Kihon Sono Ni - Basic Kata Number Two

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

The second Kata in Japanses is called " Kihon Sono Ni" or in English, Basic Kata Number Two. 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!

21st Century Skills Addressed: Teamwork

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

We Will Miss You!

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools has two students who that have moved away. Edwin and Joziah will be missed by all of us. I would like to let them know that I am very proud of all their hard work and that I hope they will continue fighting to make a difference!

OSU!

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

It's Not About Spending Money. It's About Giving From The H.E.A.R.T.

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools students learned that their volunteer efforts are not about spending/giving money, it is about giving from you heart. Taking time out of your day to do simple acts that can change/make a difference in the lives of those around you and beyond.

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

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

The Votes Are In - H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts volunteer efforts for the Spring of 2010 will be...

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools students cast their votes based on persuasive speeches given. Each student presented to the team a cause/organization that they would like the class to volunteer for. Each student had to "convince" their teammates that their cause was worthy of the group's time and effort. I am so proud of everyone!

OSU!

The H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts volunteer efforts for the Spring of 2010 will be:

Soles4Souls - www.soles4souls.org

Jersey Animal Coalition - www.jaconline.org

Any Soldier - anysoldier.com

Cooking Creations - Sierra Hoiuse - www.sierrahouse.org

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

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

Jeremiah's Jersey Animal Coalition Persuasive Speech

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Jeremiah gave his persuasive speech on the Jersey Animal Coalition. Jeremiah did a good job explaining why we should care about the animal shelter. Keep up the good work!

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

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

Liandra's Jersey Animal Coalition Persuasive Speech

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Liandra gave her persuasive speech on the Jersey Animal Coalition. Liandra did a great job explaining why we should care about the animal shelter. Keep up the great work!

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

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

Yasmeen's Jersey Animal Coalition Persuasive Speech

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Yasmeen gave her persuasive speech on the Jersey Animal Coalition. Yasmeen did a great job explaining why we should care about the animal shelter. Keep up the good work!

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

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

Ern's Soles4Souls Persuasive Speech

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools student Ern gave his persuasive speech on Soles4Souls an organizations that helps to get shoes to those in need. Ern did a great job explaining why we should care about helping the Soles4Souls organization. Keep up the good work!

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

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

Henry's Cooking Creations Persuasive Speech

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools student Henry gave his persuasive speech on Cooking Creations, a class provided by the Sierra House to help the younger generation learn the skill of cooking. Henry, was hungry, I mean passionate about learning the necessary skills to prepare a meal for his family, he did a great job explaining why we should care about learning how to cook. Keep up the good work!

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

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

Julian's Jersey Animal Coalition Persuasive Speech

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Julian gave his persuasive speech on the Jersey Animal Coalition. Julian did a great job explaining why we should care about the animals, citing several reasons why it should be important to us. Keep up the good work!

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

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

Julian's Persuasive Speech - One Step Away From Greatness

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools student Julian gave an excellent persuasive speech on the Jersey Animal Coalition, but he learned why it is important to cite credible references. Julian, you gave a great speech, I hope you now understand why it is so important to have all your supporting data and references in order. You do not want a great persuasive speech to be thrown off track by what seems to be a small detail. Keep up the good work!

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

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

I Have Faith In You! - Keep Up The Great Work! - Thank You

I just wanted to take a moment and thank all of the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students, volunteers and of course the Citizen Schools team. You are all doing an amazing job, know that from the bottom of my heart that I am grateful for all your efforts! Keep up the great work, keep amazing me, keep fighting to make a difference!

21st Century Skills Addressed: Leadership, Teamwork

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

Omar's Jersey Animal Coalition Persuasive Speech

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Omar gave his persuasive speech on the Jersey Animal Coalition. Omar did a great job explaining why we should care about the animal shelter. Keep up the great work!

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

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

Ricky's Jersey Animal Coalition Persuasive Speech

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Ricky gave his persuasive speech on the Jersey Animal Coalition. Ricky did a great job explaining why we should care about the animals. He gave us both passionate and rational reasons why we should help the animals/shelter. Keep up the amazing work! I'm very proud of you as well all of the other H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts students!

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

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

Francisco - Thinking On His Feet...

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Francisco gave his persuasive speech on the Jersey Animal Coalition. Francisco, despite being put on the spot, did a good job explaining why we should care about helping the shelter. Francisco was a little behind with his speech so he had to "think on his feet" to get the job done! Keep up the good work!

