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!

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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.

Gedan Mawashi Geri — Lower Roundhouse Kick

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts Program's students learned how to execute a Lower Roundhouse Kick, "Gedan Mawashi Geri".

"Gedan" means Lower in English.

"Mawashi" means Round in English.

"Geri" means Kick in English.

The students learned the importance of pivoting on the supporting leg to add power to the kicking leg as well as preventing the supporting leg's knee from being stressed. In addition, they learned the proper distance, "Mawai" in Japanese, from which to execute the kick; they also learned that they should strike with the shin, "Sune" in Japanese.

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

Something To Take To H.E.A.R.T. — Any Soldier

After we presented the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students with the Any Soldier's video "Tango Mike" one of the students had asked us perhaps one of the most difficult questions that could be asked, "Why did that lady die?"

The Any Soldier's video spoke of how Specialists Carrie L. French, 19, of Caldwell, Idaho, died on June 5 in Kirkuk, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device hit the front of her convoy vehicle and detonated. This event took place just two weeks after she had posted a "Thank you" on Any Soldier to everyone who provided support for her and her fellow Soldiers.

I hope my answer set Francisco's mind a little more at ease as it is a tough topic, regardless of age, for anyone to deal with.

Again, I want to express my thanks to the Troops for everything that they do!

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

Warming A Soldier's H.E.A.R.T.

The H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts class, along with Citizen Schools, have begun a morale boosting effort for our U.S. Troops. The students learned about how something as simple as writing a letter to a Serviceman or Servicewoman can cheer up their day. That with just a few words of kindness, a heartfelt thank you, sharing of thoughts and details from life at home in the States can serve to raise the spirits and warm the hearts of those brave souls that are fighting on our and others behalf to make the world a better and safer place for all.

We would like to thank Any Soldier (Marty Horn) for making it possible for us to get these letters out to the Troops. By providing the addresses to us as well as others, Mr. Horn's organization works tirelessly to contact the troops and maintain an updated database of their locations and needs. Thank you again for all your help.

The students constantly amaze me with their passion and willingness to help others. I am proud of all of you!

Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank the Servicemen and women for everything they have done for our way of life and defending our freedoms. If anyone is "fighting to make a difference" it is our Troops!

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

Uraken With Chudan Gyaku Tsuki — Back-fist With Middle Reverse Punch

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts class learned how to execute a Back-fist followed by a Middle Reverse Punch, "Uraken with Chudan Gyaku Tsuki".

"Uraken" means Back-fist in English.

"Chudan" means Middle in English.

"Gyaku" means Reverse in English.

"Tsuki" means Punch or Strike in English.

The students learned that the power for punches comes from the connection to the ground. This connection flows through the legs which in turn pushes the hips and flows through the shoulders and eventually to the arms and the fists.

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

Mae Geri — Front Snap Kick

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts class learned how to execute a Front Snap Kick, "Mae Geri".

"Mae" means Front in English.

"Geri" means Kick in English.

"Mae Geri" means Front Kick or Front Snap Kick in English.

The students learned the importance of chambering the knee of the kicking leg as well as hitting the target with the ball of the foot, "Chusoku" in Japanese. In addition, they learned about how to add power into their front snap kick by utilizing their hips, pivoting on the supporting leg and waiting to flex the muscles at the moment of impact.

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

A Young Film Director In The Making — Having Some Fun

Citizens Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts Program's Film Director Is a bit young but very talented! I would to thank Brianna, Joziah, Ohany and Mr. Max for all their help with filming and photographing the class for the blog.

OSU! (Remember what "Osu" means? If not look at the blog entry Giving Respect From The H.E.A.R.T.)

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

Hiza Geri — Knee Kick

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts class learned how to execute a Knee Kick, "Hiza Geri".

"Hiza" means Knee in English.

"Geri" means Kick in English.

"Hiza Geri" means Knee Kick in English.

The students learned the importance of not only bringing the knee up but also to push it outward by utilizing the hips along with the pivoting motion of the supporting leg. In addition, they also learned about "flexing" the muscles right at the end of the technique which aids in giving the knee added support upon impact.

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

Stretching — Warm up your H.E.A.R.T.

At the beginning (after Mokuso) of every H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts class we prepare our bodies by doing a proper warm up and stretching routine. This helps to prevent injury as well as increase flexibility.

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

Soles Warming The Soul

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students have been hard at work collecting shoes for the Soles 4 Souls nonprofit organization. The students learned about how their old, not so worn out, shoes can be donated to help other children and adults who may not be able to afford such a basic comfort/necessity.

The students have made me so proud, they give so freely from their hearts. As adults we tend to harden up due to various circumstances, we could all learn from these young ladies and young men, they truly have hearts of gold.

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

Mokuso — Meditation

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts class learned that the Japanese word "Mokuso" means meditation. They learned why it is an important part of our training.

We begin our training by meditating, it helps us to clear our minds of all else except training, thus allowing us to focus on and more readily absorb the information about to be presented. We leave all worries and trouble or excitement and daily distractions at the door to the school ("Dojo" in Japanese) or in our case the door to the cafeteria.

We also end our training with meditation, reflecting on what was just accomplished and learned. It is not enough to simply think today I felt good or bad or that technique felt great or it felt off, we need to ask ourselves why. Why? It is perhaps the simplest question to ask but, at times, the most complex to answer.

Question everything and put forth the effort to find out the answers, this type of approach will serve you well in life not just in the Martial Arts.

Osu! (Remember what "Osu" means? If not look at the post Giving Respect From The H.E.A.R.T.)

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