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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.

Giving Respect From The H.E.A.R.T.

The H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts class learned about giving and receiving respect to one another. One of the first Japanese words that we teach is the word "Osu". Osu is, perhaps, the most important word the students can learn; the most elegant definition given to the word "Osu" is that it is a word of ten thousand meanings. How you say "Osu" and when you say it give it a different meaning each time. The word "Osu" and the manner in which it is given can represent:

Patience - The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset; tolerance, restraint, stoicism; calmness, composure, equanimity, serenity, tranquility, imperturbability, understanding.

Respect - A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, achievements. To have due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others; to avoid harming or interfering with; agree to recognize and abide by; comply with, follow, adhere to, conform to, act in accordance with, defer to, obey, observe, keep, keep to.

Spirit - The nonphysical part of a person that is the seat of emotions and character; those qualities regarded as forming the definitive or typical elements in the character of a person; a person identified with their most prominent mental or moral characteristics; the quality of courage, energy, and determination or assertiveness; the attitude or intentions with which someone undertakes or regards something.

Appreciation - The recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something; gratitude for something; a full understanding of a situation; thanks, gratefulness, thankfulness,recognition, sense of obligation; treasuring, admiration, respect, regard, esteem; recognition, realization, knowledge, awareness, consciousness, understanding, comprehension.

OSU!

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

Putting Their H.E.A.R.T.s Into The Volunteer Work - Jersey Animal Coalition

The students put their H.E.A.R.T.s into the volunteer work for the Jersey Animal Coalition (JAC). The Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts Program kids kicked their volunteer work into high gear! JAC is one of the organizations the students voted for and they were/are fast at work creating donations boxes and flyers that will help get the word out about the Animal Shelter drive we are conducting on behalf of JAC. We will be collecting can food, dry food, treats, new or used toys, new or used collars and leashes even new or used clothes and animal beds from now, October 20, 2009, through Thanksgiving, November 26, 2009. Please help pass the word around about our efforts and if you would like to contribute drop your donations off at the Newark, NJ, First Avenue Citizen Schools Department. Thank you!!!!

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

Putting Their H.E.A.R.T.s Into The Volunteer Work - Salvation Army

The students put their H.E.A.R.T.s into the volunteer work for Salvation Army. The Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts Program kids kicked their volunteer work into high gear! Salvation Army is one of the organizations the students voted for and they were/are fast at work creating donations boxes and flyers that will help get the word out about the clothing drive we are conducting on behalf of the Salvation Army. We will be collecting new or gently used clothing items from now, October 20, 2009, through Thanksgiving, November 26, 2009. Please help pass the word around about our efforts and if you would like to contribute drop your donations off at the Newark, NJ, First Avenue Citizen Schools Department. Thank you!!!!

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

Putting Their H.E.A.R.T.s Into The Volunteer Work - Soles 4 Souls

The students put their H.E.A.R.T.s and Souls into the volunteer work for Soles 4 Souls. The Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts Program kids kicked their volunteer work into high gear! Soles 4 Souls is one of the organizations the students voted for and they were/are fast at work creating donations boxes and flyers that will help get the word out about the shoe drive we are conducting on behalf of Soles 4 Souls. We will be collecting new or gently used shoes from now, October 20, 2009, through Thanksgiving, November 26, 2009. Please help pass the word around about our efforts and if you would like to contribute drop your donations off at the Newark, NJ, First Avenue Citizen Schools Department. Thank you!!!!

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

Putting Their H.E.A.R.T.s Into The Volunteer Work - Food Bank

The students put their H.E.A.R.T.s into the volunteer work for the New Jersey Food Bank. The Citizen Schools and H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts Program kids kicked their volunteer work into high gear! The NJ Food Bank is one of the organizations the students voted for and they were/are fast at work creating donations boxes and flyers that will help get the word out about the food drive we are conducting on behalf of the New Jersey Food Bank. We will be collecting can food and dry goods from now, October 20, 2009, through Thanksgiving, November 26, 2009. Please help pass the word around about our efforts and if you would like to contribute drop your donations off at the Newark, NJ, First Avenue Citizen Schools Department. Thank you!!!!

