Sensei Ando: Recent Episodes
Ando Mierzwa: Martial Artist, Teacher
Welcome to Episode #124 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Stop Pulling Your Punches.”
It might sound harsh, but most people are holding back… not just on the mats, but in every aspect of life. They’re NOT maximizing their efforts and, therefore, NOT maximizing their successes. (Yes, including me!)
The question is WHY?
Or is it? Maybe before asking why, I should ask if you even agree? Perhaps you believe you ARE giving 100%… even if you’re not. It’s a common misimpression.
How does this happen?
In this episode, let’s dig deep to figure out if we’re truly working towards our dreams or just going through the motions. Along the way, I hope you’ll discover there’s more power in you just waiting to be unleashed!
Oh—two videos are mentioned in this episode. If you’d like to check them out, here are the links…
- One Tip for Powerful Punches
- Self-Defense Tip: Finish the Fight
Okay—check out the show, then let’s get out there and start throwing some full power punches!
To LISTEN to “Stop Pulling Your Punches,” just hit play below.
- Play the audio podcast below… or download to your device.
- Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Podcasts or Spotify.
To WATCH the video version or READ the transcript, scroll down below.
If you’d like to support this show, share the link with a friend or leave a quick review over on iTunes. Thank you!
Oh—and don’t forget to sign up for free email updates so you can get new shows sent to your inbox the minute they’re released.
Thanks for listening! Keep fighting for a happy life!
Stop Pulling Your PunchesHere’s a video of the podcast. If the player doesn’t work, you can click this direct link.
As always, if you’d like to keep the conversation going, feel free to leave a comment here or through my Contact Page.
TRANSCRIPTIn progress! Gimme a day. Thanks!
The post #124: Stop Pulling Your Punches [Video Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.
So, you want to work out and you don’t want to quit. Okay—here come eight tips to help you stay motivated and stick to it.
You can watch the video below or scroll down for the transcript. Either way, don’t give up!
Don’t Quit Working Out! How to Stay MotivatedTip # 1: Work out early. If you wait till the end of the day, life will get in the way. Almost every fit person I admire works out first thing in the morning. If that means you have to get up a little earlier, then do it.
Make being healthy your number one priority and make working out the first thing you do.
Tip #2: Sleep in your workout clothes. That might sound crazy, but if you do it, the second you open your eyes up in the morning, you’re ready to get started. You could even do some sit-ups or hold a plank under the blankets if you want to.
Tip #3: Leave equipment where you can see it. You know the saying—out of sight, out of mind. If you keep putting your equipment away, you’ll probably never use it. So, put a pair of dumbbells by the refrigerator. Leave some bands next to your bed. Keep a jumprope in the front seat of your car.
Put equipment IN your way so you can add mini-workouts all day.
For some cool exercises you can do with a towel in your bedroom or bathroom, click here:
Towel Workout for Martial Arts.
Tip #4: Drink more water. No, I don’t mean those wacky energy drinks… I mean, just plain, old water. Water keeps your brain, joints, and muscles functioning properly. That means more energy, fewer injuries, and quicker recoveries, and a clear head.
So, no more feeling tired or tight, drink water before, during, and after your workout.
Tip #5: Don’t measure anything. This is a tough one. Look—it took you years to get into the shape that you’re in right now, so it’s not really fair to expect to see big changes in just two weeks. Thinking like that leads to disappointment, which then leads to quitting. So, give yourself a month, maybe two, with no scale, no mirror, and no measuring tape. Just do the work.
Tip #6: Keep a journal. Get a notebook, a daily calendar, a note-taking app—whatever works for you—and instead of writing down what you’re going to do, make it a habit after every workout to write down what you’ve DONE. This does two things…
First, it gives you a record to analyze when you start tracking results down the road. Second, it will help build mental momentum. When you see the proof that you’ve been working out hard day after day, that will fire you up to keep going.
Tip #7: Work out anyway. Sick? Tired? Busy? Hey—so is everyone else! But that doesn’t mean you can’t do something. Take a walk. Push on a wall. Stand on one leg. Something!
Remember—doing something is always better than doing nothing. Even on your worst day, if you can force yourself to do one push up, you’ll give yourself a reason to be proud.
Plus, movement builds momentum. Force yourself to do one pushup, and I bet you’ll do more. So, no excuses—work out anyway.
Tip #8: Know WHY you’re working out. Ask yourself—why do you want to be in shape? To defend your family? To see your kids grow up? To hold on to your independence?
