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... The post #122: Yin or Yang: A Tale of Two Black Belts [Video + Podcast] first appeared on Sensei Ando. 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... The post #121: Hero Worship in the Martial Arts [Video + Podcast] first appeared on Sensei Ando. 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... The post #120: Use It or Lose It [Video + Podcast] first appeared on Sensei Ando. The post #120: Use It or Lose It [Video + Podcast] 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,... The post #119: Lighten Your Load – The Double-Weighted Error [Video Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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... 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... 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... 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... The post #115: How to Be a Good Judge in Martial Arts and Life [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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.... The post #114: Driving Without Brakes – A Warning for Martial Arts and Life appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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?... The post #113: The First Technique in Martial Arts [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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... The post #112: Lessons from Being Choked Out [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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... The post #111: How to Make Martial Arts Techniques Work [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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?... The post #110: Close Your Mind to Learn More [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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... The post #109: Panic and Pandemonium | Self-Defense in a Crowd [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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... The post #108: The Hardest Part of Self-Defense [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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.... The post #107: The Art of Moving Furniture [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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... The post #106: It’s Okay to Suck at Martial Arts [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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... The post #105: Waiting to Die [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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 post #104: Participation Trophies [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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…... The post #103: Tools Not Rules [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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... The post #102: 3 Halloween Self-Defense Lessons [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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... The post #101: You Are the Dojo [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #100 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Throw the First Punch.” That’s right! We made it to Episode 100. I say “we” because if you weren’t here, I wouldn’t be here either, so thank you for your support! 🙂 In this show, I share my thoughts on two very different... The post #100: Throw the First Punch [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #99 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “You Are a Master.” Do you ever feel like a martial arts “loser”? Ever feel like you’re so far away from achieving your goals that you might be better off just giving up? STOP! I bet you’re doing just fine. In fact, I... The post #99: You Are a Master [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #98 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Tame Your Brain to Win the Game.” Are you too smart for your own good? Does overthinking get in the way of performing at your best? If you’re like me, the answer is YES! My mind is so busy judging, worrying, and arguing... The post #98: Tame Your Brain to Win the Game [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #97 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Little Pain, Big Trouble.” Pain is part of life… especially if you’re a martial artist! But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to minimize injuries and avoid trouble. Those should be your first priorities in studying self-defense, in fact! Even though I KNOW... The post #97: Little Pain, Big Trouble [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #96 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Decision and Action.” It’s common in self-defense training to focus on the speed of your punches and kicks… but how fast can you make a decision and take action? Like it or not, no matter how good you are at performing your martial... The post #96: Decision and Action in Self-Defense [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #95 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Respect for McDojos.” Is your martial arts school a “McDojo”? Could that term of derision ever be a good thing? I say YES! If your school or teacher is helping you reach your goals and improve your life, then keep going! Only you... The post #95: Respect for McDojos [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #94 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Don’t Be Water, My Friend.” We’ve all heard Bruce Lee say, “Boards don’t hit back.” You probably also remember his admonishment, “Don’t think–feel.” No doubt about it… Bruce Lee was full of good advice. But that doesn’t mean I agree with everything he... The post #94: Don’t Be Water, My Friend [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #93 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Cross-training Tips for Martial Arts.” Actually, a better title for this episode would be, “My First Ballet Class!” That’s right! I started taking online ballet classes a few weeks ago. No, not to become a better dancer, to become a better fighter! That’s... The post #93: Cross-Training Tips for Martial Arts [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #92 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Shouting at the Moon.” Stress is a part of life… especially this year! The challenge—if we want to maximize our health and happiness—is to find effective ways to face and manage that stress. Is martial arts training one way to do that? Absolutely!... The post #92: Shouting at the Moon [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #91 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “The Dark Side of Self-Improvement.” We all want to make our