A H.E.A.R.T.pounding WOW!

From our community service work to our Martial Arts training the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts class has put their Sweat and Spirit into everything they have accomplished as a team. This has all culminated in a showcase video and performance that resulted in a H.E.A.R.T.pounding Citizen Schools WOW!

With all the excitement and energy of performing in front of a packed auditorium the Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students had the crowd cheering. Spirits were soaring and boards were flying as the students made easy work of the board breaks. Everyone did a great job with the Katas as well, I am very proud of all of you. GREAT JOB!!!! I'm looking forward to the next round of training and remember you can make a difference, just put your H.E.A.R.T. into it!!!!

OSU!

A special thank you to all the Parents, Teachers, Friends and Family. A big OSU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! to the students, Mr. Max and the Mr. Aaron!!!

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

AMAZING Board Break - Denise - Great Job!

Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Denise was a little nervous about braking a board. With a little extra coaching and the other students cheering her on she finally proved to herself what I already knew, that she could do it!

Way to show your Spirit and not give up, great job Denise!!!!

Now you get to do it in front of your family and friends during the WOW! performance. Believe in yourself, make them proud, I already am.

OSU!

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

JAC - An Animal Shelter With H.E.A.R.T.

The Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students, after spending the last several weeks collecting food and supplies for the Jersey Animal Coalition (JAC), took off on a field trip to the shelter. The JAC staff was so gracious with their time, all of us would like to say thank you again for letting us come to the shelter and spend time with the animals. I hope what the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts Team was able to bring to your shelter will cheer up the lives of these beautiful animals during this Holiday Season. The spirit of these animals is nothing short of amazing, the love they give so unconditionally give is something that we can all learn from. So simple, so pure, so cuddly and cute!

One special note, for all those who may not know about the JAC, they are a "no put down shelter", meaning that once an animal is in their shelter they are provided love and care for life! If the animal, for whatever reason, is not able to be placed with a family the shelter adopts it as one of their own. A very special place and a wonderful cause. I hope all that read this will take the time to help the shelter as we did. The JAC URL is www.jaconline.org

Thank You!

OSU!

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

A H.E.A.R.T.felt Thank You To The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

The Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students, would like to say thank you to the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) team Marshell and Renee. Thank you for your time, thank you for teaching our students about the NJSO and last, but certainly not least, thank your for supplying our students with tickets to the Youth Orchestra Performance.

Thank You!

OSU!

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

AWESOME! Brianna!

Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Brianna breaks her board like an old pro!

Way to go Brianna!!!!

You are doing an amazing job, keep up the good work! I'm sure you are going to do an even better job in the WOW! performance.

OSU!

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

An Orchestra With H.E.A.R.T.

The Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students, before setting off on their volunteer work for the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO ), learned about what opportunities exist in the performing arts world for employment as well as enjoyment. In addition, the students got a little taste of what it is like to perform together as an orchestra. All of this was made possible by the NJSO team Marshell and Renee.

Thank You!

OSU!

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

Way To Go Emazhane and Shahad!

Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students Emazhane and Shahad breaks their boards with ease!

Way to go team!!!!

You both have been doing a great job, keep it up!

Special note: We are very happy that Emazhane has not move to Atlanta and will be part of the WOW! performance.

OSU!

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

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Receives A H.E.A.R.T.warming Experience

Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students lend the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) a helping hand with their year end mailing to all NJSO supporters. Before setting off on our volunteer work for the NJSO the students learned about the services that the NJSO provides to the the community. In addition, the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts class learned about what opportunities exists in the performing arts world for employment as well as enjoyment.

The students worked quickly to finish the task at hand, saving the NJSO team hours of work. Way to go team!!! Keep up the great work and know that I am very proud what you have accomplished.

OSU!

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

Triple Board Break Threat - Great Job Junel!

Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Junel breaks three boards at once!

Way to go Junel!!!!

You are going to do an amazing job during the WOW! performance! Keep up the good work!

OSU!