If you don’t know WHY you’re working out, you probably won’t. So, get clear—very clear—on what you want. Write it down. Get it tattooed on your forehead. Just don’t forget it! Because if your reason is good enough, you’ll never skip a workout again.
Okay, hope that helps! Try one or two (or all!) of these tips, then let me know how it goes. And start now—right now! Get off the screen and get on the floor for a push up… or 100.
Until next time, keep sweating, my friend and fighting for a happy life!
The post Don’t Quit Working Out! How to Stay Motivated appeared first on Sensei Ando.
Welcome to Episode #123 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “How to Build Courage in Martial Arts.”
Many people worry that they won’t have the courage to fight back against a real-life attacker… and that includes martial arts students!
It makes sense, really. You can build strong muscles and practice cool moves all day long, but when fear strikes, you might still find yourself curled up in a ball and frozen solid.
Don’t let that happen to you!
In this episode, I’ll share some tips to help you face your fears and build your courage… no matter what threats come your way. (Believe me—you’re not alone. I need these tips, too!)
If you’d like even more advice on overcoming fear—particularly when sparring—check out this video: How to Reduce Fear in Sparring and Fighting.
The good news is that you’re already brave… you’re already a fighter. Believe it! The big trick is simply not allowing anyone or anything to make you forget it.
Okay—let’s get started! Let me know what you think!
To LISTEN to “How to Build Courage in Martial Arts,” here’s the link.
- Play the audio podcast below… or download to your device.
- Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Podcasts or Spotify.
To WATCH the video version, scroll down below.
If you’d like to support this show, share the link with a friend or leave a quick review over on iTunes. Thank you!
Oh—and don’t forget to sign up for free email updates so you can get new shows sent to your inbox the minute they’re released.
Thanks for listening! Keep fighting for a happy life!
How to Build Courage in Martial ArtsHere’s a video of the podcast. If the player doesn’t work, you can click this direct link.
As always, if you’d like to keep the conversation going, feel free to leave a comment here or through my Contact Page.
The post #123: How to Build Courage in Martial Arts [Video Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.
Welcome to Episode #122 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Yin or Yang: A Tale of Two Black Belts.”
There are many paths to choose from in the martial arts… but how do you know if you’re on the right one? Wait—there’s actually an even bigger question to think about—
Should you be following in someone’s else’s path at all?
Don’t get me wrong—I’ve been blessed to train under several amazing teachers over the years, but the fact is they all believed in different things! One says do this, one says do that.
As a student, it’s been confusing (and frustrating!) to seek advice from teachers I respect, only to receive concepts and tactics that completely contradict one another. I’ll bet that’s happened to you, too!
So, in this episode, let’s see if there’s a greater wisdom hiding behind all of that well-meaning, but conflicting advice. Is it possible we’re not supposed to choose between Yin or Yang? Is it possible to walk a path that reconciles both?
Check it out and let me know what you think!
To LISTEN to “Yin or Yang: A Tale of Two Black Belts,” here’s a link.
- Play the audio podcast below… or download to your device.
- Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Podcasts or Spotify.
To WATCH the video version, scroll down below.
If you’d like to support this show, share the link with a friend or leave a quick review over on iTunes. Thank you!
Oh—and don’t forget to sign up for free email updates so you can get new shows sent to your inbox the minute they’re released.
Thanks for listening! Keep fighting for a happy life!
Yin or Yang: A Tale of Two Black BeltsHere’s a video of the podcast. If the player doesn’t work, you can click this direct link.
As always, if you’d like to keep the conversation going, feel free to leave a comment here or through my Contact Page.
The post #122: Yin or Yang: A Tale of Two Black Belts [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.
Welcome to Episode #121 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Hero Worship in the Martial Arts.”
We all need teachers and role models in the martial arts… but can following a leader become harmful at some point? Is it possible to show a teacher too much respect?
YES! If we’re not careful, our humility as a student can be transformed into hero worship. Once that happens, it becomes impossible to maximize our skills and build true confidence. And without true confidence, your ability to defend yourself is greatly diminished.
Be careful! It’s happened to me… don’t let it happen to you!
In this episode, I’ll share a couple of stories that not only showed me the dangers of constantly seeking a teacher’s approval, but also helped me figure out how to train with a balance of humility and confidence. As a result, as you may know, I created and awarded myself my own black and white belt! 🙂
Here’s to healthy training habits and learning to become your own hero!
