Welcome to Episode #115 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “How to Be a Good Judge.” Are you a good judge or a bad judge? In the martial arts (and in life!), I’ve definitely been both. But as I get older, I’d like to think I’m getting better at passing judgement. Whether we’re…
Author: Ando Mierzwa
Ando Mierzwa is a martial arts teacher living in Los Angeles, CA.
3 Sparring Tips for Beginners in Self-Defense
Can a few basic sparring tips make a difference in a real-life self-defense situation? Absolutely! I’m not saying that combat sports and self-defense are the same—they’re not! But there are some fundamental principles that apply to both. Here are a few I hope you’ll consider. You can watch the video below or scroll down for…
#114: Driving Without Brakes – A Warning for Martial Arts and Life
Welcome to Episode #114 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Driving Without Brakes.” I’ve done some stupid things in my life… but driving without brakes may be the stupidest! Of course, I didn’t plan on putting myself (and everybody on the road around me!) in danger, but it also wasn’t a big surprise….
#113: The First Technique in Martial Arts [Video + Podcast]
Welcome to Episode #113 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “The First Technique in Martial Arts.” Do you remember the first technique you learned in the martial arts? Was it a jab? A block? Maybe a breakfall? Whatever it was, let me ask you—would you say it was also the most important technique?…
Is Cardio Kickboxing a Waste of Time for Self-Defense?
Cardio kickboxing is a popular form of exercise, but is it an effective form of self-defense? While some may think cardio kickboxing is just a dance class with puffy gloves, I say it deserves a little more respect. Let me know if you agree! You can watch the video below or scroll down for the…
#112: Lessons from Being Choked Out [Video + Podcast]
Welcome to Episode #112 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Lessons From Being Choked Out.” When I started training in the martial arts, I practiced a long list of moves to escape from chokes. No air, no problem… right? WRONG! It turned out that there’s a big difference between a “practice choke” and…
#111: How to Make Martial Arts Techniques Work [Video + Podcast]
Welcome to Episode #111 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “How to Make Martial Arts Techniques Work.” You see a move. You learn a move. You try a move… …but it doesn’t work! ARGH! So frustrating. The truth is, sooner or later, we all hit a wall in our training. We all get…