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

Way To Go Desiree!

Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Desiree makes easy work of her board break!

Way to go Desiree!!!!

Get ready to do it again during the WOW! performance, I know you will do an incredible job!

OSU!

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

Incredible Job Danna!

Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Danna does an incredible job with her board break!

Way to go Danna!!!!

OSU!

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

Boys And Girls Club Have H.E.A.R.T.

Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students lend the Newark First Avenue Boys and Girls Club a hand. We were all very happy to help Miss Curry and her team with putting together an amazing amount of food for two families that have found themselves in need of a little help to get them through a tough set of circumstances.

I am very proud of how quickly the students stepped up to help the Boys and Girls Club. The students constantly amazes me with their generosity and spirit. Keep up the amazing work!

OSU!

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

America's Funniest Videos - Luis Having Fun

As ordered here is the post of Luis demonstrating?!... well uh... his flexibility.... yeah that's it.

Enjoy!

OSU!

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

Great Job Jeremiah!

Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Jeremiah does a great job with his board break!

Way to go Jeremiah!!!!

OSU!

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

Double Trouble - Paul And Steven - Board Breaks

Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students Paul and Steven go head to head with a board break face off!

Way to go team!!!!

Get ready to do it again during the WOW! performance.

OSU!

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

Great Job Catherine!

Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Catherine makes fast work of breaking the board!

AWESOME job!!!!

Get ready for the WOW! performance.

OSU!

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

Way To Go Ohany!

Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Ohany does a great job breaking the thickest board on his first try!

Incredible job Ohany!!!!

I hope you can be at the WOW! performance, we miss having you in class.

OSU!

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

Fast And Furious Francisco!

Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Francisco breaks one of the thickest boards on his first try!

Way to go Francisco!!!!

Get ready to do it again during the WOW! performance, I know you will do an amazing job!

OSU!

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

The Amazing Edwin!

Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Edwin does an amazing job breaking two boards!

Way to go Edwin!!!! Keep up the good work!!!

Get ready for the WOW! performance.

OSU!

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

Great Job Yanissa!

Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Yanissa attempts to break two boards. Yanissa did a great job with her first attempt, I only wish that I had the video of her accomplishing this feat with ease in the next board breaking class.

Way to go Yanissa!!!!

I know you will do a great job during the WOW! performance.

OSU!

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

Great Job Steven!

Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Steven was ready to take on the challenge of the toughest re-breakable board in the class. In Steven's own words he's "on fire!" I hope your family smiles at this as much as I do, you did a great job!

OSU!

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

H.E.A.R.T.s Soar! - Great Job Melissa!

Although the week is not out I had to post this video as soon as possible. Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Melissa set a goal last class, to break the black re-breakable board which is the equivalent of a 1" piece of wood. With a little help, encouragement and support from the class she met her goal even faster than she expected! You can see the surprise and excitement on her face! Way to go! Great job!

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

Amazing Fighting Spirit Melissa!

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Melissa puts all of her heart into everything that she does! I am very proud of her, as well as all of the students. Today though, Melissa has earned my respect on yet another level she showed her true Spirit and what an AMAZING FIGHTING SPIRIT IT IS!

One of our Eighth Graders, Justin, a student much bigger and stronger than Melissa had to try breaking the same board twice before he was able to do it. Melissa has acted as a true champion not because she took on one of the toughest challenges and failed but because of what she said to me after she tried her best. Melissa said she now has a goal to reach for... I feel sorry for that board when Melissa squares off with it again!

By not giving up, trying twice and only reluctantly moving to breaking a thinner board upon my instruction, Melissa has learned one of the toughest and most valuable lessons that she could. Never quit! Never give up! Set your goals and work hard to achieve them! This applies to everything in your life not just the Martial Arts. We can all learn a lot and be inspired by Melissa's actions.

A truly great job and incredible Spirit!

OSU!

Great Job Justin!

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Justin breaks through one of the the thickest re-breakable boards on his second try! Incredible!!!!!

OSU!

