Emily has been training in the martial arts for over eight years. She’s bright, hard-working, and athletic. A couple of months ago, Emily and I got together for a private lesson to help her prepare for a second degree black belt test. After a little warm-up, I asked her to perform a kata. She demonstrated…
Category: SELF EMPOWERMENT
Ideas for fitness of mind, body, and spirit.
#31: Staring Down Success [Podcast]
Welcome to Episode #31 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Staring Down Success.” Choosing a goal is one thing. Accomplishing a goal is another. Life is full of distractions, complications, and obstacles. Some of them are out there… and some are inside of you! How many times have you flinched in the face…
How to Meditate Without Losing Your Mind
Learning how to meditate can be confusing. As a martial artist, I have been exposed to more styles of meditation than I can remember. Some I found to be helpful, some bordered on insane. My first meditation teacher, however, wasn’t a martial artist at all. He was a man by the name of René Descartes….
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…
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…
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…
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…