You want to be a better martial artist. But what exactly does that mean? Earning a new belt? Winning a tournament? Learning a new kata? Throwing higher kicks? Feeling safer in a crowd? Many students don’t know what “better” means. They don’t know how to measure progress. They lack a clear idea of what success…
Author: Ando Mierzwa
Karate Ground Fighting: Tekki Shodan Bunkai
Naihanchi or Tekki Shodan is one of the oldest and most popular katas in karate. It’s also one of the most unusual. Over the years, I’ve been told the techniques were designed for fighting in alleys, on boats, on horseback, working as a bodyguard, or—my personal favorite—defending yourself while standing on a rice paddy. Hey—believe…
How To Land More Punches In a Fight
Learning how to punch is one thing. Learning how to land punches is another. In this video, I explain how to land more punches whether you’re sparring or in a real fight. The good news is that the secret to landing more punches comes down to fixing just one bad habit… …the bad news is…
#28: Lessons from Getting Beaten Up [Podcast]
Welcome to Episode #28 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Lessons from Getting Beaten Up.” If you’re a dedicated martial artist, you know what it’s like to get battered, bruised, and beaten up. It may sound a little crazy, but that’s actually a good thing! Here’s the honest truth—some things in life can…
What I Learned From Getting Beat Up
As a martial artist, I’ve taken more than a few beatings… and I’m thankful for every single one. Why? Because getting beat up teaches you lessons you can’t learn any other way. Crazy, but true! Learning isn’t always easy. Some lessons can only be learned the hard way. There are no hacks or shortcuts in…
Lessons Learned from a Dojo Light Bulb
I have been blessed to know many great martial arts teachers. But today, I’m going to share the surprising lessons learned from an unexpected sensei—a dojo light bulb. Here’s the story… A month ago, I walked into the dojo and noticed a burned out light bulb on the ceiling. I checked the cabinet for a…
How To Remember Kata for a Belt Test
It’s the night before your belt test. You wake up covered in sweat, terrified you won’t be able to remember your kata. What if I freeze? What if I do the wrong move? Everyone’s staring! AGHHH! I feel like an idiot! WHOA! RELAX! We’ve all been there, my friend… but you don’t have to stay…