lives better in some way, right? Unfortunately, it might sometimes seem that the harder we work, the more difficult and frustrating life gets! That’s because self-improvement has a bright side AND a... The post #91: The Dark Side of Self-Improvement [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #90 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “12 Tips for a Happy Life.” We all a love a list, don’t we? Well, here’s a new one for ya! To be honest, I actually compiled this list a few years ago thinking it would make a nice poster someday… and maybe... The post #90: 12 Tips for a Happy Life [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #89 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Living in a Lockdown.” The Covid-19 lockdown has changed all of our lives… but is it possible that it might be for the better? My old routine and training habits have been shattered over the last 6 months, but I’ve been happily surprised... The post #89: Living in a Lockdown [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #88 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast with special guest, Sensei Andrea Harkins. Andrea Harkins is the powerful voice behind The Martial Arts Woman—a blog that offers a female perspective on the world of martial arts. She is also a life coach, the host of her own podcast, and the... The post #88: Andrea Harkins Interview [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #87 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast with special guest, Sensei Kris Wilder. Where do I begin…? First off, Sensei Kris is the owner and chief instructor of the West Seattle Karate Academy. He’s also the host of not one, but TWO podcasts— The Back Channel Martial Arts & Life... The post #87: Kris Wilder Interview [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #86 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast with special guest, Sensei Seth Adams. Sensei Seth is a lifelong martial artist-—his first Karate teachers were his own Mom and Dad! By the age of 14, he was responsible for teaching kids classes-—a calling he still enjoys to this day. Armed with... The post #86: Seth Adams Interview [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #85 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast with special guest, Ramsey Dewey. Fighters aren’t always the best teachers… or best communicators! So, it was a special pleasure to sit down with Ramsey Dewey, an MMA coach working in Shanghai, China. That’s right! Ramsey left the USA to open his own... The post #85: Ramsey Dewey Interview [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #84 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast with special guest, Sensei Jesse Enkamp, founder of KarateByJesse.com. You already know Jesse… and you probably LOVE him! Jesse Enkamp was born into Karate family and has devoted his entire life to developing and spreading that legacy far and wide. Student, teacher, blogging... The post #84: Jesse Enkamp Interview [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #83 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast with special guest, Sensei Jaredd Wilson. Who is Jaredd Wilson? Jaredd is the host of the long-running Martial Thoughts Podcast. For martial arts junkies looking for some intelligent and entertaining conversations, you’ll want to check it out. Oh, did I mention that I... The post #83: Jaredd Wilson Interview [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Forms and kata… a functional, practical training tool in the martial arts or a big waste of time? Join me and special guest, Sifu Randy Brown, for a lively discussion on the pros and cons of forms training. We’ve both gone through through phases of LOTS of kata and NO kata, so I think you’ll... The post #82: Are Forms and Kata a Waste of Time in Martial Arts? [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #81 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “The Law of the Jungle and Self-Defense.” Can a smaller, weaker animal survive an attack by a larger, stronger animal? The truth is UGLY, but I’m going to tell you anyway! If you can handle it, I’m going to examine the benefits of... The post #81: The Law of the Jungle and Self-Defense [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #80 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast with special guest, Menamy Mitanes. You can find a lot of show-offs in the martial arts… Menamy Mitanes is not one of them. But he could be! Menamy has not only earned black belts in Judo and BJJ, he is a certified instructor... The post #80: Menamy Mitanes Interview [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #79 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Two Teacher Types.” There are two major teacher types in the martial arts. Each has pros and cons, depending on what type of student you are! In this episode, I’ll share my experiences with both teacher types and offer my advice on how... The post #79: Two Teacher Types in Martial Arts [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #78 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “My First Fight.” When I was seven years old, my babysitter set me up to fight another kid in the neighborhood. Surprise! Even though the situation was totally ridiculous, the lessons I learned from that fight have stayed with me to this day.... The post #78: My First Fight [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #77 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast with special guest, Paul Read. If you don’t follow Paul’s work as a Tai Chi instructor, you should! Many people talk about expressing themselves through their martial arts training, but Paul is one of the few who actually does! I’ve been of a... The post #77: Paul Read Interview [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #76 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast with special guest, Chris Hanson. Chris Hanson is a school teacher, father, lifelong martial artist, founder of Karate Unity… and a really nice guy! As you’ll hear, Chris is on a mission to bring the martial arts community together by training with as... The post #76: Chris Hanson Interview [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #75 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Talk to Your Body.” Question—how well do you know your body? If you’re like me, you probably think some parts are strong and healthy… but you label other parts as weak, stiff, or just plain “bad”. You gotta stop that! Whether it’s due... The post #75: Talk to Your Body [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #74 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Inspiration and Motivation.” Do your friends talk about getting into shape? Starting a business? Writing a book? Tell them to give up! Don’t worry—you’re still a good