To LISTEN to “Hero Worship,” here’s a link.
- Play the audio podcast below… or download to your device.
- Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Podcasts or Spotify.
To WATCH the video version, scroll down below.
If you’d like to support this show, share the link with a friend or leave a quick review over on iTunes. Thank you!
Oh—and don’t forget to sign up for free email updates so you can get new shows sent to your inbox the minute they’re released.
Thanks for listening! Keep fighting for a happy life!
Hero Worship in the Martial ArtsHere’s a video of the podcast. If the player doesn’t work, you can click this direct link.
As always, if you’d like to keep the conversation going, feel free to leave a comment here or through my Contact Page.
The post #121: Hero Worship in the Martial Arts [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.
Welcome to Episode #120 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Use It or Lose It.”
Some people say martial arts is like riding a bike… I don’t! I say use it or lose it!
The fact is that no matter how hard you train, you can’t practice everything all the time, which means some skills will always end up being neglected. But wait—the situation is worse than you think.
Unfortunately, a lack of time is not the only reason you will see your hard-earned skills slipping away… not by a long shot!
So, consider this your wake-up call. In this episode, I’ll break down the three major reasons (and a few minor ones) our capabilities get rusty. But I’m warning you in advance—you can’t always stop the corrosion and rot.
Put simply, life is a losing game! Whoa. That sounds bleak, doesn’t it?
Don’t worry—along with the bad news, I’ve also got a four-step formula to help you hold on to your skills for as long as possible. So, don’t give up yet!
To LISTEN to “Use It or Lose It,” here’s a link.
- Play the audio podcast below… or download to your device.
- Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Podcasts or Spotify.
To WATCH the video version, scroll down below.
If you’d like to support this show, share the link with a friend or leave a quick review over on iTunes. Thank you!
Oh—and don’t forget to sign up for free email updates so you can get new shows sent to your inbox the minute they’re released.
Thanks for listening! Keep fighting for a happy life!
Use It or Lose It – A Martial Arts WarningHere’s the video. If the player doesn’t work, click this direct link.
As always, if you’d like to keep the conversation going, feel free to leave a comment here or through my Contact Page.
The post #120: Use It or Lose It [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.
You hear it all the time in the martial arts—“That move won’t work in a real fight!” But does anyone really know what they’re talking about?
Here’s my judgment about all that judgment!
You can watch the video below or scroll down for the transcript. Keep it real, my friend!
That Won’t Work in a Real Fight!Howdy! Ando here from Happy Life Martial Arts. You know those martial arts moves that make everybody laugh at on the internet? The ones that make people say, “That move would never work in a real fight.”
Well, you can hear those same comments in actual martial arts schools.
One time, I was at a knife defense seminar. The instructor started off by saying, “Hey—this isn’t the movies. You can’t go around kicking knives out of people’s hands.”
Then we started some free sparring defense drills. A guy got up and BOOM… kicked the knife right out of the teacher’s hand. We all had a good laugh.
Then the next round started. Same guy… BOOM… he did it again!
Speaking of knives, I recently saw a video of a woman being robbed at a convenience store by a guy with a large knife. The woman grabbed the blade of the knife, flipped it around, and then chased him out of the store with it.
Now, are you going to hear many self-defense teachers telling their students to grab the blade of a knife? No. But did it work in that instance? Yes.
So, what’s going on? How do you know if a technique is going to work in a real fight or not? The answer is you don’t.
Look—anyone can be killed. Let’s start with that fact. It doesn’t matter what you train or how you train, anyone can be outnumbered, caught off guard, or make a mistake.
There are simply no guarantees in self-defense.
So, you might be thinking, what’s the point of training in the martial arts?
It’s all about playing the odds. The odds are that for most people, most of the time, some training is better than no training. The odds are, for most people, most of the time, keeping your hands up will protect you from getting knocked out.
In the same way, facing your attacker will be safer than turning your back and kicking at the knee will be safer than kicking to the head.
That’s what training is all about—building habits that work for most people, most of the time.
So, if that’s true, then where do all the fancy moves fit in?
Consider MMA. Just when someone says, “That fancy technique would never work in the cage,” somebody does it.
Spinning head kicks, jumping off the fence, rolling in for a leglock, passing guard with a backflip… you name it, I’ll bet you can find a clip of somebody doing it. Which is why I always say—
No technique works all the time, and any technique might work sometime.But if you’re playing the odds, then you should practice the rear naked choke. The rear naked choke is statistically the most successful submission in UFC history. Does that mean a front choke or an Ezekiel choke won’t work?
