WITH MASTER FUMIO DEMURA
Self Defense Seminar
Bo Seminar
Toyama Ryu Batto Do Tameshigiri Demonstration
Monday, April 11, 2005
Master Demura's Japan Karate-Do Genbukai International
Master Fumio Demura (courtesy of www.genbu-kai.com)
Periodically we’re treated to seminars presented by instructors from outside the American Martial Arts Institute. This time we were truly fortunate to have Master Fumio Demura, one of the greatest living martial artists and an absolutely gifted teacher, for two seminars – first self-defense techniques and training drills, and then use of the bo. (And afterwards we had a special opportunity – a demonstration of Toyama Ryu Batto Do tameshigiri!
Anyone who’s trained with Master Demura will understand immediately what I mean when I say that he was his usual subdued self… OK, he was bouncing off the walls! Seriously, the energy, spirit, and enthusiasm for the Arts displayed by Master Demura is incredible. We learned several effective self-defense techniques against punching and kicking attacks, and also against wrist grabs, and thoughout the seminar worked on a variety of drills designed to help us develop focus, accuracy, power, and speed. All in all this was a GREAT seminar.
After a brief break we learned drills and partner work for the bo, and also learned the basic bo kata he has developed. Some of the movements are very different from those we practice in our own Summer Storm bo kata, so it is a very pleasant change of pace. Another nice point is that he presents this kata on his bo video from Black Belt Productions – a definite plus when it comes to practicing!
He wrapped up the seminars with a brief discussion and demonstration of chanbara (padded weapon) sparring. It looks like it could be fun, but I’m not totally convinced of the practical application. For more info, check out Samurai Sports.
A real treat came after the seminars wrapped up – any black belts and iaido students who wanted to stick around went back to the Yorkville location and Master Demura spoke for a while about the history and ideas behind iaido and batto-do. He then gave us a cutting demonstration, slicing through wet tatami rolls, and had Sensei Charles Hobbib demonstrate several cuts. The session wrapped up with Grand Master Crandall, Mr. Morris, and Mr. Phillips getting the opportunity to try their hand at cutting the tatami.
Overall this was a wonderful training opportunity and everything I was hoping for – informative, inspirational, and FUN! Master Demura is an amazing teacher and one of the most positive individuals I have ever met, and I hope we have many more opportunities to share some of his wealth of knowledge.
JMH
Master Demura cutting
Master Demura explaining
Sensei Hobbib cutting
