Legendary Masters of Karate

Kusanku, also known as Koshokun, was a Chinese martial artist believed to have traveled to Okinawa during the mid-18th century, during the Ryukyu Kingdom. He practiced a martial art called kumiai-jutsu there, which is thought to have influenced the later development of karate.

Although the exact dates of Kushanku’s birth and death are unknown, the “Oshima Records” mention a recent visit to Ryukyu by a Chinese martial arts master named Koshokun, who showcased kumiai-jutsu. The term “recent” refers to 1756, coinciding with the Qing Dynasty’s envoy’s visit to Ryukyu, and it is widely assumed that Koshokun was possibly a military officer part of this mission. The name “Kusanku” is derived from the Okinawan dialect for Koshokun.

While there are no records indicating that he had a direct connection to karate or that he taught kumiai-jutsu to the Ryukyu people.

Tobe notes that “Koshokun” serves as an honorific title rather than his actual name, leaving Koshokun’s true identity unknown, though various theories persist. The karate kata “Kusanku” is said to originate from Koshokun’s teachings, but there is a lack of primary historical evidence to substantiate this claim..

Takahara Peichin (1683-1760) was an early practitioner of karate and belonged to a social class in the Ryukyu Kingdom. He outlined the principles of the dō (“way”) as follows:

1) ijō, which encompasses compassion, humility, and love;

2) katsu, which refers to a comprehensive understanding of all karate techniques and forms; and

3) fo, which signifies the seriousness of karate that must be recognized in both practice and real combat.

Together, these principles convey the idea of “one’s duty to oneself and others.”

Takahara Peichin was also the first instructor of Sakugawa Kangi, who is regarded as the father of Sakugawa Kanga.

Kanga Sakugawa (also known as Sakugawa Satunushi or Tode Sakugawa) was a Ryūkyūan martial arts master, playing a significant role in the development of Te, the forerunner of modern Karate.

Born in 1786 and active until 1867, Sakugawa received his initial training from his father, Kangi Sakugawa. Kangi, who had studied under the Ryūkyūan monk Peichin Takahara for six years, was then advised by his mentor to learn from Kusanku, a Chinese expert in Ch’uan Fa. After training with Kusanku for six years, Kangi taught his son, Kanga, who earned the nickname “Tōde” meaning “Chinese Hand” for his expertise. In the 1810s, Kangi Sakugawa began to spread his knowledge in Ryūkyū.

Kanga’s most notable student, Matsumura Sōkon, later developed Shuri-te, which eventually led to the creation of karate styles such as Shotokan, Shito-ryu, and Shōrin-ryū.

Higa Peichin (1790–1870), commonly known as Machuu Hijaa, is a semi-legendary figure in Ryūkyūan martial arts history, significantly influencing the evolution of karate and kobudo, particularly in bōjutsu. The title Pechin denotes a social class in the Ryūkyū Kingdom. Residing on Hama Higa Island, he is thought to have been a student of the Chinese emissaries Zhang Xue Li and, later, Wanshu, who imparted techniques of quan fa to him.

Historically, Ryūkyūan accounts were predominantly passed down orally until the 20th century, making it challenging to distinguish between factual events and embellishments. It is said that Higa possessed forearms resembling tree trunks and could crush coconuts with his bare hands, despite being only 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 140 pounds. Legends suggest that he faced head-hunters from Formosa and Japanese pirates with a bō and was never defeated in battle.

A common misconception is that Higa was the teacher of Takahara Peechin, who subsequently taught Sakugawa Kanga. However, Takahara Peechin passed away 30 years prior to Higa’s birth. Higa was among the first to formalize a system of kata and techniques, leaving a lasting impact on several weapon katas, especially for tonfa, sai, and bō.

In Taira Shinken’s book “Ryukyu Kobudo Taikan”, there is mention of a person named Pechin from Hama Higa Island, who lived from 1663 to 1738 and demonstrated Tode and Saijutsu to the 5th Tokugawa shogun.

Sokon Matsumura (1792-1887) is recognized as the founder of Shorin Ryu. He served the Sho family, the royal family of Okinawa, and became the chief martial arts instructor and bodyguard to the Okinawan King. Around 1830, he traveled to China to study the Shaolin style of Chinese Kenpo and its weaponry. Matsumura also made multiple trips to Foochow in Fukien province as an envoy for the king. After returning to Okinawa, he organized and refined the Shorin Ryu system of karate.

