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…
Author: Ando Mierzwa
Ando Mierzwa is a martial arts teacher living in Los Angeles, CA.
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…
Can You Use Fancy Moves in a Real Fight?
“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…
#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…