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.