Matsumura is credited with transmitting key kata of Shorin Ryu Karate, including Naifanchi I & II, Bassai Dai, Seisan, Chinto, Gojushiho (the fifty-four steps of the Black Tiger), Kusanku (which embodies teachings from Kusanku passed to Tode Sakugawa), and Hakutsuru (white crane). The Hakutsuru kata incorporates elements of the white crane system from the Shaolin style. Additionally, a kata known as Chanan during Matsumura’s time is believed to have been created by him and served as the foundation for Pinan I and II. The kata he developed remain central to Shorin Ryu Karate today.

In recognition of his martial arts skills and achievements, the Okinawan King bestowed upon Matsumura the title “Bushi,” meaning warrior. Despite numerous fights, he was never defeated. His contributions have greatly influenced many modern karate styles, including Shorin Ryu, Shotokan Ryu, and Shito Ryu. Ultimately, all contemporary karate styles that stem from the Shuri-Te lineage can trace their roots back to Bushi Matsumura’s teachings, including Taekwondo.

Kosaku Matsumora (1829-1898) was born in Tomari village, Okinawa Island. At 15, he began studying karate under Master Teruya, becoming one of his top students despite Teruya’s many followers.

Teruya taught katas unique to Tomari, including “Rohai,” “Wanshu,” and “Wankan,” and emphasized proper conduct, famously stating, “there is no first attack in karate.”

Karate was often practiced in gardens or family cemeteries. One evening, while training at Teruya’s cemetery, Matsumora noticed an outcast watching him. The man complimented Matsumora’s skills and handed him a note before vanishing. When Matsumora showed the note to Teruya, he agreed with its significance. Matsumora later realized it conveyed a profound message about budo: to reject immorality, understand humanity, follow a virtuous path, and promote peace in Okinawa.

Matsumora taught several students, including Choki Motobu, known for his exceptional fighting skills. Although Motobu was said to have learned only the Naifanchi Kata from Matsumora, this is a misconception; he practiced various katas, with Naifanchi being a favorite. This kata has continued in Wado-Ryu, as its founder, Hironori Ohtsuka, learned it from Motob

Yasutsune “Ankoh” Itosu (1830-1915) was born in Shuri and became a highly respected martial artist in 19th-century Okinawa. A student of Sokon Matsumura and Kosaku Matsumora, Itosu emphasized character development through kata (form patterns) and bunkai (application practice). He is considered one of the most influential teachers in Shorin-Ryu, expanding the style by introducing the Pinan katas along with the Naifanchi katas’ Nidan and Sandan.

When he began teaching in schools, Itosu initially favored the advanced Naihanchin kata. Realizing it was too complex for beginners, he developed the five Pinan (also known as Heian) katas, based on Kusanku and other key techniques. He also created Sho and Dai versions of the Kusanku and Bassai katas.

Around 1901, Itosu became the first to introduce “To-De” into the Okinawa Dai Ichi Junior High School and the Okinawa Teachers Junior College, marking a pivotal moment in the martial arts’ evolution from a secret practice to a mainstream discipline. He organized and systematized “To-De” into a standard practice method.

Itosu trained many prominent karate figures, including Kentsu Yabu, Chomo Hanashiro, Gichin Funakoshi, Moden Yabiku, Kanken Toyama, Chotoku Kyan, Shinpan Shiroma, Anbun Tokuda, and Kenwa Mabuni.

Kanryo Higashionna (1851-1915) was born in Naha, Okinawa, on March 10, 1851. Although he hailed from a noteworthy family, they lived in poverty, making a modest living by ferrying firewood from the Kerama Islands in a small boat.

Despite being smaller than his peers, he was agile and showed a strong interest in martial arts from an early age. At 14, he started formal training in Chinese Kempo under a local instructor who had learned the Fukien style. He aspired to travel to China for further study, and in 1866, he successfully secured passage on a ship bound for China.

After spending a year at the Okinawan community in Foochow, he met Ryu Ryuko. Initially, he was not permitted to train and had to follow traditional customs by performing personal services for his master, such as attending to the garden and handling various chores. After meeting his master’s expectations, he was finally accepted as a disciple.