Not at all! It just means they don’t work as often.
For a little more on the topic of “fancy moves”, check out, The Truth About Fancy Kung Fu Moves.**
Of course, sports combat is far more predictable than real-life self-defense. In real life, you don’t know when you’ll be attacked, how big the guy will be, if he’s got buddies, if they’re armed, or if their goal is to rob, beat you up, or kill you.
You also don’t know where you’re going to be, how you’ll feel, who you’ll be with, or what you’ll be carrying.
Therefore, we train to build the best habits we can and hope it will all work out. And the best habits are the ones that work for most people, most of the time.
So, when it comes to judging moves, I’ll say again, “No technique works all the time, and any technique might work sometime.”
But hold on—Is all this talk about what works and what doesn’t really the most important question? No. The most important question is not about the technique, it’s about the person doing the technique.
If you get caught off-guard and freeze up, it doesn’t matter what techniques you know. You’re in trouble!
But if you train to stay calm, trust your training, and trust your instincts, then you’ll have the capability to try just about anything. Maybe you’ll do something you’ve trained a thousand times before… or maybe you’ll do something you’ve never done before. Or a combination of both! Who knows? Life is crazy.
Of course, we’re talking about two separate skills here—1) your ability to execute a trained technique and, 2) your ability to improvise. You need to practice both. And while you do, remember this—
You are the art. Your body. Your mind. Your choices.
So, practice fighting with your favorite techniques… and practice fighting without your favorite techniques.
Along the way, listen to advice, but never let the limitations of others stop you from developing what feels right for you. That crazy move that everyone is laughing at today may become your go-to, signature move that either wins you a tournament or saves your life.
Bottom line—I wouldn’t walk around saying this move or that move won’t work in a real fight, because the truth is we’re all just playing the odds. No two people are exactly the same and no two situations are exactly the same.
That’s what makes life so much fun… and so terrifying. Until next time, embrace the chaos, my friend… and keep fighting for a happy life.
The post Will Your Self-Defense Techniques Work in a Real Fight? appeared first on Sensei Ando.
Welcome to Episode #119 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Lighten Your Load – The Double-Weighted Error.” The art of Tai Chi Chuan is often criticized (or even mocked) in modern martial arts circles. Of course, much of that criticism comes from people who have never researched or practiced the art whatsoever! Typically,...
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Welcome to Episode #118 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “How to Get More from Your Martial Arts Practice.”
You train hard… but are you getting everything you can out of your martial arts practice? Probably not!
Don’t worry—in this episode, I share three practice tips that will pay you back with BIG results. At least they did for me!
No, they’re not magic. No, they’re not quick ‘n’ easy. But if you’ve ever felt stuck in a rut, these might just be what you need to hear… and do!
Especially if you’ve ever felt like QUITTING martial arts completely, this episode is for you!
Before you walk away from all that time and effort you’ve invested in training, give these three tips a try. Heck, try even one!
Yes, I believe even a little martial arts makes life a whole lot better, but sometimes if you give just a little bit more, you can get a LOT more in return!
To LISTEN to “How to Get More from Your Martial Arts Practice, here’s a link.
- Play the audio podcast below… or download to your device.
- Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Podcasts or Spotify.
To WATCH the video version, scroll down below.
If you’d like to support this show, share the link with a friend or leave a quick review over on iTunes. Thank you!
Oh—and don’t forget to sign up for free email updates so you can get new shows sent to your inbox the minute they’re released.
Thanks for listening! Keep fighting for a happy life!
How to Get More from Your Martial Arts PracticeHere’s the video. If the player doesn’t work, click this direct link.
As always, if you’d like to keep the conversation going, feel free to leave a comment here or through my Contact Page.
The post #118: How to Get More from Your Martial Arts Practice [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.
Welcome to Episode #117 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Bad Advice in the Martial Arts.”
You get a lot of advice as a martial arts student… you probably give a lot of advice, too! But is it possible that all of that good advice is actually bad advice?
In this episode, I’m examining five pieces of popular advice that might not be helping anyone. In fact, these teaching clichés might be making your life harder! Here are the five suspects—
- Relax.
- Don’t use so much muscle.
- Leave your ego at the door.
- Stop doing the same technique–try something different.
- Don’t give up.
