Meet the instructor
Daniel Larivière, aka Lethwei Dan, is a world-class martial artist, professional fighter, and highly respected coach from Ottawa, Ontario. Known for his energy, creative expertise, and ability to inspire, Dan trains adults and kids alike, bringing the intensity of real combat into the gym.
Most recently, Dan became the Bad to the Bone Bareknuckle Muay Thai World Champion (UK) and challenged for the Bareknuckle Lethwei World Title in Slovakia, making him one of the few North Americans to compete in Lethwei, Myanmar’s fierce bareknuckle & headbutt art of nine limbs, widely regarded as the most brutal sport in the world.
After being named the 2013 Quebec Provincial MMA Champion, Dan began his professional career in MMA, competing on notable shows including NBC Sports’ World Series of Fighting (now PFL MMA) and TKO MMA, Canada’s largest MMA promotion. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, he is well-versed in both GI and NOGI competition, having captured gold 13 times.
Dan runs the Lethwei Dan Fight Academy at A Foot Above Fitness, where he teaches adults, coaches amateur fighters, and leads a kids’ program for ages 7 and up. His academy is a place where martial artists of all ages develop real-life skills that seamlessly transition from the mats to everyday life. Dan’s passion for martial arts drives everything he does, inspiring his students to reach their full potential while creating a community where like-minded individuals can level up together and thrive in a positive, team-focused environment.
Kids program
Give your child the gift of confidence, discipline, and strength with Lethewei Dan’s Fight Academy Kids Program at A Foot Above Fitness. In a safe, structured environment located within Ottawa’s premier gym, children will be guided by seasoned coaches who emphasize technique, respect, and physical literacy. This isn’t just about fighting — it’s about building character, teaching self-control, and empowering kids through martial arts.
Our class offers a dynamic mix of boxing, Muay Thai, and grappling — all tailored for young athletes. With age-appropriate drills, pad work, and movement exercises, kids develop coordination, balance, and endurance while learning the fundamentals of combat sports. The padded combat-sport room and regulation boxing ring at A Foot Above ensure that every child trains in a professional, well-equipped space.
But the real benefits go beyond physical fitness. Through Lethewei Dan’s coaching philosophy, students build mental resilience, respect for others, and a sense of community. They learn goal-setting, how to channel energy positively, and how to stay calm under pressure — qualities that will serve them long after class ends.
Parents love the program for its balance of fun and rigor, and kids keep coming back for the camaraderie, the thrill of mastering new skills, and the excitement of stepping into the ring (safely!). Whether your child dreams of competing or just wants to become stronger and more confident, Lethewei Dan’s kids program is the perfect place to start.
