BURBANK, CA – In 1984, the film “The Karate Kid” was released. A box office sensation, it brought new awareness to Karate tournaments and Japanese tradition. Although it starred Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi, it was Karate pioneer Fumio Demura that the character was patterned after. In fact, it was Demura that did all the Karate movements in the film. This Saturday, Feb. 20, at 6 pm, the Martial Arts History Museum will be premiering “The Real Miyagi,” a film about the actual pioneer and legend, Fumio Demura.
Demura is one of the most influential pioneers and legends in the martial arts industry. Inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum's Hall of Fame in 1999, he has been the driving force for bringing awareness to Japanese tradition and Karate.
Appearing with Bruce Lee at Ed Parker's famous Long Beach International Karate Championships in 1964, Demura brought a new awareness to the arts. In the 1970s, Demura became one of the primary performers at the Japanese Deer Park in Buena Park, CA.
Gracing over 50 magazine covers and appearing in countless movies and television shows, Demura is proud to produce his own, independent film showing the impact of his life story and how Hollywood immolated this great pioneer. The film has already won a number of Film Festival awards.
“Fumio Demura is perhaps one of the greatest martial artists of our generation. Very much in many ways like the Mr. Miyagi on film, he a humble man of great skill. Having him here at the Museum this Saturday is a rare treat for everyone,” says Michael Matsuda, museum president.
Cost of the event is only $10 but seating is limited to just 100 people. Visitors are encouraged to come early to get a seat. Copies of the DVD will be on sale after the event and Demura will be there for a Question and Answer session thereafter.
The Martial Arts History Museum is located at 2319 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91506. Mamuseum.com. Seating is first come, first served so please come early.