I have a skinny neck, which means learning how to survive a choke is a must! If I’m not careful, it’s not difficult for my training partners and, God forbid, real-life attackers, to get their grubby little arms under my chin and choke me out. But before I tap—or possibly die—there are a couple of…
Author: Ando Mierzwa
Ando Mierzwa is a martial arts teacher living in Los Angeles, CA.
Self-Defense Against a Bigger, Stronger Opponent with Matt Ember
Defending yourself against a bigger, stronger opponent is a common concern in the martial arts. In fact, it might be the whole reason the martial arts were developed in the first place! In this video, Sifu Matt Ember shares a quick tip to help someone smaller and weaker be more effective when facing a larger…
#52: Martial Artists Are Weirdos [Podcast]
Welcome to Episode #52 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Martial Artists Are Weirdos.” Martial artists are not normal people… and that’s okay! In this episode, let’s take a closer look at what makes martial arts (and the people who practice them!) a little unusual. You can watch the video summary here or…
How to Block a Punch for Self-Defense
Learning how to block a punch is the first lesson in many martial arts. But should it be? Here’s some advice for anyone looking to get better at blocking and dodging punches and kicks. Let me know if you agree! If the video won’t play, scroll down for a loose transcript. Stay safe, my friend!…
Self-Defense Mistake: Standing Still
Let’s talk about a common self-defense mistake that we should all stop making. What is it? Standing still! In this video, Sifu Randy Brown of Randy Brown Mantis Boxing shares a quick training tip that will help you stay safer in a real fight. If the video won’t play, there’s a short summary below. Happy…
#51: Jeremy Lesniak Interview [Podcast]
Welcome to Episode #51 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast. In this episode, I sit down for an interview with Mr. Jeremy Lesniak. If you don’t know Jeremy, he is a lifelong martial artist as well as the founder of Whistlekick Sparring Gear and Apparel. Jeremy is also the host of Whistlekick Martial…
How to Increase Your Speed for Martial Arts
If you’re looking to increase your speed, you’re not alone! I get more questions about speed and power in the martial arts than any other topics. I’ve already made a video about increasing power, How to Add Power to Your Punch, so now let’s talk about speed. Here come three quick tips plus one reality…