1. Introduction
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Yuishinkan (translated as ‘Hall of Brave Hearts’) is a style of karate founded by Master Tomoharu Kisaki in Osaka. It stands for more than just karate – it is a path that promotes courage, discipline and inner strength.
Tomoharu Kisaki – Founder of Yuishinkan
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We practise the traditional GOJU-Ryu style, as brought to Europe by Grand Master
Fritz Nöpel (10th Dan). The style combines hard (GO) and soft (JU) techniques, symbolising the balance between strength and flexibility.
Our Yuishinkan style, founded by Master Tomoharu Kisaki in Japan, places particular emphasis on realistic defence, correct technique and the inner attitude of the karateka. Through Fritz Nöpel, a direct student of Kisaki, these principles have also become deeply rooted in our style.
The commission to Fritz Nöpel
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Fritz Nöpel was a direct student of Tomoharu Kisaki. He began training in GOJU-Ryu Karate with Kisaki in 1957 and spent nine years in Japan. Nöpel had already been introduced to karate in Sri Lanka, Jakarta and other Asian countries before his time in Japan.
In 1966, he returned to Germany and founded several dojos. He was president of the GOJU-Ryu Karate Federation Germany e.V. for 24 years and contributed significantly to the spread of GOJU-Ryu in Europe. He also founded the European Goju-Ryu Federation (EGKF) and was involved in the founding of the German Karate Federation (DKV). In 2015, he became Dan representative for Yuishinkan Karate-Do Europe until his death in 2020.
The transition and future of Yuishinkan
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Following the death of Fritz Nöpel, Christian Winkler took over the supervision of the further development of GOJU-Ryu Yuishinkan. Winkler has received the support of high-ranking dan holders within the Yuishinkan to continue the legacy of the style. In August 2021, he successfully passed the 7th dan examination and plans to share the contents of GOJU-Ryu from Yuishinkan in exchange with other dojos. The Yuishinkan summer course will continue to be organised by the Honbu Dojo to cultivate this exchange and spread knowledge.
A key to the future
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Ulrich Heckhuis, a high-ranking 9th dan in GOJU-Ryu and member of Yuishinkan, has contributed significantly to the further development of the style. As an experienced teacher and teacher trainer, he is also responsible for international cooperation and exchange between the various Yuishinkan dojos. His experience and dedication to traditional karate make him a valuable mentor in Yuishinkan.
Conclusion and outlook
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Yuishinkan Karate-Do has developed over decades among the leading figures in karate. From Tomoharu Kisaki to Fritz Nöpel to Christian Winkler and Ulrich Heckhuis, the path of Yuishinkan is clear: the pursuit of inner and outer strength, community and traditional karate practice. We look to the future with optimism, with the goal of spreading the values of GOJU-Ryu throughout the world.