Do you know how to take a punch? Whether you’re training in the martial arts for sport or self-defense, learning how to take a punch is a crucial skill. It may be even more important that learning how to punch! The basics of taking a punch are pretty simple— Keep your mouth shut Tuck your…
Author: Ando Mierzwa
Ando Mierzwa is a martial arts teacher living in Los Angeles, CA.
A Ridiculous Reason to Skip Class in Martial Arts
Last week, I set off for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class… and almost immediately turned around. Did I suddenly lose interest in BJJ? No. Did I suddenly become lazy? No. Did I suddenly decide to volunteer at the nearest Children’s Hospital? No… but maybe I should. The reason I wanted to turn around was simple— I…
The Worst Self-Defense and Fighting Stance
Martial artists may not agree on what makes up the best fighting stance, but I’ll bet we can all agree on the worst! In this video, I talk about the worst self-defense position that anyone—white belt or grandmaster—can find themselves falling into… whether they want to or not! But don’t worry—I also have a tip…
Why I Quit Tae Kwon Do
My first formal martial arts training was in Tae Kwon Do. I stayed long enough to earn my first black belt… but I never wore it! Instead, I went looking for a different art. Why? I’ve received that question in a couple of emails since my interview on the Martial Thoughts Podcast with Jaredd Wilson….
#33: Smaller Slower Weaker [Podcast]
Welcome to Episode #33 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Smaller Slower Weaker.” Ever feel that you’re not big enough to stand up to the big guys? Not fast enough? Strong enough? Me, too! It’s easy to feel intimidated, frustrated, and overwhelmed… not just in a martial arts class, but in every part…
Side Kick Tips for Power and Balance
Bad side kicks. You see them everywhere… Movies, commercials, fitness classes… even in kickboxing and martial arts classes! Models, actors, and wanna-bes all throwing side kicks with their knee crooked, toes sticking up, and sometimes even their tongue hanging out. Side kick like that in a real fight and you’ll get dropped on your head….
Are You Really Trying Your Best?
I love teaching. Handing down the martial arts wisdom that was handed down to me to the next generation of enthusiastic, hard-working, dedicated students is a responsibility that I take seriously. I’d actually call it a sacred duty. But there’s a huge problem—finding enthusiastic, hard-working, dedicated students is not an easy task! Most students quit….