Great Job Yanissa!

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Yanissa lets out a loud Kia (Shout/Energy) and slices through the board like a hot knife though butter! AWESOME!!!!

OSU!

Great Job Brianna!

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Brianna does a great job with her board breaking!

OSU!

Tettsui - Hammer Fist

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students learned how to make a proper Hammer Fist called "Tettsui" in Japanese. It is crucial that the fist's out edge (palm area) be tight as possible on impact with the board. This helps to protect the hand from injury. The students also learned that they must use their whole body when executing a board break and not just rely on the arm and fist. They must rotate the shoulders and hips at the same time. In addition, they must drop the knee, on the striking arm's side, down along with the Tettsui.

OSU!

Thank You From The Bottom Of My H.E.A.R.T.

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts would like to thank all of the students for their hard work and dedication to making a difference. In addition, Sensei Jim would like to express his appreciation to all of the students that have been putting in the extra time and effort to film the classes for the blog.

THANK YOU!!!!

Aaron

Danna

Desiree

Joziah

Melissa

Mr. Max

Ohany

Paul

Steven

Hopefully we didn't miss anyone... let us know in class!!!!!

OSU!

Four Parts To The H.E.A.R.T.

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts learned about the four parts of our WOW! performance/presentation on December 15th, 6:30 P.M., at the Newark First Avenue School. We Invite all of our friends and family, we hope you can make it!

The four parts to our WOW! will be:

Video presentation of the students' volunteer work and Martial Arts accomplishments

Kihon Sono Ichi (Basic Kata Number One)

Kihon Sono Ni (Basic Kata Number Two)

Board Breaking

OSU!

H.E.A.R.T.s Having Fun

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students tell the world just what they think about the Martial Arts. I couldn't agree with them more!

OSU!

Fighting To Make A Difference

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students put Sensei Jim to the test, hopefully he passed with honors. More importantly as much as the students have fun and joke around they truly have grasped the concept of "Fighting To Make A Difference."

OSU!

Speaking From The H.E.A.R.T.

The Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students Brianna and Joziah were our ambassadors as various Teachers, Directors and Corporate Representatives came through to view our program. While I was busy teaching the rest of the class I was told that Brianna and Joziah did an amazing job talking about what the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts program was all about. I want you know that you amaze me in every class, you put a smile on my face and you truly fill my heart with pride.

OSU!

H.E.A.R.T. Makes You Smile

This Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts video is "brought to you by" the comedic genius of Paul and Joziah. You just have to watch it, no doubt it will put a smile on your face. Way to go guys, keep up the good work!!!!!!

OSU!

H.E.A.R.T.felt letter to Serviceman James

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Melissa has written a letter to James, a U.S. Army Serviceman, stationed in Afghanistan. I think Melissa has got it right, our Servicemen and Servicewoman are "Superheroes!"

Way to go Melissa your letter is sure to put a smile on James' face.

James, like Melissa said, "Be brave, stay safe!"

OSU!

H.E.A.R.T.felt letter to Servicewoman Emily

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Catherine has written a letter to Emily, a U.S. Army Servicewoman, stationed in Afghanistan. I think Catherine has captured a sentiment that all of us feel about our Troops, you're "AWESOME!!"

Catherine keep up the good work, you have one of the strongest Kias (Shout/Energy) in class I'm sure you would give Emily a run for her money as they say. As you said in your letter to Emily "U ROK"!

OSU!

H.E.A.R.T.felt letter to Servicewoman Laura

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Dayamaris has written a H.E.A.R.T.felt letter to Laura, a U.S. Army Servicewoman, stationed in Afghanistan. If you can not tell by this video, I can attest to the fact that Dayamaris is full of passion and joy for life, you can feel it in her smile with everything that she does.

I'm sure Laura will have a smile on her face after she reads Dayamaris' letter. Dayamaris keep up the great work and that incredible Spirit, it puts a smile on all our faces and in our hearts! Laura, and all of your fellow Soldiers, we wish you home and safe with your family soon.

