George Speaks From The H.E.A.R.T.

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools student George talks about why it is important to him to help the homeless. The students in addition to choosing a nonprofit organization or cause to volunteer for, were given a persuasive speech assignment to try and "convince" the rest of the class to vote for their cause. Each semester the students choose the organizations and causes that we, as a team, will volunteer for. The students are given the power. They choose. They vote. We fight together to make a difference. OSU!

21st Century Skills Addressed: Teamwork, Oral Communication, Advance Literacy

H.E.A.R.T. — Martial Arts — We're Fighting To Make A Difference.

Henessy talks about the Jersey Animal Coalition

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools student Henessy talks about the organization (Jersey Animal Coalition) that she will present to the rest of class in her persuasive speech. I have to say how proud I am of the speech that Henessy put together, she took the examples that we gave her analyzed why they add power to her speech and then came back with examples of her own that we equally effective.

Each semester the students choose the organizations and causes that we, as a team, will volunteer for. The students are given the power. They choose. They vote. We fight together to make a difference. OSU!

21st Century Skills Addressed: Teamwork, Oral Communication, Advance Literacy

H.E.A.R.T. — Martial Arts — We're Fighting To Make A Difference.

Edwin's Persuasive Speech Outline

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools returning student Edwin talks about the organization (Jersey Animal Coalition) that he will present to the rest of class in his persuasive speech. I have to point out that Edwin does an exceptional job breaking his speech.

Each semester the students choose the organizations and causes that we, as a team, will volunteer for. The students are given the power. They choose. They vote. We fight together to make a difference. OSU!

21st Century Skills Addressed: Teamwork, Oral Communication, Advance Literacy

H.E.A.R.T. — Martial Arts — We're Fighting To Make A Difference.

Denise Shares Her H.E.A.R.T.

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools returning student Denise shares her experience with the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts program. In addition, she talks about what it means to her to be a part of the team. Way to go Denise, keep up the great work!!!! I am very proud of you and all your efforts. OSU!

21st Century Skills Addressed: Teamwork, Oral Communication

H.E.A.R.T. — Martial Arts — We're Fighting To Make A Difference.

The Meaning Of "OSU"

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools students learned what the Japanese word OSU means.

OSU means:

Patience - being able to tolerate a difficult task, maintaining your focus and keeping your mind and actions concentrated on your end goal as well as the task at hand.

Respect - you give respect to others in recognition of their hard work and good character and in return you receive respect in recognition of your hard work and good character.

Spirit - your willingness to press on when things become difficult; your ability to reach deep down inside and give 100,000,000% not just a hundred; your energy and attitude that just spill over into everything you try and do; your Spirit cannot be measured but it most certainly can be felt.

Appreciation - being thankful for what one has; being grateful for what has been taught to you; for and recognition of what you are capable of doing and sharing with and for others.

They also learned about the formal kneeling position, Sezia as well as the bow Ni-Rei.

21st Century Skills Addressed: Oral Communication, Teamwork, Leadership

H.E.A.R.T. — Martial Arts — We're Fighting To Make A Difference.

Pad Your H.E.A.R.T.

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools students learned how to hold the target shields the proper way and of course we had a little fun practicing the techniques on the pads/shields which always seems to put a smile on everyone's face. OSU!

21st Century Skills Addressed: Teamwork

H.E.A.R.T. — Martial Arts — We're Fighting To Make A Difference.

Make Your H.E.A.R.T. Race

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools students learned about the importance of footwork in the Martial Arts. They learned three basic kinds of movement that were then combined. All footwork in Japanese is referred to as Ahi No Hakobi while the individual steps are broken down into the slide step (Okuri Ashi), switch lead or switch step (Fumi Ashi), and the rapid switch step (Kosar).

21st Century Skills Addressed: Teamwork

H.E.A.R.T. — Martial Arts — We're Fighting To Make A Difference.