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

A H.E.A.R.T.felt Thank You To MACHO

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts Program would like to thank the MACHO Martial Arts Supplies team once again for providing great equipment and mats 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.

A H.E.A.R.T.felt Thank You To Home Depot

Citizen Schools and the H.E.A.R.T. Martial Arts Program team along with all the students would like to say an extra heartfelt thank you to our local Home Depot in Bloomfield New Jersey. The Home Depot team donated wood and cement block so that we could teach the students how to do board breaks as well as put on our own demonstration. To Manager Pete, Carlos and the rest of the Home Depot team we say "Thank you — Gracias, muy amable."

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

Everyone Votes With Their H.E.A.R.T.

The H.E.A.R.T. Community Martial Arts Program officially kicked off after the Citizen Schools Apprentice Day Fairs. After two fairs the students cast their votes, choosing their top three Apprenticeships. A remarkable 60 students selected the H.E.A.R.T. program as their number 1 choice!

We could not be more proud as each of the children fully embraced the concept of paying it forward. Ultimately, due to student/teacher ratios, we had to limit the number of participants to 30. We want to thank ALL of the students who chose a program that asked them to give something from their H.E.A.R.T. We hope to expand the program in the Spring session to include all those who missed out this time 'round.

In addition, the students cast their votes for the nonprofit groups that we will volunteer our efforts for over the next 10 weeks, they are:

American Red Cross of Northern NJ - www.redcrossnnj.org

Any Soldier - www.anysoldier.com

Boys and Girls Club of Newark - www.bgcn.org

Community FoodBank of NJ - www.njfoodbank.org

Jersey Animal Coalition - www.jaconline.org

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra - www.njsymphony.org

Salvation Army of NJ - www.use.salvationarmy.org/use/www_use_nj.nsf

Soles4Souls - www.soles4souls.org

We would like to thank all of the program directors from the nonprofit organizations that we reached out to. While the students were excited about all of the opportunities time constraints prevent us from helping every organization. Please know that our hopes are to make this program a year round effort and every season we will be looking to have the students volunteer for another group of nonprofit organizations. Long story short... the students may vote for you next time 'round!

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

H.E.A.R.T. Kids Kicking!

The H.E.A.R.T. Kids at the Citizen Schools Apprentice Day Fair were having a bit of fun while learning how to do a front snap kick, Mae Geri in Japanese. Kias (Shouting) were strong and the kicks were so fast shoes were flying! High fives were in order as were the smiles and laughs!!!!

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

H.E.A.R.T. Program Introduction

The H.E.A.R.T. program is about giving from the heart. The students were told about how they will be taught the Martial Arts and in return they will vote for who we, as a group, will volunteer our time and efforts for. Nonprofit organizations such as the Local Food Bank, Animal Shelters, Soles 4 Souls, The Branch Brook Park Alliance, The Museum Association and The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra are but a few of the choices the students will be presented with. In conjunction with the volunteer efforts the students will learn about various economic, social and environmental issues.

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

Thank You Ogilvy!

H.E.A.R.T. would like to thank the staff at Ogilvy & Mather for printing and binding the enrollment kits for the children. It was a late night for all but their hearts were warmed knowing that what they were doing was going towards a good cause. In the end the kids have a great looking and informative enrollment kit complete with everything from the history of Karate to Japanese terminology. A special thank you to Val, Dave, Laurent, Audrey and Bobby.

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

Thank You Parents And Students!

H.E.A.R.T. would like to thank all of the Parents for allowing their children to participate in the program. We would also like to give a special, heartfelt acknowledgment to the students for connecting with and being passionate about helping others. Remember, you are all empowered to make great, positive changes not only in yourself but in the very community in which you reside. From the bottom of our H.E.A.R.T.s. we applaud your efforts thus far, we are very proud of you!

