(Fumio Demura Sensei-World Chief Instructor of Genbu Kai)

The Evolution of Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Genbu-Kai 

 

Of all of the traditional Japanese karate styles, Shito-Ryu tends to be the most obscure, remaining little 

understood outside of its own schools.  Shito-Ryu is most often described as a combination of Shotokan, a style 

of linear movements, and Goju-Ryu, a style of more rounded movements.  It is also generally known that its 

teachers utilize formal exercises (kata) from many Okinawan sources.  Unfortunately, such explanations fail to 

adequately describe just what Shito-Ryu really is. 

 

The name Shito-Ryu was created by combining the names of the two masters responsible for the 

beginnings of the Shito-Ryu style.  Shito-Ryu was developed and passed on from Master Ankoh Itosu and 

Master Kanryo Higaonna.  In Kanji, the first two letters in their names spell “Shi” and “To” which are the parts 

of the name Shito-Ryu.  Later, Master Kenwa Mabuni combined them to create the name Shito-Ryu, and 

formed our style.  Born in 1893, Master. Mabuni was the 17th generation son of a famous samurai named 

Onigusuki.  In 1929, he moved to Osaka and instructed many students, among them Ruysho Sakagami, who, in 

turn taught new generations including Shihan Demura. 

 

Shihan Demura went on to create Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Genbu-Kai International.  The Genbu-Kai 

organization has schools teaching Shito-Ryu karate throughout the United States, and in more than 30 countries 

around the world, and Shihan Demura continues to lead the organization as its Chief Instructor and President.  

He continues to findmore ways to introduce Martial Arts to more people throughout the world, with the 

primary goal of helping people to be better human beings and have better, more successful lives. 

 

 
(Genbu Kai Black Belts at Super Summer Seminar)