Harmony By Karate

Harmony By Karate

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The charity arm of Harmony By Karate, the Harmony Power Foundation, has established the 1st mandatory anti-bullying program in a major city in the world!

The Harmony by Karate method integrates the meditation and flexibility of yoga and the deep breathing and flow of Tai Chi, into the striking/grappling skills of karate to evolve the mind, body, and spirit for life. Harmony By Karate is one of the top schools for karate in the Upper West Side, known for its emphasis on inner development, spirtitual philosophy, longevity, and simple practical survio

Harmony By Karate - Upper West Side on Google 06/04/2025

Announcement: After 30 years at 251 West 81st Street, we’ve moved to a beautiful historic building at 76 West 85th Street near Columbus Avenue in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

Our mission remains the same and is growing in strength.

Read more about this new step in our journey on our Google profile!

Harmony By Karate - Upper West Side on Google After 30 years at 251 West 81st Street, we’ve moved to a beautiful historic building at 76 West 85th Street near Columbus Avenue in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper West Side. This exciting new chapter strengthens our mission to Empower Lead and Heal through a martial arts journey in a more intima...

Harmony Power - Stand Up To Bullying - Harmony Power Foundation 10/22/2024

HARMONY POWER NOW!
Blessed to have all our community at Harmony By Karate say 2 things every day to family and friends every day for 33 days: "Thank you for all that you do and I love you very much" This transforms the world around them in a profound way! Last year a child in my school said: My house was quiet as they didn't speak much and all of sudden everyone was communicating! She said it changed their lives! On the 33rd day all of our community receives the Harmony Power Award! Simple and powerful! I challenge you all to do the same and watch your world change around you!! Imagine a world when people do this, no bullying, no violence, no war. Below is a link on what children in all NYC schools have access to and all Elizabeth schools on the options they have to do the same each year!!!

Harmony Power - Stand Up To Bullying - Harmony Power Foundation Students have 33 days to change the world at your school to reach Universal Harmony Day!

10/08/2024

"IF WE LIVE TO LOVE, THEN WE WILL LOVE TO LIVE"

When we feel sadness or anxiety, we have the power to shift that energy by choosing love, expressing it through acts of kindness. This love ripples out, and as we witness the beauty it creates in others, it returns to us, multiplied, like a full circle of warmth and light. I believe this is the secret to unlocking the deep, transformative love we are all meant to experience in this life.

09/26/2024

"PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR INTENTION"
Observe what you feel at all times allowing your inner divine to guide you.

07/05/2024

Joseph Caputo jumped the White House fence in 2015 and was all over the news internationally! Today he makes history revealing why and unveils the binder of the re-written constitution the media didn't let you know until now!

**See what was in the binder-the re-written constitution!!
https://www.firstfirestudios.org/about-5

**Historic video interview and Harmony Power award to Joseph Caputo in the link below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EoN8IgNExM

**Historic interview article below!

Title: Grasping Freedom: Joseph Caputo's Journey and America's Ongoing Struggle

In the annals of American history, certain acts of civil disobedience stand out for their audacity and symbolism. Joseph Caputo's decision to climb over the White House fence on Thanksgiving Day in 2015 is one such act. At the time, his bold protest was widely reported and sensationalized by the media, yet few took the time to understand the motivations and ideals behind his actions. Nearly a decade later, Caputo's story has evolved into a profound narrative of personal growth, civic engagement, and relentless advocacy for veterans and constitutional reform. His journey mirrors the ongoing struggle of the United States to grasp the true essence of freedom amidst contemporary challenges.

The Incident: A Symbolic Leap

On a crisp Thanksgiving morning, as President Obama and his family celebrated within the White House, Joseph Caputo executed a meticulously planned act of protest. Clad in an outfit he described as "psychological Kevlar," he scaled the spiked fence surrounding the White House's North Lawn. In his possession was a 47-page document, a revised constitution he had painstakingly drafted, hoping to spark a national conversation about governance, freedom, and the role of the citizenry in American democracy.

Eyewitnesses and the media were stunned. The image of a young man standing with a flag draped around him, hands raised in surrender, quickly circulated. Yet, the deeper message behind Caputo's actions was lost amidst the clamor of sensational headlines. Caputo wasn't a threat; he was a 22-year-old with a deep desire to serve his country and a profound belief in the power of peaceful protest to effect change.