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

Thank You Friends And Family!

H.E.A.R.T. would like to take the time to thank all the friends and family members that have supported our cause. Without your help and guidance we may have lost our way, we are eternally grateful to: Alick and Alison, Dave and Donna, Aaron, Tammie and Kenney, Shannon and Dennis, Geno, Marino and Artemis, Dave and Tam, Bob, Julian, Armando, Fred, Renee, Tasha, Mary and Tom, The Chief, Shihan Mike, Soshu S. Oyama, Soshi - Saiko Shihan Y. Oyama, Sensei Patricia and Sensei Emilio, Sesnei Dennis, Sensei Johnny, Sensei Joan, Sesnsei John, Judy, Ted, Ellen, Sal, Leon, George and Lysanne and above all else Eva.

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

Thank You Citizen Schools!

H.E.A.R.T. is grateful to the Citizen Schools New Jersey team. Amanda, Amy, Mark and Max have been passionate, professional and above all else believers in the notion that we can make positive changes in the children's lives. H.E.A.R.T. appreciates the opportunity to be working with such a great nonprofit organization but more importantly the opportunity to connect with the students through a common interest and passion for something such as the Martial Arts. Thank you again, we are looking forward to an exciting, educational, WOW experience for all!

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

Thank You MACHO Martial Arts!

H.E.A.R.T. would like to thank Brenda along with the rest of the MACHO Martial Arts team. Brenda made it possible for us to supply the students with much needed safety and training equipment. You can not measure how much this will enrich the students' training experience. Thank you again for all your help and for believing in what we are trying to accomplish with the students. OSU!

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

Thank You Home Depot!

H.E.A.R.T. would like to thank out local Bloomfield, New Jersey, Home Depot. Manager Pete and Carlos graciously provide their time not to mention resources like pine boards and cement blocks. Just the type of things you need for a Karate class! The kids had a blast watching the board breaking demonstration, but they had and even better time learning how to break the boards themselves with a hammer fist strike! Thank you Home Depot, with employees like Manager Pete and Carlos you are helping to build a stronger America!

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

Thank You McCarty & Co!

Ellen McCarty is perhaps one of the most genuine individuals we at H.E.A.R.T. have had the pleasure of meeting and working with. Miss McCarty has been championing our cause while providing us with sound advice and direction in the world of nonprofits. Because of Miss McCarty's efforts H.E.A.R.T. has the pleasure of working with many other nonprofit experts such as Sal Alimo (Thank you as well Sal). She truly cares and is passionate about the success of everyone she helps and the world in general. We can not say thank you enough for all of McCarty & Co's help.

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

Thank You TedCo!

H.E.A.R.T. would like to thank Ted Nelson along with all of the employees at TedCo for all of their help and encouragement. We sincerely wish the team at TedCo great success with all of their endeavors. Mr. Nelson has been not only been a source of inspiration he is a representation of what is good and right in this world. He along with all of the employees at TedCo have big hearts, we can only hope to inspire and help others in the same way. Thank you from the bottom of our H.E.A.R.T.s.

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

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

H.E.A.R.T. is a free Community Martial Arts Program that is about to begin in Newark New Jersey's 1st Avenue Elementary/Middle School. What is unique about this program is that the children have agreed to perform volunteer service work for other local and national nonprofit organizations to "earn" their lessons. The children will truly be building their Spirit/Character as they give from their hearts to help others.

H.E.A.R.T. represents Honor, Equality, Appreciation, Respect, and Trust, it is our hope to teach the children that they are empowered to make changes in their lives as well as the community in which they reside.

The H.E.A.R.T. program is in the early stages of development but we are truly amazed at how many children have stepped up and accepted the responsibility of helping out others to "earn" their Martial Arts lessons.

This blog has been created to track the progress of the children both in their martial arts and volunteer/community service work endeavors. Please check back and post often, we want to share this experience with as many people as possible.

Sincerely,

Sensei Jim Hainis

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