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In an effort to make our blog URL easier to remember we have renamed it. Please visit our new blog page at HeartMartialArts.blogspot.com we also have a website that is under construction with a similar name HeartMartialArts.com.

This blog page (HeartFightingToMakeADifference.blogspot.com) will no longer be updated for the latest and greatest from Heart Martial Arts please see the new blog page, URL above.

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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.