Medal of Honor for Michael Richter: Ju-Jutsu legend from Hamburg honored!

Medal of Honor for Michael Richter: Ju-Jutsu legend from Hamburg honored!

On September 1, 2025, a very special volunteer was honored in the Hamburg City Hall: Michael Richter, the founder and long-time head of the Ju-Jutsu department of the Hausbruch-Neugrabener Turnerschaft (HNT), was honored for his outstanding achievements in sport and for the community. How Süderelbe24 reports, Richter received the bronze medal for loyal work in the service of the people, presented by Hamburg's Senator for Economic Affairs Melanie Leonhard.

At the age of 70, Michael Richter looks back on over four decades in the world of jujutsu. Under his leadership, the HNT Ju-Jutsu department developed into a respected center for this sport in Hamburg. Richter's voluntary work is not only known in Hamburg, but has also crossed the city's borders. Particularly noteworthy is his commitment, which goes far beyond supporting sport. Richter has understood how to offer young people support, orientation and community, which is of great importance.

Committed work

The award recognizes Richter's extraordinary commitment to the common good. He was already active in the early 1980s, for example as the person responsible for the SVP's Ju-Jutsu department. Together with Gerhard Schröder, he campaigned for the establishment of a Ju-Jutsu department at the Harburg Gymnastics Association. In 1985, Richter finally founded the HNT's Ju-Jutsu department and ensured the establishment of the well-known HNT show team. He was also a founding member of the Hamburg Ju-Jutsu Association (HJJV) and held various positions for decades, including President of Popular Sports.

Richter's involvement in the HJJV extends to today's day-to-day business: The honorary president, senior citizen speaker and chairman of the honorary committee is also an active speaker at association exams, state courses and further training courses. In 2019, he achieved the highest dan, 8th dan, in jujutsu and is valued for his extensive knowledge and experience.

A role model in sports

The Hamburg Ju-Jutsu Association and the HNT warmly congratulate Michael Richter on his award and thus acknowledge not only his sporting success, but also his valuable work in the social sector. Not only the members of the HNT, but also the entire Ju-Jutsu community in Hamburg are grateful for his commitment and his tireless work.

The last German championship in Ju-Jutsu recently took place on June 21st and 22nd, 2025 in the Tarpenbekhalle in Norderstedt, where various disciplines such as fighting and Ne-Waza were held. Such sporting events are part of the lively Ju-Jutsu scene in Hamburg, which Richter has played a key role in shaping. At a summer association test on July 19, 2025, candidates from five different clubs competed to demonstrate their skills.

With his work, Michael Richter has managed not only to promote talent, but also to create a community that is considered strong and united in Hamburg. His award is a token of recognition for all the great work he has done for the sport of jujutsu.