During the day, he assisted his master, a bamboo craftsman, and trained in the evenings. The training regimen was intense, focusing on Sanchin kata and building physical strength with traditional weights still used in Okinawan styles today. Although the training was grueling, he earned a reputation among locals as one of Ryu Ryuko’s most talented students.

After 13 years of dedicated training, he returned to Okinawa and began offering private lessons to the sons of the man who had helped him reach China. He resumed his work as a merchant, but his reputation continued to grow. Sailors and travelers from China shared tales of his skill, leading many to seek him out as a teacher. His training methods were rigorous, and only a few of his initial students persevered.

Higashionna taught both hard (go) and soft (ju) styles of Kempo, blending these with his native martial art, Naha-te. Many of his pupils eventually created their own systems based on his teachings. One notable student, Kenwa Mabuni, integrated Higashionna’s methods with those of another teacher, Yasutsune “Anko” Itosu, to found Shito Ryu. Another student, Chojun Miyagi, further developed Naha-te, establishing the Goju-ryu karate style. He passed away on December 23, 1915, at the age of 63.

Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) was the founder of the Shotokan-ryu style of karate. Born in Shuri, the capital of Okinawa, he belonged to the Shizoku class (upper class). Funakoshi studied under Yasutsune Azato and Yasutsune Itosu, and he played a key role in introducing karate to Japan during the 1920s. He also redefined the meaning of the term Karate-do.

Funakoshi altered the character for ‘kara’ in Karate from its original meaning of ‘China’ to the new meaning of ’empty’. In his book, Karate-Do Nyumon, he explains: “Just as an empty valley can amplify a voice, a true practitioner of Karate must become void by eliminating self-centeredness and greed. Cultivate inner emptiness while maintaining an upright exterior. This embodies the real meaning of ’empty’ in Karate.”

He continues, “Once one grasps the infinite forms and elements of the universe, one returns to the state of emptiness. Emptiness represents the true essence of the universe. Various combat techniques—such as yarijutsu (spear techniques) and bojitsu (stick techniques)—and other martial arts like judo and kendo share fundamental principles with karate, but karate uniquely articulates the philosophy behind all martial arts. Form equates to emptiness, and emptiness equates to form. This interpretation of the character for ’empty’ in Karate is founded on this principle.”

As a result of this transformation, Karate-do, previously interpreted as ‘Chinese hand’, now translates to ‘[the way of the] empty hand.’

Choki Motobu (1871-1944) was born in Akahira village, Okinawa, as the third son of a nobleman. Although he learned some techniques from his family’s martial tradition of Ti, only his elder brother, Choyu, received formal training to carry it on. Consequently, Choki sought instruction elsewhere.

Motobu trained rigorously with makiwara and heavy rocks to build strength, earning the nickname “Motobu zaru” or “Motobu the monkey” for his agility. He often challenged stronger opponents on the streets, winning numerous fights but eventually attracted the disapproval of his instructor, Anko Itosu, who expelled him from the dojo due to his bullying.

Despite his bad reputation, Kosaku Matsumora recognized his spirit and took him as a student, teaching him various kata. However, Matsumora advised Motobu to learn kumite on his own. Motobu persisted, even observing kumite training from outside the dojo.

His street fighting experience led him to develop a formidable kumite style, gaining attention in both Okinawa and Japan. During a trip to Kyoto, he participated in a contest against an arrogant foreign boxer; after evading his attacks for two rounds, Motobu knocked him out in the third round with a simple fore knuckle strike, further establishing his reputation as a master.

Motobu became respected for his fighting skills and was considered Japan’s greatest fighter, attracting students and teaching at several universities. He primarily taught his version of the naihanchi kata, infused with grappling techniques from Ti. He once challenged his brother Choyu to a fight, only to be easily overpowered, which humbled him and led him to adopt more traditional forms.

In 1922, Motobu assisted Gichin Funakoshi in introducing karate to Japan. After returning to Okinawa in 1936 and training with Master Kentsu Yabu, the only person to defeat him, Motobu emphasized the importance of tradition, makiwara training, and kata.

Before World War II, he returned to Okinawa and passed away in 1944 due to a stomach illness at the age of 73. Choki Motobu significantly influenced karate and inspired many practitioners, ensuring that the fighting spirit of karate remains alive today.

Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1952) founded the Shito-ryu style of Karate. Born in Shuri, Okinawa, he was the son of a Samurai and trained in various martial arts, including Shuri-te and Naha-te. He learned from notable instructors like Yasutsune Itosu and Kanryu Higashionna, and studied different kata and Kung Fu forms.

In the 1920s, Mabuni joined a karate club led by Miyagi and Choyu Motobu, gaining valuable knowledge and experience. After moving to Osaka in 1928, he began teaching Karate, eventually naming his style Hanko-ryu, which later became Shito-ryu, honoring his teachers. Despite some resistance to naming styles, Mabuni believed it helped with identity and recognition.

Mabuni’s students included Kanei Uechi, who established a branch in Okinawa, and his sons, Kanei and Kenzo, who continue to lead Shito-ryu today. Kanei teaches at universities, while Kenzo, who took over after a period of reflection, heads the Nippon Karate-Do Kai. Other early students founded their own organizations, contributing to the style’s legacy. Mabuni passed away in 1952, leaving a lasting impact on the Karate community.

To know about the detailed history of Kenwa Mabuni and his lineage, click here.

Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953) was the founder of the Goju-ryu style, which means “the way of inhaling and exhaling,” representing the balance of hardness (Go) and softness (Ju). His style emphasized the integration of soft, circular blocking techniques with quick, powerful counterattacks.

Born on April 25, 1888, in Naha City, Okinawa, Miyagi began training in karate under Kanryo Higaonna in 1902. His natural talent and determination allowed him to advance quickly, enduring rigorous training that included extensive running and strength exercises. It is said he sometimes fainted while performing Sanchin kata due to the demanding standards set by his teacher. Miyagi studied with Higaonna for 14 years until Higaonna’s death in 1915.

Afterward, Miyagi traveled to Fuzhou, China, where Higaonna had learned martial arts, making a total of three trips to China throughout his life. Upon returning to Okinawa, he began teaching karate from his home, later providing instruction at the Okinawan Prefecture Police Training Center, the Okinawan Master’s Training College, and Naha Commercial High School.

In 1921, he showcased Naha-te in front of Crown Prince Hirohito and performed impressively again for Prince Chichibu in 1925. Inspired by the future of Okinawan martial arts, he established the Karate Research Club in 1926, at age 38, alongside Chomo Hanashiro (Shuri-te), Kenwa Mabuni (Shito Ryu), and Choki Motobu. For the next three years, they focused on training in basics, kata, fitness, and philosophy.

Miyagi devoted his life to karate, constantly aware of his surroundings and planning for any situation. He developed a teaching system that allowed karate to be incorporated into schools, reaching a wide audience globally, while his private lessons adhered closely to the traditional principles of his instructor, Kanryo Higaonna, and Higaonna’s teacher, Ryu Ryu Ko.

In 1931, Goju-ryu Karate-Do was officially recognized by the Butokukai, Japan’s martial arts governing body, marking an important milestone in its acceptance alongside other esteemed Japanese martial arts. Chojun Miyagi passed away on October 8, 1953, at the age of 65, possibly due to a heart attack or cerebral hemorrhage.

Hironori Ohtsuka (1892-1982) was the founder of the Wado-ryu style of karate and studied Shotokan under Gichin Funakoshi. He established Wado-ryu during the 1920s and 1930s.

Ohtsuka was born on June 1, 1892, in Shimodate City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. He began his martial arts journey at the age of six, studying jiu jutsu with his granduncle. At 13, he trained in Shindo Yoshin Ryu jiu jutsu under Tatsusabaro Nakayama and continued his education while attending Waseda University. In 1921, he achieved the status of Menkyo-Kaiden, denoting him as a master of his style.

In 1922, Ohtsuka learned about a new martial art from Okinawa called karate, introduced by Gichin Funakoshi. He traveled to Tokyo to study karate with Funakoshi and also trained alongside other notable masters, including Kenwa Mabuni and Choki Motobu.

Ohtsuka’s expertise led to his role as Chief Instructor of Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu and as an assistant instructor at Funakoshi’s dojo. By 1929, he had become a registered member of the Japan Martial Arts Federation.

During his training, Ohtsuka created the concept of pre-arranged sparring, where both participants determine their attacks and defenses in advance. This practice resembled a two-person kata, balancing foundational skills and practical application.

