The Real Miyagi

The Real Miyagi is a 2015 documentary-style film that probes the life story of Fumio Demura, a name that may not be familiar to many but whose influence significantly shaped Hollywood’s perception of martial arts. His life journey and contribution to martial arts across the globe make him quite an iconic figure, richly deserving the center stage of this documentary. Despite the title, The Real Miyagi is not about the famous fictional character "Mr. Miyagi" as much as it acknowledges the man whose life was the inspiration behind that character we all came to revere through the cult classic, “The Karate Kid.”

Directed by Kevin Derek, the documentary utilizes a range of visual methods, including archival footage, interviews, and aptly-placed visual exemplifications to offer an intimate, detailed, and rich semblance of Demura’s fascinating life. The lineup of interviews is impressive and includes notable cinematic and martial arts figures such as John G. Avildsen, the Oscar-winning director of the original "The Karate Kid", Tae Bo inventor Billy Blanks and renowned karate champion Michael Chavez, among others, who speak on their experiences with and thoughts on Fumio Demura.

What makes the film compelling is that it does not merely chronicle Demura’s achievements or his influence on martial arts in the Western world. Rather, it offers a painstakingly detailed exposition of his life story, starting from very humble beginnings in Yokohama, Japan. The film dips into Fumio Demura's early days in poverty, his enrolment in the military, through to his training under the legendary sensei Ryusho Sakagami. The narrative transcends the geographies as Demura moves from his home country of Japan to the shores of America, which marks the beginning of a transformative journey that would influence the Western perception of martial arts.

His move to the US was not easy, and he initially grappled with both cultural shock and financial instability. Yet his indomitable spirit saw him through, and he scaled new heights both as a martial artist and a pioneering instructor. As the first to introduce the Japanese martial art of Kenpo and Kobudo to the US mainstream, Demura opened the doors for a robust understanding and appreciation of these art forms, which was a marked shift from the previously dominant trend of highlighting martial arts as violent and brash.

The documentary also dives into the cinematic part of Demura's life, most notably his association with Hollywood legend Pat Morita, for whom he was a stunt double in the Karate Kid series. The narrative delves into their camaraderie, highlighting the crossover of martial arts into mainstream Hollywood cinema. The story of how Demura inspired and embodied the legendary Mr. Miyagi role adds another layer of intrigue to the movie, with the iconic character becoming synonymous with the wisdom and power of martial arts.

However, the narrative is not just a celebratory exposition of achievements. It also paints a picture of the burdens of being a cultural icon. The movie captures the darker periods of Demura's life, including the physical cost he paid for his success, and his attempts to grapple with the declining health issues which were devoid of the glamour that his cinematic career reflected. It balances the triumphs and tribulations, offering a poignant image of Demura's life, which adds a human element to the larger-than-life persona he had cultivated.

The Real Miyagi is an engaging, enlightening, and masterfully crafted film that grips the audience with its honest and inspirational depiction of Fumio Demura. It offers more than just a story about a renowned martial artist; it uncovers the struggles, pursuit, and passion that lie behind the person. Whether or not you are a fan of martial arts or familiar with Demura, this documentary offers a captivating and endearing exploration of a true legend, making it a must-watch for anyone intrigued by stories of personal triumphs and cultural transformation.