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.