person. But you should know that there’s a right time to help and a wrong time... The post #74: Inspiration and Motivation [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #73 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Punches in Bunches.” In business, relationships, and on the mats, the biggest winners I know are also the biggest losers! That’s because the secret to success isn’t always WHAT you do, but how often you do it. But the more you do something,... The post #73: Punches in Bunches [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #72 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Are You Ready to Fight?” No, seriously… are you? If some maniac suddenly jumped on you RIGHT NOW, are you prepared to fight back? Are your muscles tight? Will your clothes hold you back? Can you flip your mindset from calm to aggressive... The post #72: Are You Ready to Fight? [Video + Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #71 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Your Special Gift.” You never know when someone will change your life forever. You also don’t know when YOU will change someone else’s life forever! Is it possible that that you are changing the world without even knowing it? In this episode, let’s... The post #71: Your Special Gift [Podcast and Video] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #70 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Catching Another Thief.” Remember back in Episode #50 when I told you the story about how my wife and I helped catch a thief? Well, it happened again! I was a bit smarter this time, but still learned a HUGE lesson that I... The post #70: Catching Another Thief! [Podcast and Video] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #69 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Control Stress, Pain, and Fear.” We all have a breaking point. Stress, pain, fear, and doubt will control you and steal away your freedom if you let it. So, how do you stay in control when your mind and body freeze up? I’ve... The post #69: How to Control Stress, Pain, and Fear [Podcast and Video] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #68 of the Fight for a Happy Life martial arts podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Fauzia Lala for an inspiring chat about finding your identity and accomplishing your goals. Fauzia is the founder and head instructor of Defense Ninjas, an all-women’s self-defense program based in Seattle, Washington. She’s also... The post #68: Fauzia Lala Interview [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #67 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Walk Like a Warrior.” The way you walk tells a story to the world… but is it the story you want to tell? You change yourself for the better through training in the martial arts, right? But do you leave those benefits behind... The post #67: Walk Like a Warrior [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #66 of the Fight for a Happy Life martial arts podcast. In this episode, we welcome Nick Drossos from NickDrossos.com. Nick is a fitness trainer, self-defense instructor, and life coach based in Montreal, Canada. But with nearly 100 million views on YouTube, he’s changed lives all around the world! You can find... The post #66: Nick Drossos Interview [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #65 of the Fight for a Happy Life martial arts podcast. In this episode, we welcome back Sifu Matt Ember, long-time student and teacher of Kung Fu San Soo. You’ll remember Sifu Matt from a couple of videos on this website— Self-Defense Against a Bigger, Stronger Opponent One Tip to Learn Martial... The post #65: Matt Ember Interview [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #64 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast. This episode is a wisdom-packed conversation with martial artist Ritchie Yip. Ritchie is the founder and head instructor of InFighting Training Centers based in Vancouver, BC. He also has a growing YouTube channel loaded with helpful content on fitness, kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu... The post #64: Ritchie Yip Interview [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #63 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “True Confidence.” The secret to building confidence really isn’t a secret at all. The roots of confidence will always be preparation and experience. But… is that it? Is it possible to reach an even deeper level of faith in your capabilities… a level... The post #63: True Confidence [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #62 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast. In this episode, I had the privilege of chatting with Stephan Kesting, founder of: Grapplearts.com Self-Defense Tutorials.com and The Strenuous Life Podcast You may also recognize Stephan from some videos we’ve made together. How to Escape a Rear Naked Choke How to Take... The post #62: Stephan Kesting Interview [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #61 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “My Greatest Workout Tip!” Here it is… my greatest workout tip. It took me 48 years to figure it out, but better late than never! No matter how you choose to exercise—martial arts, yoga, weights, running—I believe this simple advice will change the... The post #61: My Greatest Workout Tip [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #60 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “I Don’t Know!” The greatest battle in the martial arts might be with your own ego. At least it is for me! Here’s an embarrassing story from my past where my ego won… and I lost because of it! To LISTEN to, “I... The post #60: I Don’t Know! [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #59 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast. In this episode, I catch up with Sifu TW Smith, owner of TW Smith’s Martial Arts Center and the host of one of my favorite martial arts programs, Kung Fu Podcasts. I can’t believe it took me so long to finally sit down... The post #59: TW Smith Interview [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #58 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast. In this episode, I catch up with Sifu Randy Brown of Randy Brown Mantis Boxing. You may remember Sifu Randy from a couple of videos we made together. In case you missed them, here are the links… Tips to Manage Distance in a... The post #58: Randy Brown Interview [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #57 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Wonder Woman and Superman.” What does it take to be a hero in today’s world? Not an easy question! Modern culture offers us a wide range of messages… and I’m sick of it! So, join me for a rant that I hope will... The post #57: Wonder Woman and Superman [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #56 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “A Religious Experience.” You never know when you might have a religious experience… or when you might be the cause of one! Join Ando in a discussion all about martial arts and reading signs from the universe. To LISTEN to, “A Religious Experience,”... The post #56: A Religious Experience [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #55 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “I Want You to Fail!” If you want to learn martial arts, then from the bottom of my heart—I want you to fail! Like it or not, failing is the only way to become a master. Unfortunately, our ego usually doesn’t agree! In... The post #55: I Want You to Fail! [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #54 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Facing a Death Threat.” What would you do if someone threatened your life? Would you be prepared to fight? Would you be able to walk away? Would you have the wisdom to know the difference between a real threat and an idle threat?... The post #54: Facing a Death Threat [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #53 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Are You a Martial Arts Zombie?” When we sign up for martial arts, we’re filled with passion and purpose. But how long does that last? One day, you find yourself showing up to class, going through motions, and have no idea if you’re... The post #53: Are You a Martial Arts Zombie? [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #52 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Martial Artists Are Weirdos.” Martial artists are not normal people… and that’s okay! In this episode, let’s take a closer look at what makes martial arts (and the people who practice them!) a little unusual. You can watch the video summary here or... The post #52: Martial Artists Are Weirdos [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #51 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast. In this episode, I sit down for an interview with Mr. Jeremy Lesniak. If you don’t know Jeremy, he is a lifelong martial artist as well as the founder of Whistlekick Sparring Gear and Apparel. Jeremy is also the host of Whistlekick Martial... The post #51: Jeremy Lesniak Interview [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #50 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Catching a Thief.” I live a pretty quiet life. So, when I got the chance to help catch a thief, I felt like Batman! In this episode, I share the story and the lessons learned about self-defense and living a happy life. To... The post #50: Catching a Thief [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #49 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Wining and Losing in the Martial Arts.” In the martial arts, winning can mean life and losing can mean death… but some martial artists seem to forget that. Or maybe just want to! In this episode, I share my thoughts on how to... The post #49: Winning and Losing in the Martial Arts [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #48 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Practice Time Tips for Martial Arts Mastery.” How much time do you spend practicing martial arts? Is it enough to become a master? In this episode, I share two pieces of advice to help anyone make the most of their practice time. To... The post #48: Practice Time Tips for Martial Arts Mastery [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #47 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Whining and Complaining.” Okay, I admit it—I like to talk. But if you ever catch me whining and complaining, do me a favor and slap me in the face! But before you do, give me one chance to whine and complain about people... The post #47: Whining and Complaining [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #46 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Think for Yourself.” Are you a leader or a follower? Do you go with the flow or think for yourself? Be warned—these are two very different ways to live your life. For me, only one will lead you to success in the martial... The post #46: Think for Yourself [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #45 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Self-Doubt in the Martial Arts.” Do you suck at martial arts? Do you ever feel like you’re wasting your time practicing all those fancy moves? Be warned! When it comes to success in self-defense or any part of life, doubting yourself won’t just... The post #45: Self-Doubt in the Martial Arts [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #44 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Black Belt Diet Tips.” Food can be our best friend… or our worst enemy! It took me years to figure out how to maintain a diet that would help me, not hurt me. So, if you’re interested in my journey to become a... The post #44: Black Belt Diet Tips [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #43 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “The Bully Handshake.” I got my hand crushed by a bully handshake once… and the pain taught me a lesson about self-defense and self-empowerment that I’ll never forget. Whether you train in the martial arts or not, I think you’ll find this lesson... The post #43: The Bully Handshake [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #42 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Relax! The Worst Advice in Martial Arts.” We all hear about the negative effects of stress, but what about the negative effects of relaxation? Is there a dark side to taking it easy? In this episode, a story about how being “chill” almost... The post #42: Relax! The Worst Advice in Martial Arts [Podcast + Video] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #41 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Back to Basics.” What did piano lessons teach me about being a better martial artist? A lot! In this episode, I share a few tips for building a better life by doing more of less, instead of less of more! To LISTEN to,... The post #41: Back to Basics [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #40 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Change Your Pants, Change Your Life.” In this episode, I share a powerful lesson in success I learned from an unlikely teacher… a homeless man. To LISTEN to, “Change Your Pants, Change Your Life”, you can either: Play or Download the show below.... The post #40: Change Your Pants, Change Your Life! [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #39 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “The Crazy Critic.” Advice is cheap. We all get it, we all give it. But let me ask you something… Are you a smart critic or a crazy critic? Seriously—do you give good advice that improves people’s lives or bad