A Life of Art, Adventure, Discipline, and Soul

Michael Malandra is a fine art photographer, painter, and lifelong martial artist whose work is rooted in resilience, creativity, and connection. With over 40 years of teaching martial arts, nearly three decades working security for comedian Andrew Dice Clay, and two decades capturing the world through a camera lens, Michael blends artistic vision with discipline forged through life experience.

From the red rock canyons of the Southwest to the sacred temples of Bhutan, his images and paintings reflect not just the beauty of the world, but the emotional depth, strength, and stillness found within it.

Michael’s journey began as a bullied kid who found empowerment through martial arts. That same quiet discipline now lives in every brushstroke and photograph. Whether he’s teaching students how to stand tall on the mat and in life or capturing the perfect moment in nature, his mission is to inspire others to feel, grow, and connect.

While martial arts and art remain his deepest passions, Michael also enjoys playing guitar. Music gives him another creative outlet, one that reflects the same sense of focus, feeling, and flow he brings to his work behind the lens and on the mat.

Through photography, artwork, music, and martial arts, Michael creates spaces both visual and physical, where people can reconnect with themselves and the world around them.

Explore his work, follow the journey, and discover the story behind every image.

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