During this period, Ohtsuka began to merge his various martial arts skills into a new form of karate, which included elements of free-fighting practice. This approach clashed with Funakoshi’s perspectives, leading to their split.

In 1938, Ohtsuka’s new style was officially recognized by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai as Wado Ryu, and he earned the title of “Renshi-go.”

After World War II, Wado Ryu continued to develop. In 1966, Ohtsuka received the ‘Kun-Goto-Soukuo-Kyo-Kuju-jutsu-Sho,’ a distinction akin to the OBE in Great Britain, from Emperor Hirohito for his commitment to karate. In 1972, he was awarded the title of Meijin by Higashino-Kunino-Miya, a member of the Japanese royal family and the President of the International Martial Arts Federation (Kokusai-Budo-Renmei). Ohtsuka was the first person ever to receive this prestigious honor in martial arts. In recognition of his contributions and to commemorate his position as Japan’s leading karate authority, he was also awarded the Shiju-Hoosho medal from the Japanese government, making him the only individual in karate history to receive such an honor.

Hironori Ohtsuka Meijin passed away on January 29, 1982, just before his 90th birthday, after practicing martial arts for 85 years. He left behind the saying, “Buno-michi-wa Tada-aragoto-na-to-omohiso Wa-no-michi-kiwa-me Wa-o-motomu-michi; The way to practice martial arts is not for fighting. Always seek your own inner peace and harmony, search for it.”

Ryusho Sakagami (1915-1993) was born in Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, into a prosperous family that ran a “Saki” (rice wine) business. He began practicing Kendo at the age of ten and later took up Iaido (the way of the Samurai Sword Draw) in his teens. By 1934/35, he was studying at the prestigious Kokushinkan at Tokyo University, known for training top Kendo instructors. While at university, he developed an interest in Karate-Do and Kobudo, eventually receiving instruction from the renowned Okinawan master, Moden Yabiku.

In the years that followed, Sakagami continued his martial arts education and training. Around 1937, after several visits to Okinawa for Karate-do and Kobudo training, he was encouraged by prominent masters to return to Japan and study under the esteemed Okinawan master Kenwa Mabuni in Osaka.

After graduating from university, Sakagami dedicated himself as a disciple of Mabuni. By 1941, he earned the “Shihan” (master teacher) license from Mabuni and soon returned to his home prefecture to establish the “Gembukan Karate-Do Dojo.”

For his contributions to promoting Karate-do, Sakagami received the honorary title of “Renshi” (man of discipline) from the Dai Nippon Butoku-Kai, Japan’s leading martial arts organization, in 1942. Before the unexpected death of Grandmaster Kenwa Mabuni on May 23, 1952, Sakagami was appointed as the “Third Generation Leader of Itosu-ha” (Itosu’s Orthodox Style) early that same year.

After Mabuni’s passing, Sakagami moved to the Tokyo area, where he taught briefly in 1953 before settling in Tsurumi, between Kawasaki and Yokohama. By 1955, he had established the “Zen Nippon Karate-Do Itosu-Kai” as the headquarters for instruction in Kendo, Karate-Do, Kobudo, and Jodo (the way of the short staff). In the following years, he deepened his studies of Ryukyu Kobudo under Grandmaster Shinken Taira, receiving a Shihan license in 1959 and later achieving the rank of 8th Dan in Kobudo by 1963.

Sakagami gained a legendary reputation as a highly skilled and respected martial artist, becoming well-known for his extensive knowledge of various Japanese Budo styles, techniques, and kata.

During this time, he also achieved 5th Dan rankings in Aikido and Judo, as well as 7th Dan in Jukendo (the way of Rifle and Bayonet). In 1962, he was honored with the Kendo rank of “Kyoshi” (man of high attainment) at the 7th Dan level.

Some of Sakagami’s notable disciples include his son Shihan Sadaake Sakagami (Chief Instructor, Japan Headquarters), Shihan Seiko Suzuki (founder of the present Seiko-Kai Shito-Ryu in Tokyo), Shihan Fumio Demura (founder of Shito-Ryu Itosu-Kai U.S.A. in 1965), and Shihan Kei C. Tsumura (founder of Shito-Ryu Itosu-Kai Canada in 1969).

In 1980, he received the 8th Dan Karate-Do title of “Hanshi” (Superior level of attainment) from F.A.J.K.O., and by 1987, he attained the 8th Dan Iaido “Hanshi” title in the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iai system.