advice that just... The post #39: The Crazy Critic [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #38 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “The Perfect Sparring Partner.” Let’s face it—if you want to be a great martial artist, you can’t train alone… you need training partners. The more, the better! But what kind of person will make you the best you can be? Hint—it may not... The post #38: The Perfect Sparring Partner [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #37 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Spirit First.” As martial artists, we all train to be smart and skilled. But when it comes to self-defense, that may not be enough to save your life! You still need fighting spirit! Inspired by the instruction of Shotokan Karate founder, Gichin Funakoshi,... The post #37: Spirit First [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #36 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Secret Techniques.” Myths, legends, and secret techniques… the martial arts are full of them. But is any of that stuff for real? Join me as I venture into the hidden chambers to decode the secret scrolls that hold the ancient formula for success... The post #36: Secret Techniques [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #35 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Can You Really Fight?” Martial artists love to debate over what works in real life and what doesn’t. But no matter what style you choose, or which techniques you believe in, there’s an even bigger question that needs to be answered— Can you... The post #35: Can You Really Fight? [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #34 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Two Big Lies in Martial Arts.” The martial arts are full of myth and mystery… and a few outright lies! In this episode, I reveal the truth behind two big lies in the martial arts. These two lies will hold you back from... The post #34: Two Big Lies In Martial Arts [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #33 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Smaller Slower Weaker.” Ever feel that you’re not big enough to stand up to the big guys? Not fast enough? Strong enough? Me, too! It’s easy to feel intimidated, frustrated, and overwhelmed… not just in a martial arts class, but in every part... The post #33: Smaller Slower Weaker [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #32 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Lazy Lying Losers.” Ask anyone if they’re trying their best and they’ll probably say yes… but are they really? As a teacher, I’d say most students do NOT try their best. As a student, I’d say most teachers do NOT try their best,... The post #32: Lazy Lying Losers [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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... The post #31: Staring Down Success [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #30 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Ignorance and Arrogance.” Look, I’m not the world’s smartest guy. In fact, every day offers me reminders of how much I don’t know! But ignorance is something I can accept about myself. What I can’t accept, however, is arrogance. When I hear people... The post #30: Ignorance and Arrogance [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #29 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Meditation Tips.” Meditation is a powerful way to change your life, but many people turn away from meditating because they think it’s too difficult, too complex, or just too weird. I understand completely! With so many different schools of thought about meditation out... The post #29: Meditation Tips [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #28 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Lessons from Getting Beaten Up.” If you’re a dedicated martial artist, you know what it’s like to get battered, bruised, and beaten up. It may sound a little crazy, but that’s actually a good thing! Here’s the honest truth—some things in life can... The post #28: Lessons from Getting Beaten Up [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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,... The post #27: JD Mierzwa – Part 2 [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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... The post #26: JD Mierzwa – Part 1 [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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... The post #25: The Secret to Staying Positive [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

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... The post #24: Facing Death [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #23 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Mind and Muscle in Self-Defense.” With the popularity of combat sports like MMA and BJJ, it’s easy to think that every martial artist must also be an elite athlete. But that’s not true at all! Sure, you can get into great shape through... The post #23: Mind and Muscle in Self-Defense [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #22 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “How To Be a Master.” Many students seem to believe that just showing up to class is enough to become a master. But it’s not! The truth is even if you show up and work hard, you’re not guaranteed to become a martial... The post #22: How To Be a Master [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #21 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Just Let Go… and Win!” Holding on to your dreams can be the key to success…or the road to ruin! How can you tell when to keep fighting and when to just let go? In this episode, we break down the differences between... The post #21: Just Let Go…and Win! [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #20 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, Sparring and Self-Defense! When it comes to self-defense, complaining won’t save you. Neither will quitting. In self-defense, you have to take action to protect yourself. Well, guess what? The same is true for dealing with a bad sparring partner! This episode reveals a... The post #20: Sparring and Self-Defense [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #19 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, 7 Lessons from Bruce Lee. Bruce Lee is probably responsible for more people signing up for martial arts classes than anyone else in history. And I’m one of them! In this show, I share seven lessons from Bruce’s notebook, the Tao of Jeet... The post #19: 7 Lessons From Bruce Lee appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #18 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast with special guest, John Hackleman! In a world of posers and wanna-bes, John Hackleman is the real deal. He doesn’t just “do” martial arts, he lives martial arts. So, when I got the chance to sit down with the Pit Master himself, I... The post #18: John Hackleman Interview [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #17 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, The Language of Success. Most of us take how we communicate with the world for granted…which can lead us to failure or even put us in danger! Join Sensei Ando for a discussion on how to avoid being misunderstood and for easy ways... The post #17: The Language of Success [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #16 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, How to Get Things Done! Setting goals is one thing…finishing them is another! What keeps us from accomplishing everything we set out to do? No more stalling! No more procrastinating! Listen in as we talk about how to finish strong and how to... The post #16: How to Get Things Done [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #15 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, Injuries Are Good For You. Everyone suffers from pain and injuries. But how much you suffer is up to you! In this episode, we talk about the attitudes that hold us back when injuries and obstacles interrupt our journey to success. Is it... The post #15: Injuries Are Good For You [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #14 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, Faith in Your Fight. We all lead lives of faith of one kind or another. But how often do we put our faith to the test? Are your beliefs helping or holding you back on the road to success? In the martial arts,... The post #14: Faith In Your Fight [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #13 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, Paranoia Into Power. The world can be a scary place. You watch the news, read the headlines, and face your own strong of disappointments and disasters. Some days, the bad vibes can be so overwhelming you may not even want to leave your... The post #13: Paranoia into Power [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #12 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, The Blonde Haired Warrior. Once upon a time, I was awakened in the middle of the night by a blood-curdling scream. I ran outside to discover a young, blonde haired woman— a brave blonde haired woman— whose actions that night taught me many... The post #12: The Blonde Haired Warrior [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #11 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, Are You a One Trick Pony? You may be really good at what you do, but what happens when other people are just as good… or better? The fact is that trying your best doesn’t mean you always win. But does that mean... The post #11: Are You a One Trick Pony? [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #10 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, Greatest Self-Defense Weapon. People always ask me, “What’s the greatest self-defense weapon?” They’re always surprised when I tell them the best self-defense weapon is already in their possession, doesn’t require a permit, and never needs sharpening or reloading. So, what is it? Give... The post #10: Greatest Self-Defense Weapon [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to Episode #9 of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, Smash Through the Maze! Setting goals is simple…but reaching goals can be complicated! You might feel lost in a maze of obstacles. You might even want to give up. But before you fall to the ground and claw at the dirt to bury... The post #9: Smash Through the Maze [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to the eighth episode of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Surprise: The Way to Win.” The original meaning of the word surprise is to attack or capture suddenly. I’d call that a sucker punch! We discussed the “dark side” of surprise in Sucker Punched by Life. Now it’s time to talk about... The post #8: Surprise: The Way to Win [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to the seventh episode of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, Make Peace with Violence. Day after day, the headlines bring us stories of violence. The grief and outrage that result can be overwhelming… but it shouldn’t be! Join Sensei Ando as he discusses how violence shapes our lives and how to keep... The post #7: Make Peace with Violence [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to the sixth episode of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, The Invisible Path to Success. Do you ever feel you have nothing to show for all your hard work? Do you ever feel that successful people are just born that way? And that others, no matter how hard they try, are never... The post #6: The Invisible Path to Success [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to the fifth episode of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, Tips for the Little Guy! Ever feel like the little guy? Ever feel like you don’t have a chance against the big guys? Then this show is for you! Drawing inspiration from the humble bumblebee, Ando covers six tips and tactics to... The post #5: Tips for the Little Guy [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to the fourth episode of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, “Your Right to Fight.” No matter how smart you are, or whose advice you listen to, you’ll never be truly happy until you embrace your right to fight. This show is all about giving yourself the permission to do whatever it takes... The post #4: Your Right to Fight [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to the third episode of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, Sucker Punched By Life. In this show, we talk about — POW! — being sucker punched! No matter how much we try to eat healthy, stay fit, make smart investments, and connect with reliable people, life has a way of sneaking up... The post #3: Sucker Punched By Life [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to the second episode of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, Win Every Argument. Do you find yourself arguing with friends and family all the time? Do you avoid arguments at all costs? Do you think arguing is just a huge waste of time? Like it or not, argument is part of life.... The post #2: Win Every Argument [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.

Welcome to the first episode of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast, Are You a Fighter? In this show, I introduce myself (Hi there!) and the goal of spreading the wisdom of the martial arts to anyone and everyone. We then dive into the question of how we react when life blocks our pursuit... The post #1: Are You a Fighter? [Podcast] appeared first on Sensei Ando.