People love to make fun of Kung Fu. They see a guy with a long beard and silk pants hopping around, practicing fancy Kung Fu moves, and say, “That stuff won’t work in a real fight.” It’s not just Kung Fu, of course. People criticize Karate, Silat, Filipino martial arts… basically, anything that isn’t a…
Author: Ando Mierzwa
Ando Mierzwa is a martial arts teacher living in Los Angeles, CA.
Fight Back Against Back Pain!
Back pain is a serious issue in the martial arts. If you want to keep throwing punches and kicks at the age of 40, 50, and beyond, I’ve got a quick tip to help keep your back strong and your strikes powerful. If the video doesn’t load, you’ll find a summary below. But really, this…
Kicking Drill for Sparring and Fighting
Are you kicker? If so, I’ve got a kicking drill that’s going to make you a better fighter on the mats, in the ring, or on the street. If the video doesn’t play, you can find a summary below. Happy kicking! The Problem… Many martial artists throw solid kicks, but then let their foot fall…
Secret Martial Arts Techniques
I was a Boy Scout. As a young lad, I loved wearing the uniform, lining up in rows, reciting the Scout Law, and earning patches. It’s no surprise that I eventually signed up for Tae Kwon Do, which is basically Boy Scouts with kicks. It was in the Boy Scouts that I was first introduced…
#36: Secret Techniques [Podcast]
Welcome to Episode #36 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Secret Techniques.” Myths, legends, and secret techniques… the martial arts are full of them. But is any of that stuff for real? Join me as I venture into the hidden chambers to decode the secret scrolls that hold the ancient formula for success…
How to Spot a Bad Self-Defense Teacher
Do you know the difference between a good self-defense teacher and a bad self-defense teacher? A bad self-defense teacher makes fighting seem easy. Don’t believe the hype! Fighting for your life is not easy. That’s why it’s called fighting. In this video, I offer a reality check for anyone who has ever studied with a…
Are You a Real Fighter or a Studio Fighter?
Are you a real fighter or just a poser? I mean, can you fight? Really fight? If you’re a martial artist, you’ve probably questioned your fighting skills more than once. You’ve probably had friends and family question them, too. Hey, you’re a black belt—could you beat Ronda Rousey? Dumb question. And yet, I think about…