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…
Tag: self-defense
#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,…
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…
#25: The Secret to Staying Positive [Podcast]
Welcome to Episode #25 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “The Secret to Staying Positive.” We all know that positive thinking is critical for building a happy life. But being positive and staying positive in a world full of stress and strife is easier said than done! In this show, Ando discusses how…
Stay Positive and Stay Alive
I’m a positive person—most of the time. I start every day with a good attitude and high hopes. But in a world of crime, corruption, and calamity, it can sometimes be difficult to stay positive. You know having a positive attitude is essential for building success and happiness, yet how often do you feel your…
Speed Training Will Save Your Life!
If you don’t include speed training into your martial arts practice, you’re making a big mistake. A mistake that could cost you your life. Wait—what about Tai Chi? They practice slowly. Are you saying millions of students are wasting their time? Not at all. I practice slowly, too. But I also practice at full speed…
The Attitude I Hate Most in Martial Arts
You run into lots of different attitudes in the martial arts. Let me tell which one I hate the most— Smug. Confident? I like. Cocky? I don’t mind. But smug? There is absolutely no place for that in the martial arts. Or anywhere. And yet… Years ago, after an Aikido class, I was sitting on…