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,…
Author: Ando Mierzwa
Ando Mierzwa is a martial arts teacher living in Los Angeles, CA.
#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…
#24: Facing Death [Podcast]
Welcome to Episode #24 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Facing Death.” Facing death is a necessary requirement to be a complete martial artist. But what may surprise you is that it’s also a requirement for living a happy life! Not sure why? Then listen in as we discuss the lessons we can…
Dealing with Death in Martial Arts
Dealing with death is a fundamental issue in the martial arts. After all, self-defense, in its most extreme form, is a kill or be killed situation. Sounds scary, doesn’t it? Yep! Which is exactly why I find the martial arts to be so challenging and so profound. To truly master martial arts, you must determine…
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…