One of his final honors was being awarded the 10th Dan Karate-Do “Hanshi” (Grandmaster) title by the Nippon Karatedo Rengokai (Japan Karate-Do All-Styles Organization).

Grandmaster Ryusho Sakagami passed away on December 28, 1993. He was posthumously awarded Hanshi 9th Dan by the JKF on June 22, 1994.

Kosei Kokuba (1901-1959), father of Shogo Kuniba, founded Motobu-ha Shito-ryu. His teachings were heavily influenced by both Mabuni and Motobu, leading to the creation of his unique style.

Born in Naha City, Okinawa, Kokuba was the youngest son of a samurai family linked to the Sho-Shi royal lineage. He began karate training at 14 under Master Choki Motobu. In 1924, he moved to Tokyo and settled in Osaka in 1940, where he started teaching the Okinawan style he had learned. On June 6, 1943, he established Seishin Kan Dojo.

When his friends Motobu and Mabuni visited Osaka, he provided them with lodging in exchange for their instruction at his dojo. Kokuba trained in Shito-ryu under Mabuni and continued teaching Motobu’s style. After Motobu’s death in 1944, Kokuba became the Soke, or head, of Motobu-ha Karate-Do. To avoid confusion with the pronunciation of his name, he changed “Kokuba” to “Kuniba” in Japan.

Shogo Kuniba (1935-1992), son of Master Kosei Kuniba, was born on February 5, 1935, in Fuji-Yoshida, near Mt. Fuji. He began karate training at age 5 in his father’s dojo and, at 8, started studying with Tomoyori Ryusei of Kenyu Ryu. Aspiring to be a true samurai, he also began judo training in Osaka, earning a sandan rank over ten years.

At 12, he trained with Master Mabuni in Shito-Ryu and quickly achieved Shodan. By 1950, he was promoted to Nidan and to Sandan in 1952. As a high school student, he led his karate club and began teaching at Osaka Prefecture University, where a Seishin Kai branch dojo still exists. He continued his karate studies at Keio University and later Doshisha University.

In 1955, Shogo was promoted to Yondan by Tomoyori Sensei and earned a Sandan in Iaido and Yondan in Kobudo. In 1956, he traveled to Okinawa to train with Master Nagamine Shojin in Shorin-Ryu and studied Kobudo with Taira Shinken and Nakaima Kenko. He also learned tonfa techniques from Yamaguchi Junko.

In 1983, he opened a Hombu Dojo in Portsmouth, Virginia, focusing on teaching his karate style worldwide. Seishin Kai has since expanded in the U.S. and is now growing in Europe, Mexico, Israel, Sweden, South America, and the West Indies.

Soke Kuniba followed the teachings and philosophies of his Okinawan ancestors, emphasizing that the true goals of karate-do are patience, self-discipline, humility, and inner strength (ki).

Fumio Demura (1938-2023), born in Yokohama, Japan, began practicing karate at age 8 and later expanded his training to Kendo and Karate under Ryusho Sakagami at 12.

In 1961, Shihan Demura won Japan’s National Kumite title and retired from competition in 1963. He soon began teaching karate in Tokyo but aspired to move to the United States. His chance came when martial arts historian Donn Draeger introduced him to American karate pioneer Dan Ivan, who was seeking an instructor for his dojos in southern California. In 1965, Shihan Demura relocated to the U.S. and quickly gained prominence in the American karate community through his expert instruction and engaging demonstrations.

Over the following years, Shihan Demura and his students introduced martial arts to thousands through vibrant displays in the southern California area.

Today, Shihan Demura serves as the director and Chief Instructor of Japan Karate-Do Itosu-Kai Karate-do (USA). He continues to teach at his Santa Ana dojo and spends most weekends conducting seminars or assisting at tournaments worldwide.

In addition to teaching karate, Mr. Demura performed as the stunt double for Pat Morita in the Karate Kid films and in the O’Hara television series. His other film credits include Island of Dr. Moreau, Bring ‘Em Back Alive, Rising Sun, and Mortal Kombat, among others. For years, he was featured at the Japanese Village in Buena Park and in Las Vegas. Today, when he takes time away from his dojo, he participates in tournaments and charity events. Demura has been featured in numerous martial arts publications.