke to said it was one of the best seminars we have had. Many thanks to the various instructors, Susan McGlynn and Debi Bain for the registration, Kinue Demura for lunch and refreshments, and especially to Shihan, who makes it all happen. Can’t wait until next year!