A Constitution Reimagined

Caputo's journey began long before that fateful Thanksgiving Day. As a student at the University of Bridgeport, he immersed himself in studies of martial arts and criminology. This academic background provided him with a unique perspective on the intersections of law, power, and civic duty. However, it was the vibrant and challenging dialogues at the university that truly shaped his worldview.

At the University of Bridgeport, Caputo was encouraged to engage with diverse perspectives. "If you said a single thing out loud, they made you prove your point," he recalls. This rigorous environment fostered a sense of intellectual independence and a commitment to seeking truth through dialogue. It was here that the seeds of his constitutional revision were sown.

Caputo's revised constitution was not a mere academic exercise. It was a heartfelt response to what he perceived as systemic failures in American governance. He believed that the existing system marginalized too many voices and was too susceptible to the corrupting influences of money and power. His revised document sought to address these issues, advocating for a more direct form of democracy where the voices of ordinary citizens could be more readily heard and acted upon.

The Aftermath: Isolation and Reflection

In the immediate aftermath of his protest, Caputo faced significant legal and social repercussions. He was quickly apprehended by the Secret Service and subjected to intense scrutiny. The media, seizing on the sensational aspects of his act, often portrayed him in a simplistic and dismissive light. Yet, beneath the surface, a more complex and thoughtful individual was grappling with the consequences of his actions.

Caputo spent the following months in relative isolation, wearing an ankle bracelet and reflecting deeply on his protest and its ramifications. It was a period of profound introspection and growth. He recognized that while his methods might have been unorthodox, his intentions were rooted in a genuine desire to effect positive change. This realization would become the foundation for his subsequent work.

Serving Those Who Served: Advocacy for Veterans

One of the most remarkable aspects of Caputo's post-protest life has been his dedication to serving veterans. This commitment was inspired by a serendipitous meeting with Victor Caroll, a family friend and Vietnam veteran. Caroll's experiences and moral struggles with the war deeply resonated with Caputo, who found a kindred spirit in the older veteran.

Through Caroll, Caputo was introduced to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization and began volunteering with several veterans' groups, including the Marine Corps League and Operation Gift Cards. He became a familiar face at the VA hospital in West Haven, driving trucks to transport veterans and participating in initiatives like "Take a Vet Fishing." These activities provided much-needed respite and camaraderie for veterans, many of whom were grappling with physical injuries, psychological scars, and the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life.

Caputo's interactions with veterans were transformative. He found that their stories of service, sacrifice, and resilience echoed his own struggles and aspirations. "Every single soldier not only were they so unique in what they were going through, they all outlined the same emotional and sociopolitical issues that hurt them and they were all abandoned in their own time," he notes. This shared sense of abandonment and resilience forged strong bonds and deepened Caputo's commitment to advocacy.

Post-Traumatic Growth: From Protester to Advocate

Caputo's journey is a testament to the concept of post-traumatic growth. Rather than succumbing to despair or bitterness, he channeled his experiences into positive action. He recognized that trauma, while deeply painful, could also be a catalyst for personal and societal transformation. This insight has guided his efforts to support veterans and advocate for broader systemic change.

One of the key lessons Caputo has drawn from his interactions with veterans is the importance of community and dialogue. Many of the veterans he worked with had experienced profound isolation and a sense of being forgotten by society. By creating spaces for connection and conversation, Caputo helped them rebuild their sense of belonging and purpose. In doing so, he also found healing and validation for his own struggles.

A New Vision for Democracy

Central to Caputo's advocacy is his belief in the potential for a more participatory and responsive form of democracy. He envisions a system where technology is harnessed to amplify the voices of ordinary citizens, allowing for more direct and meaningful participation in governance. This vision is rooted in his understanding of the limitations and flaws of the current system, as well as his deep faith in the capacity of individuals to contribute to the common good.

Caputo argues that modern technology, with its ability to collect and analyze vast amounts of data, offers unprecedented opportunities for democratic engagement. "Nowadays you go on your phone, you hover for half a second, you're going to get more ads for that. They know your voice when it's about you giving them money. So why can't we use that same technology to source people's voices for governance?" he asks. This question underscores his belief in the feasibility and necessity of a more inclusive and participatory democratic process.

Lessons from History and Personal Experience

Caputo's vision for a more responsive democracy is informed by a deep understanding of history and a keen awareness of contemporary social dynamics. He draws on the works of thinkers like Erich Fromm, whose book "Escape from Freedom" explores the psychological challenges of true freedom and the allure of authoritarianism. Fromm's insights into the interplay between security and freedom resonate deeply with Caputo's own experiences and observations.

