The Real Mr. Miyagi

LEGEND

Pat Morita’s iconic sensei in ‘The Karate Kid’ was based on his mentor, Japanese legend Fumio Demura. A new documentary looks back at Demura’s astonishing, influential life.

Published Aug. 7 2015 5:15AM EDT

articles/2015/08/07/the-real-mr-miyagi/150806-yamato-miyagi-tease_pxrqml — Courtesy of Fantasia

Back in 1984, a gentle-voiced Okinawan named Mr. Miyagi taught Daniel-san how to wax on and wax off like a pro, sending karate into the hearts and minds of America with one swift, perfect crane kick.

In real life it was a gentle-voiced master from Yokohama, Japan named Fumio Demura who...

Jen Yamato

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The Real Mr. Miyagi

Pat Morita’s iconic sensei in ‘The Karate Kid’ was based on his mentor, Japanese legend Fumio Demura. A new documentary looks back at Demura’s astonishing, influential life.

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Jen Yamato