OSU!

Kihon Sono Ichi — Basic Kata Number One

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students have been practicing the first Kata (Form or Formal Movement Exercise) which will be part of our WOW! performance.

The first Kata in Japanses is called " Kihon Sono Ichi" or in English, Basic Kata Number One. The students have come a long way in their training, I'm proud of what they have accomplished. Let's keep training hard together so that we can make this Kata the best it can be for our friends and family!

OSU!

Best Friends Share Their H.E.A.R.T.s

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Danna (Pronounced Donna, I'll get it right I promise!) has put together an incredible care package and letter to Arlene, a U.S. Army Servicewoman, stationed in Iraq. As Dana said with a little help from her best friend Desiree, we thank all of our Servicemen and Servicewomen for protecting us and we wish them safe passage to their families.

OSU!

Zenkutsu Dachi — Forward Leaning Stance Moving Practice

The Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students learned the proper way to perform Forward Leaning Stance, "Zenkutsu Dachi", while moving.

"Zenkutsu" means forward leaning in English.

"Dachi" means stance in English.

The Students learned that the Zenkutsu Dachi is one shoulder width wide and two shoulders widths deep. They learned that the front foot is straight and the front knee is bent and even with the toes (not bending so deep that the front knee goes beyond the toes), that the back leg/knee is straight and the back foot is held at a 45 degree angle. The students also learned that the weight distribution ins 60% on the front and 40% on the back.

When moving the students are taught to turn the front foot in 45 degrees before sliding the back foot forward. as they move forward they keep the stance at one shoulder width wide while moving the back foot forward of the lead leg and foot by two shoulder widths thus completing one movement set. When everything is said and done the students will find the opposite side of the body in the forward leaning position one shoulder width wide by two should widths deep, front foot straight, back foot at 45 degrees with the weight distribution being 60% on the front leg and foot and 40% on the back leg and foot.

OSU!

Any Soldier Taken To H.E.A.R.T.

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students continue their troop support efforts. The students learned that something as simple as a letter can raise our troops' morale. Paul, without any help, does a great job talking to this point. Great job Paul, I'm sure your parents are even more proud of you than I am!

OSU!

A H.E.A.R.T.felt Thank You To Covered Inc.

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts Program would like to thank the Covered Inc. team for providing AWESOME T-shirts and stickers at a great price. Citizen Schools as well as H.E.A.R.T. are very appreciative of your kindness, most of all the students would like to say "Thank you — Gracias, muy amable."

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

Wear Your H.E.A.R.T. On Your Sleeve — Long Sleeve T-shirt That Is...

The Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts Program's T-Shirts and stickers are in! I can't wait to give them to the everyone! A little something extra special from my H.E.A.R.T. to show the students and other supporters just how grateful I am and proud of what we are accomplishing together.

Osu!!!!!!!

H.E.A.R.T.s Are Filling Up... So Are The Donation Boxes

My H.E.A.R.T. is filling up with pride as I see the students start to connect with what it is we are trying to accomplish. I may sound like a broken record but every week the students surprise me with their work ethic as well as their capacity to give from their hearts to help others. The connection to and the understanding of what it is we are doing shows in so many ways. Not so small gestures such as a student, Shahad, who gave up his favorite snacks so that he could add items to the Food Drive's donation table to the students brining in bags of shoes and clothes for the clothing and shoe drives is a testament to their understanding and compassion. It even shows in the smiles on their faces not only during our volunteer work but also during our Martial Arts training.

With all this the donation boxes for our various drives are filling up as we gain momentum with getting the word out. The students as well Citizen Schools' Mr. Max have been a tremendous help and their efforts have gone a long way toward supporting the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts Program. I/we are so proud of all those involved in our volunteer efforts.

In addition, I would thank Miss Amanda, Miss Ross, Mr. Everett, Mr. Mark and the Principal Miss Jackson for all their help and hard work to help make this a successful Apprenticeship.

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