Any of these sound familiar? 🙂
Don’t get me wrong—there are good intentions behind all of these training tips, so I’m not saying you’re a bad person for repeating them. But I am saying that there’s a right time to share these words of wisdom and a wrong time… it’s that crucial judgment that makes the difference.
To LISTEN to “Bad Advice in the Martial Arts”, here’s a link.
- Play the audio podcast below… or download to your device.
- Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Podcasts or Spotify.
To WATCH the video version, scroll down below.
If you’d like to support this show, share the link with a friend or leave a quick review over on iTunes. Thank you!
Oh—and don’t forget to sign up for free email updates so you can get new shows sent to your inbox the minute they’re released.
Thanks for listening! Keep fighting for a happy life!
Bad Advice in the Martial ArtsHere’s the video. If the player doesn’t work, click this direct link.
As always, if you’d like to keep the conversation going, feel free to leave a comment here or through my Contact Page.
The post #117: Bad Advice in the Martial Arts [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.
Welcome to Episode #116 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “You Got This.”
Confidence is a tricky commodity. If you have too much—trouble. If you have too little—trouble!
Especially in the martial arts, place too much faith in your skills, you might wind up dead. But place NO faith in your skills, you might also wind up dead!
With those high stakes in mind, let’s discuss the effort to find the right balance between confidence and humility. Along the way, we’ll look at the Dunning-Kruger effect, belt tests, self-defense demos, and a few tips to get more out of your training.
(For all you Boy Scouts out there, there’s also a shout out for the Totin’ Chip award!)
To gain a more accurate measure of your knowledge and skills, you can LISTEN to “You Got This” here:
- Play the audio podcast below… or download to your device.
- Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Podcasts or Spotify.
To WATCH the video version, scroll down below.
If you’d like to support this show, share the link with a friend or leave a quick review over on iTunes. Thank you!
Oh—and don’t forget to sign up for free email updates so you can get new shows sent to your inbox the minute they’re released.
Thanks for listening! Keep fighting for a happy life!
You Got This!Here’s the video. If the player doesn’t work, click this direct link.
As always, if you’d like to keep the conversation going, feel free to leave a comment here or through my Contact Page.
The post #116: You Got This! Confidence in the Martial Arts [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.
Welcome to Episode #115 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “How to Be a Good Judge.”
Are you a good judge or a bad judge? In the martial arts (and in life!), I’ve definitely been both. But as I get older, I’d like to think I’m getting better at passing judgement.
Whether we’re talking about fighting styles, techniques, and training methodologies or art, food, and people, how can we be sure we’re making the right decisions? Is there a way to see the world clearly and avoid making mistakes?
In this episode, I’ll share some mistakes I’ve made as well as some strategies to maximize success in your training, career, and relationships.
Don’t get me wrong—I still make mistakes! But I’ve gotten better at swallowing my ego, making corrections, and moving forward towards my goals. So, if I can get closer to being a good judge, I believe you can , too!
To LISTEN to “How to Be a Good Judge,” you can either:
- Play the audio podcast below… or download to your device.
- Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Podcasts or Spotify.
To WATCH the video version, scroll down below.
If you’d like to support this show, share the link with a friend or leave a quick review over on iTunes. Thank you!
Oh—and don’t forget to sign up for free email updates so you can get new shows sent to your inbox the minute they’re released.
Thanks for listening! Keep fighting for a happy life!
How to Be a Good Judge in Martial Arts and LifeHere’s the video. If the player doesn’t work, click this direct link.
As always, if you’d like to keep the conversation going, feel free to leave a comment here or through my Contact Page.
The post #115: How to Be a Good Judge in Martial Arts and Life [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.
Can a few basic sparring tips make a difference in a real-life self-defense situation? Absolutely! I’m not saying that combat sports and self-defense are the same—they’re not! But there are some fundamental principles that apply to both. Here are a few I hope you’ll consider. You can watch the video below or scroll down for...
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Welcome to Episode #114 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Driving Without Brakes.” I’ve done some stupid things in my life… but driving without brakes may be the stupidest! Of course, I didn’t plan on putting myself (and everybody on the road around me!) in danger, but it also wasn’t a big surprise....
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Welcome to Episode #113 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “The First Technique in Martial Arts.” Do you remember the first technique you learned in the martial arts? Was it a jab? A block? Maybe a breakfall? Whatever it was, let me ask you—would you say it was also the most important technique?...
