Robert Heisner

Robert Franklin Heisner (August 29, 1946 – March 7, 2024) was an American minister and martial artist who established a martial arts ministry. He achieved black belts in multiple disciplines and created a style of martial art which he named Bushido Kai.

Heisner was born in Niagara Falls, New York, where he spent most of his life. He served in Hokkaido, Japan during the Vietnam War. He worked in security before going into the ministry full time and also managed martial arts schools and taught at Niagara County Community College.

Early life and education Robert Heisner was born in Niagara Falls, NY, to Franklin and Arlene Heisner. His father was a World War II veteran of the Army. In 1940, Franklin and Arlene moved to Niagara Falls, NY from Hazleton, PA, and weightlifting. At the age of 15, he developed a keen interest in martial arts.

Heisner graduated from Niagara Falls High School in June of 1964.

He studied the Bible and ministry at Elim Bible Institute and College and held ordination credentials with Elim Fellowship.

Before entering full-time ministry, Heisner managed commercial martial arts schools and taught at Niagara County Community College. Heisner held black belts in multiple martial arts disciplines. He frequently provided pulpit supply for other ministers. Heisner combined his martial arts training in his evangelistic efforts. as part of his ministry. Martial arts Heisner began his martial arts training around 1961.

Heisner taught martial arts in Western New York. In 1970, he was teaching Wado Ryu karate under Hironori Otsuka. The mayor of Niagara Falls, NY, requested Heisner to present Otsuka with the Keys to the City. He represented Park Jong Soo in the Buffalo and Niagara Falls regions. This martial arts discipline was developed from various styles in which Heisner trained.

+StyleInstructorEarned RankTraining LocationShotokan KarateMaster Nara TominoshiShodan (First Degree) Black BeltHokkaido, Japan Hokkaido, Japan and Shihan OyamaRecognized as a Shodan (First Degree) Black BeltBrooklyn, NY Nashville, TN Chil dan (Seventh Degree) Black BeltToronto, Ontario, Canada Heisner was awarded his Eighth and Ninth Degree Black Belts in Bushido Kai.

Bushido Kai Heisner founded the Bushido Kai ministries. Heisner co-authored a book on it, "The Definitive History of Bushido Kai," which outlines the founding of the Bushido Kai karate system. He wrote the training manual for this system.

Personal life and death Heisner married Marianne Murdock in 1965. The couple had one daughter, Stacey. Heisner died March 7, 2024.