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

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

Marlene's Ocean Project Persuasive Speech

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools student Marlene gave her persuasive speech on the Ocean Project. Marlene did a good job explaining why we should care about ocean. Marlene, don't be so nervous next time, remember you can do it, we are here to help. You are part of the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts team, keep up the good work!

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

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

Shahad's Jersey Animal Coalition Persuasive Speech

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Shahad gave his persuasive speech on the Jersey Animal Coalition. Shahad did a great job explaining why we should care about dogs and cats, citing several reasons why we should help them. Including how his own dog protects his family, provides them with love, and even helps Shahad clean up his room! I wish I had a dog like that, great job Shahad!

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

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

Henessy's Jersey Animal Coalition Persuasive Speech

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Henessy gave her persuasive speech on the Jersey Animal Coalition. Henessy did a great job explaining why we should care about dogs and cats, citing several reasons why we should help them. I'm so proud of Henessy because she came back with several example that we did not discuss in class. By incorporating her own reasons into the speech Henessy has shown us that she truly understands the assignment. Keep up the amazing work!

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

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

Denise's Soles4Souls Persuasive Speech

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Denise gave her persuasive speech on Soles4Souls an organizations that helps to get shoes to those in need. Denise you did a great job, don't be so nervous, you are part of the team and we want you to succeed. Keep up the great work!

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

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

Melissa's Soles4Souls Persuasive Speech

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Melissa gave her persuasive speech on Soles4Souls an organizations that helps to get shoes to those in need. Melissa did a great job explaining why we should care about helping others who may need a pair of shoes, citing several reasons why we should help them and the Soles4Souls organization. Keep up the good work!

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

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

Michael Gives A H.E.A.R.T.felt Persuasive Speech

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Michael gave his persuasive speech on the Animal Shelter. Michael did a good job explaining why we should care about dogs, citing several reasons why we should help them. Keep up the good work!

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

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

Ricardo Gives A H.E.A.R.T.felt Persuasive Speech

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts student Ricardo gave his persuasive speech on the American Red Cross. He did a great job and we are very proud of him as well as all of the students. Keep up the good work!

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

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.

21st Century Skills Addressed: Teamwork

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

Kihon Sono Ichi - Basic Kata Number One

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools Citizen Schools 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!

21st Century Skills Addressed: Teamwork

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

Takedown Technique

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools Citizen Schools students learned how to do a basic takedown technique. Sensei Jim was the "Uke", the training partner. Uke, depending on the context in which is is used can have a few meanings. Most common definition given to Uke means block but in this instance it means to take or receive.

OSU!

21st Century Skills Addressed: Teamwork

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

Ushiro Geri - Back Kick

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools Citizen Schools students learned how to execute a Back Kick, "Ushiro Geri".

"Ushiro" means Back in English.

"Geri" means Kick in English.

"Ushiro Geri" means Back Kick in English.

The students learned how to break the Back Kick down into four parts:

— Stepping to the side with the lead leg

— Turning the head quickly to maintain eye contact with the target

— "Chambering" the kicking leg by bringing the kicking leg's knee up tight into the chest

— Finally kicking the target and hitting with the heel of the foot (in Japanese "Kakato")

In addition, the students also learned about "flexing" the muscles right at the end of the technique which aids in giving the leg/heel added support upon impact.

OSU!

21st Century Skills Addressed: Teamwork

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

Hiza Geri - Knee Kick

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools Citizen Schools students 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.

OSU!

21st Century Skills Addressed: Teamwork

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

Use Your Own Words - Speak From the H.E.A.R.T.

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools teachers, Sensei Jim and Miss Rokshana, have a bit of advice for the students in preparation for their persuasive speeches.

First, relax, you will do a great job, don't be nervous you are part of this team and everyone wants you to succeed.

Second, present both emotional and the rational reasons in your speech. The combination of these two elements will help to make a powerful and thus effective speech.

Third, DO NOT PARAPHRASE!!!!!

OSU!

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

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

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

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools student Liandra talks about why she is passionate about helping the Jersey Animal Coalition (JAC). The JAC is the organization/cause that Liandra will present to the rest of her teammates in her persuasive speech. I'm sure she will do an incredible job convincing others to vote and volunteer for this worthy group/cause. Keep up the great work Liandra!!!! OSU!

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

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

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

H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts and Citizen Schools returning student Melissa talks about Soles4Souls a nonprofit organization that provides shoes to those in need. Melissa, last semester, was a champion for this cause and once again has shown her true spirit and heart by her desire to help others. She and her Mom are individuals to admire and learn from.

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.

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.