People sometimes ask me how much training they need to be effective in a self-defense situation. My answer? None. Zip. Fact: Men, women, and children defend themselves every day with no training whatsoever. Sure, the news blasts you with stories about the crimes that get committed…but what about the crimes that don’t get committed? The…
Author: Ando Mierzwa
Ando Mierzwa is a martial arts teacher living in Los Angeles, CA.
#12: The Blonde Haired Warrior [Podcast]
Welcome to Episode #12 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, The Blonde Haired Warrior. Once upon a time, I was awakened in the middle of the night by a blood-curdling scream. I ran outside to discover a young, blonde haired woman— a brave blonde haired woman— whose actions that night taught me many…
One Trick Pony: Why Your A-Game Isn’t Good Enough
I have met many women who think taking a self-defense class is a waste of time because, heck, if a guy ever messes with them, they’ll just kick him in the groin. That always works. Except when it doesn’t work. You can miss. He can block. He can get kicked and keep fighting. You can…
#11: Are You a One Trick Pony? [Podcast]
Welcome to Episode #11 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, Are You a One Trick Pony? You may be really good at what you do, but what happens when other people are just as good… or better? The fact is that trying your best doesn’t mean you always win. But does that mean…
Martial Arts Don’t Lie…Do You?
People ask me why I practice martial arts. They never like my answer. Do I like to fight? No. Am I afraid of being attacked? No. Am I a health nut? No. Do I like wacky uniforms, bare feet, gongs, and incense? No. Actually, I don’t like any of those things. Especially bare feet. The…
Your Greatest Self-Defense Weapon
I am about to reveal the greatest self-defense weapon known to humankind. A weapon you have in your possession right now. A weapon that cannot be taken away from you. It never grows dull or runs out of ammunition. It can also be taken into schools and on board airplanes without a permit. What is…
#10: Greatest Self-Defense Weapon [Podcast]
Welcome to Episode #10 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, Greatest Self-Defense Weapon. People always ask me, “What’s the greatest self-defense weapon?” They’re always surprised when I tell them the best self-defense weapon is already in their possession, doesn’t require a permit, and never needs sharpening or reloading. So, what is it? Give…