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Cardio kickboxing is a popular form of exercise, but is it an effective form of self-defense? While some may think cardio kickboxing is just a dance class with puffy gloves, I say it deserves a little more respect. Let me know if you agree! You can watch the video below or scroll down for the...
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Welcome to Episode #112 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Lessons From Being Choked Out.” When I started training in the martial arts, I practiced a long list of moves to escape from chokes. No air, no problem… right? WRONG! It turned out that there’s a big difference between a “practice choke” and...
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Welcome to Episode #111 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “How to Make Martial Arts Techniques Work.” You see a move. You learn a move. You try a move… …but it doesn’t work! ARGH! So frustrating. The truth is, sooner or later, we all hit a wall in our training. We all get...
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Welcome to Episode #110 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Close Your Mind to Learn More.” We all know that a martial arts student should keep an open mind, right? But should it stay open forever? Is it possible that you can keep learning even when you close your mind to new information?...
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Not everyone believes in hard sparring… but I do! In this video, I’ll share two important benefits of sparring, plus three tips to make sure you get the most out of your training time. Of course, safety is always the main goal in self-defense… and that includes during sparring. But if you can find a...
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Welcome to Episode #109 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Panic and Pandemonium.” In self-defense, facing a single attacker is never easy. Now imagine defending yourself from 80,000 people! That sounds crazy, but that’s basically what happened to me. In this episode, I’ll share the story of a young, inexperienced security guard (that’s...
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Want to take your martial arts training to a new level? Try practicing naked! Yes, I said naked! Practicing in the nude will give you a whole new perspective on how you move your body. As a result, it can help you improve your balance, speed, and power. To be clear, I’m not telling you...
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Strength, flexibility, cardio, explosiveness… it’s all important. But when it comes to self-defense training, which attribute should be your top priority? To get the most out of your practice time in the martial arts, you might want to consider my opinion. If you agree, let me know! If you don’t, let me know that, too!...
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In traditional martial arts, you will practice many different stances. But which stance is the most important? HINT: It’s probably the first one you ever learned! Whether you train in Karate, Taekwondo, or Kung Fu, here’s a tip that will put a spotlight on a crucial stance that you may be overlooking. You can either...
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Welcome to Episode #108 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “The Hardest Part of Self-Defense.” I have some bad news–the hardest part of self-defense is something you can’t change or stop. What am I talking about? Knowing how far to go when defending yourself. Here’s the problem–bad guys have a plan. They know...
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Welcome to Episode #107 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “The Art of Moving Furniture.” I moved twice in the last year—first from L.A. to Raleigh and now to a new place 6 miles up the road. That means I have spent a ridiculous number of hours packing, lifting boxes, and hauling furniture....
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Welcome to Episode #106 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “It’s Okay to Suck at Martial Arts.” After almost two years of hiding out from Covid, I finally stepped outside and joined a BJJ school. Well, re-joined, actually. And guess what? I SUCK! Yup. I may only be two years older, but I’m...
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Welcome to Episode #105 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Waiting to Die.” My wife and I once found ourselves in a scary situation. Fortunately, we lived to tell the tale… so I’m going to tell it! Of course, you don’t need to survive a scary situation to remind you that life is...
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Are some martial arts techniques more important than others? Yes! And I’d say the jab is number one! Whether you practice the martial arts for self-defense, fitness, or fun, in this video, I’ll tell you why I decided to practice this basic punch in every training session… and why you should, too. You can either...
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I get questions all the time about stretching the legs. Even though I’m not known for doing full splits, I’ve already made two videos on how to improve your flexibility. The first one covers the PNF stretching technique, which helped me a lot back in my high-kicking days. The second gives you a few tips...
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Welcome to Episode #104 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Participation Trophies.”
Awarding trophies for participation, as opposed to the actual winning of an event, is a controversial topic. But should it be?
Over the years, I’ve seen the good and the bad side of awarding participation trophies… and the crazy side! In the end, my vote is in favor of the practice… depending on HOW it’s executed. In fact, I’d say it’s no different from awarding belt ranks in the martial arts!
In this episode, I’ll share my thoughts on the value of recognizing effort and celebrating first steps on and off the mats. Is it possible that simply showing up to try really is more important than being the best?
Listen to my rant, then let me know what YOU think! Thanks for participating. High-five for you. 🙂
To LISTEN to “Participation Trophies,” you can either:
- Play the audio podcast below… or download to your device.
- Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Podcasts or Spotify.
To WATCH the video version, scroll down below.
If you’d like to support this show, share the link with a friend or leave a quick review over on iTunes. Thank you!
Oh—and don’t forget to sign up for free email updates so you can get new shows sent to your inbox the minute they’re released.
Thanks for listening! Keep fighting for a happy life!
Participation Trophies Here’s the video. If the player doesn’t work, click this direct link.
As always, if you’d like to keep the conversation going, feel free to leave a comment here or through my Contact Page.
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Welcome to Episode #103 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Tools Not Rules.”
Is there a difference between sticking to a routine and being stuck to one? YES, absolutely!
If you’ve ever felt like a failure for skipping a workout or been stressed out for missing a class, this episode is for you… because you shouldn’t feel that way!
When exactly did your martial arts training turn from being a joy to a job? The answer is simple—the moment you started to focus on rules instead of goals. Once that happens, you may quickly find yourself on a path towards self-destruction instead of self-improvement.
But don’t worry—I’ve got a solution!
Join me for a discussion all about control, responsibility, self-defense, and free will. Let’s make sure the tools you choose are working for you, not against you!
To LISTEN to “Tools Not Rules,” you can either:
- Play the audio podcast below… or download to your device.
- Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Podcasts or Spotify.
To WATCH the video version, scroll down below.
If you’d like to support this show, share the link with a friend or leave a quick review over on iTunes. Thank you!
Oh—and don’t forget to sign up for free email updates so you can get new shows sent to your inbox the minute they’re released.
Thanks for listening! Keep fighting for a happy life!
Tools Not Rules Here’s the video. If the player doesn’t work, click this direct link.
As always, if you’d like to keep the conversation going, feel free to leave a comment here or through my Contact Page.
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Welcome to Episode #102 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “3 Halloween Self-Defense Lessons.”
When I was a kid, Halloween was a big deal. That’s because in our town, you were allowed to “trick or treat” for TWO nights instead of just one!
Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that while life can certainly bring you treats, it can also bring some serious tricks. Hopefully, my tragic story will help you write a story of triumph!
Okay—to be fair, my story isn’t really “tragic”, but it sure felt that way at the time. 🙂
Either way, I’ve got some self-defense advice to help you bolster your personal safety as well as strengthen your pursuits of success and happiness. I hope you can join me!
To LISTEN to “3 Halloween Self-Defense Lessons,” you can either:
- Play the audio podcast below… or download to your device.
- Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Podcasts or Spotify.
To WATCH the video version, scroll down below.
If you’d like to support this show, share the link with a friend or leave a quick review over on iTunes. Thank you!
Oh—and don’t forget to sign up for free email updates so you can get new shows sent to your inbox the minute they’re released.
Thanks for listening! Keep fighting for a happy life!
3 Halloween Self-Defense Lessons Here’s the video. If the player doesn’t work, click this direct link.
As always, if you’d like to keep the conversation going, feel free to leave a comment here or through my Contact Page.
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Welcome to Episode #101 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “You Are the Dojo.”
A few years ago, I made a video called, The World Is Your Dojo. The message—that you can learn anywhere, from anyone, at any time—is still a good one. However…
…it’s not the whole story! In fact, I’d say I missed the most important point.
In this episode, I’m going to explain how the lockdowns we experienced during the Covid pandemic not only changed the world, but changed my mind about dojos.
After all, aren’t you a part of this world? So, then it makes sense that you are a dojo, too! The only question is—what kind of dojo are you?
Is your dojo open or closed? Quiet or noisy? Changing or stagnant?
Let’s talk about making sure our dojo is the best it can be and accepting our role as both a student and teacher in the martial arts… and in life.
To LISTEN to “You Are the Dojo,” you can either:
- Play the audio podcast below… or download to your device.
- Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Podcasts or Spotify.
To WATCH the video version, scroll down below.
If you’d like to support this show, share the link with a friend or leave a quick review over on iTunes. Thank you!
Oh—and don’t forget to sign up for free email updates so you can get new shows sent to your inbox the minute they’re released.
Thanks for listening! Keep fighting for a happy life!
You Are the Dojo Here’s the video. If the player doesn’t work, click this direct link.
As always, if you’d like to keep the conversation going, feel free to leave a comment here or through my Contact Page.
The post #101: You Are the Dojo [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.
We all want a strong grip. But if you’re not careful, you can end up with a weaker grip due to a “trigger finger”.