Caputo also cites Fromm's concept of the "sane society," which posits that societies can exhibit collective insanity when they fail to provide for the well-being of their members. This framework helps explain the pervasive sense of disillusionment and alienation that many people feel in modern society. Caputo believes that addressing these underlying issues requires not only policy changes but also a fundamental shift in how we understand and practice democracy.

A Call to Action

Caputo's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of civic engagement and the potential for individual actions to inspire broader societal change. His journey from White House fence jumper to advocate for veterans and democratic reform is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope and determination.

As we navigate the complexities of contemporary society, Caputo's message is both timely and urgent. He challenges us to look beyond the surface of sensational headlines and engage deeply with the underlying issues that shape our world. He invites us to consider new ways of organizing and participating in our democracy, drawing on the best of our technological capabilities and our collective wisdom.

In honoring Joseph Caputo with the Harmony Power Award, we recognize not only his bold act of protest but also his ongoing commitment to advocating for a more just and inclusive society. His story is a beacon of hope and a call to action for all who believe in the transformative power of civic engagement and the possibility of a better future.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Hope and Transformation

Joseph Caputo's journey is far from over. His story continues to evolve as he engages with new challenges and opportunities. Yet, the core of his message remains constant: a deep belief in the potential for positive change and a commitment to working towards a more just and equitable society.

Caputo's experiences offer valuable lessons for all of us. They remind us of the importance of standing up for our beliefs, even in the face of adversity. They highlight the power of community and dialogue in healing and transformation. And they underscore the potential for innovative solutions to the complex problems of our time.

As we reflect on Caputo's journey, we are inspired to look within ourselves and consider how we, too, can contribute to the common good. Whether through small acts of kindness, bold acts of protest, or sustained efforts to engage with and reform our democratic institutions, each of us has a role to play in shaping the future.

In celebrating Joseph Caputo's contributions, we honor not only his courage and vision but also the enduring values of freedom, justice, and democracy that he so passionately advocates for. His story is a testament to the power of individual action to inspire collective change and a reminder that the journey towards a more just and inclusive society is one that we all must undertake together.

America's Ongoing Struggle for Freedom

Caputo's narrative is especially resonant today as the United States grapples with numerous societal and political challenges. Issues such as this one demonstrates the importance of open dialogue and transparency to re-discover a newfound freedom to evolve the US and all humanity!!

Photos from Harmony By Karate's post 06/23/2024

MY LOVE for my children is boundless. My son was offered college scholarships and has chosen to go to Montclair State with his dream to be a film director and producer. As long as my children are happy that is all that matters to me.

06/06/2024

"EMOTIONAL RELEASE EMPOWERS THE SOUL"

05/12/2024

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO BOTH MY MOM'S, to all the amazing mom's in the world, and to all those mother figures who are there for those who need them!!! MUCH LOVE AND BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL!!!

04/29/2024

THANK YOU AND LOVE YOU ALL!!! I am blessed by so many of you sharing your birthday wishes to me. Truly love, love you all!! Today I spent a big part of my day giving Harmony Power awards to my Harmony By Karate community. Children and Adults shared the power of their words. "Thank you for all that you do". "I love you so much!" They said it to all those people they are close to in their life multiple times each day for 33 days! Today was Universal Harmony Day in which we celebrated this love and recognition for bring love into the world! All parents, nannies, and any whom supported this loving effort also received the Harmony Power Awards. What a breath-taking, emotionally charged,powerful and loving experience!! If everyone on the planet did this, we would have a world of love, peace, and harmony. This can happen by making this conscious effort each day to change the world around us through the power of loving and kind words!! Be the love you want to see in the world by taking this loving divine action now!!

03/27/2024

THOUGHT TO SHARE THIS WITH YOU ALL!!

Starting today, our community,Harmony By Karate has 33 days to change the world!! We will teach this in all sessions using the "power of loving words!" On the 33rd day, April 28th during our sessions, all whom participated will receive the Harmony Power Award!!!

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Location

Telephone

Address


76 West 85th
New York, NY
10024

Opening Hours

Tuesday 4pm - 6:30pm
Wednesday 4pm - 6:30pm
Thursday 4pm - 6:30pm
Sunday 11am - 2:30pm