Every martial artist seeks to improve themselves. For Daniele, the journey has been about seeking new challenges and knowledge wherever they could be found. Each time one path reached its natural conclusion, he chose to change direction, following the thread of growth and discovery.
Daniele has studied martial arts since he was a child; along his journey he has practiced Judo, Lam Kiun Pak Toi, Aikido, MMA and Boxing, until his personal path led him to discover Tai Chi. Initially practiced in Italy, he later decided to deepen his studies by moving to London to train under the guidance of masters Ding Teah Chean (John Ding) and Sifu Yeung Yew (Alan Ding), respectively 6th and 7th generation in the Yang lineage.
Sifu Teah Chean is the first disciple of Sifu Ip Tai Tak, who was himself the first and chief disciple of Yang Sau Chung, the 4th generation head of the Yang Family.
These disciplines left their mark: the conditioning of Lam Kiun Pak Toi, the basics of biomechanics and interaction following internal martial arts principles in Aikido, the flow and power of Boxing, and ultimately, Tai Chi Chuan.
Tai Chi came first as a dedicated way to embody Taoism, but quickly became a vessel to bring forward all his studies in martial arts, to deepen their understanding, and to experience spirituality.
Beyond martial practice, Daniele has spent over five years engaged in shadow work, inner work, and the study of spirituality and diverse traditions. His path was also shaped by studies in engineering, which enriched his analytical perspective, and by years of musical practice, which refined his coordination, rhythm, and sensitivity. This weaving of technical precision, creativity, and inner exploration has made him both a grounded practitioner and an attentive teacher.
Daniele is an instructor with the Master Ding Academy, holds certification as a coach with CIMSPA, and is a member of the British Council of Chinese Martial Arts (BCCMA), the UK’s governing body for Chinese martial arts.
Coaching Philosophy
Training with Daniele is about discovering the body, sharpening sensitivity, and learning to be present here and now. It is about finding a way to soften body and mind, passing through the effort and even pain; learning how to transform what is negative into something positive. His role as a coach is to give the “how to” and to point toward where to explore. Students are not asked to chase results, but rather to learn how to listen to the body and to forge it, changing old patterns with new ones. Tai Chi is, indeed, the art of change.
Finally, a class has to be a friendly place to be—where hard work meets kindness, where one can smile, and where training is made enjoyable. This is not indulgence, but applied physiology: smiling, even when effortful, can shift mood, ease tension, and support the body in bearing more work with resilience and balance.
Leaf Tai Chi 