That’s what happened to me. Don’t let it happen to you!
If the video won’t play, click this link. Transcript below. Happy training!
Tip for a Strong Grip TRANSCRIPT Howdy! Ando here from HLMA. Today, I’ve got a tip to help you build a strong grip. But first, let me give you a warning. As you can see, I’ve had a problem with my hand lately. The cause?
Too much squeezing my hand and not enough extending it.
It’s called trigger finger. Now, I’m not a doctor, but I can tell you that my trigger finger was basically an overuse injury. Maybe you can relate.
If you’re a martial artist, you probably spend a lot of time punching, grabbing, swinging sticks and staffs, maybe messing around with weights and battle ropes, but let me ask you—how much time do you spend extending and stretching your fingers?
Well, if you keep squeezing your hand all the time, you can develop a nodule. It’s just like a callous, but instead of being on the outside, it’s on the inside, on your tendons. If that nodule gets too big, it gets stuck, which means your finger gets stuck. Which sucks! So what can you do when that happens?
First, I tried resting it for a couple weeks. Didn’t work. Then I tried wearing a splint for a couple months—even when I slept. Didn’t work. I tried ice, heat, massage, two cortisone shots, swearing, and jabbing it with a pen—didn’t work.
No joke—for a year and a half, I was unable to make a solid fist or play the violin. To be fair, I don’t own a violin, but what if I wanted to?
Ultimately, I had to say yes to a little surgery, which believe me, is a real pain in the hand. And I don’t want that to happen to you, so if you want a strong grip, here’s my advice.
1) Listen to your body. I have a confession. For months before my finger locked up, I would wake up in the middle of the night with stiff hands. I figured it was just arthritis because I’m getting old, but it was actually overuse. My body was telling me to let my hands rest, but I didn’t want to hear that. I wanted to train.
Don’t make that mistake! Whether you’re learning a new skill or grinding away at an old skill, always give your body time to adapt, heal, and recover. Your body is talking to you through fatigue, soreness, and pain. Listen to it.
2) Balance your training. I have another confession—I am guilty of ignoring my own advice. You might have seen a video I made years ago about a shoulder injury. The cause? Too much pushing and not enough pulling.
You can find that video here:
Tips for Shoulder Flexibility.
Oops—I did it again! Yes, I still believe in strengthening your grip by flexing and squeezing your fingers closed, but I also believe in extending and stretching your fingers open. So, here are some quick ideas to help you balance out your training for a strong grip.
Finger Lifts Finger lifts. Leave your hand flat on a table and lift your fingers one at a time. Like playing a piano upside down.
Finger flicks. Pretend to send a spitball across the room with each finger.
Finger drags. Touch your fingertips together on a table or your leg, then just slowly drag them across the surface until your fingers are extended.
Rubber bands. Wrap a rubber band or two around your fingers and just play with it.
Passive stretches. Relax your hand and slowly push your fingers back. It should feel good!
Rubberband stretches It’s not complex—just open your hand!
Now, you might be wondering how many reps? How many sets? How many days of the week? To answer that, let me give you the answer a physical therapist gave me when I was rehabbing my shoulder—one for one.
Yup. Each push should be paired with a pull. Each flexion should be paired with an extension. One for one.
Okay. Another confession… I didn’t do that and there’s no way I’m ever going to do that! I mean, if I’m punching a heavy bag, I’m not gonna count how many times I squeeze my fist and then stand there for another round stretching a rubber band the same number of times.
But what I AM going to do, and what I recommend that YOU do, is whatever you can whenever you can. What does that mean?
It means that now you’re aware that an imbalance in your training can lead you to serious problems, so any effort you make to balance your training is better than no effort.
Maybe you focus on hitting the heavy bag when you’re at the gym, but focus on stretching your fingers when you’re on the couch watching TV. Or maybe if you spend a lot of time curled up in a defensive crouch or in a turtle position, you also spend some time opening your shoulders and expanding your chest when you’re in the car or stand around waiting in line. The point is this—
Be aware of what you’re asking your body to do and make time to do the opposite, too. Man, I love a good rhyme. Or a bad one. Anyway, listen to your body and balance your training.
Push/pull. Flex/extend. Train/rest. Take/give.
That’s a smart way to live—physically and spiritually. If you liked this video, thanks for sharing with someone who needs to hear it. Until next time, consider taking a violin lesson, my friend, and keep fighting for a happy life.
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