“Where are all the fancy moves?” That’s what I wanted to know. When the internet emerged, I couldn’t wait to peek inside other martial arts schools to see what they were doing. So many styles! So much mystery! But each time I clicked on a video of Choy Lee Fut, Shorin Ryu, Praying Mantis, Hung…
Author: Ando Mierzwa
Ando Mierzwa is a martial arts teacher living in Los Angeles, CA.
#27: JD Mierzwa – Part 2 [Podcast]
Welcome to Episode #27 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, featuring Part 2 of my interview with longtime martial artist and fighter, JD Mierzwa. If you missed Part 1 of our conversation, you can find it here: “#26: JD Mierzwa – Part 1.” Part 2 goes even deeper into the topics of violence,…
#26: JD Mierzwa – Part 1 [Podcast]
Welcome to Episode #26 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, featuring Part 1 of my interview with JD Mierzwa. JD is a former bouncer, professional kickboxer, underground street fighter, cage fighter, prison guard, and sheriff. Currently, he’s a fitness trainer and MMA coach. He also happens to be my brother! Listen in as…
Interview with JD Mierzwa
JD Mierzwa has been a bouncer, professional kickboxer, underground street fighter, prison guard, sheriff, and cage fighter. Currently, he’s a fitness trainer and MMA coach. Oh—he’s also my brother! For as long as I’ve known him, I can tell you that JD pulls no punches—in a fight or in life. A longtime martial artist, JD’s…
How to Hit a Heavy Bag for Beginners
You see him in every gym. That crazy guy who has no idea how to hit a heavy bag. He wails away, screaming and grunting like a hippo that’s been set on fire. I hope that’s not you! If it is, I can help. Here are three quick tips that will immediately turn you from…
How To Punch in a Street Fight
Learning how to punch can be confusing. Especially when the gloves come off. Some people turn the fist, some don’t. Some hit with the big knuckles, some don’t. Some say you should never punch to the head in a street fight, some say that’s crazy talk. So, what exactly is the best fist for self-defense?…
Neck Exercises for Martial Arts
I’ve got a skinny neck, so neck exercises are an important part of my martial arts training… and they should be part of yours, too! In this video, I share some simple neck exercises to bring attention to a muscle group that doesn’t get enough attention from most martial artists. If the video isn’t playing,…