What thinking led a guy with a successful martial arts school in Austin, Texas, USA AND the Premier Inclusive and adapted martial arts program in the WORLD to sell it to his students and begin traveling around the world on a sailboat?
Simply put, Sayagyi (Elder Teacher) Daniel Carroll wanted to share both aspects of his Art with the world.
Sayagyi Carroll started the One World Martial Arts Federation , a 501 (c) 3 non-profit with the express goal of creating a network of martial arts schools of ALL STYLES AND SYSTEMS dedicated to providing high quality instruction to students with disabilities and special needs.
Many schools are interested in creating adapted programs, but many others are interested in learning about Thiang, Bando, Lethwei, and Naban – the fighting Arts of Myanmar. Sayagyi Dan has been training in the Arts of Myanmar since 1980 and loves to share the knowledge – so much so that the International Thiang Bando Association (ITBA) named him the “Ambassador” of their arts to the Americas in 2019.
In 2020, with the Covid-19 Pandemic hitting the disabilities community hard, Sayagyi created a complete online curriculum for American Bando, also known as the “Hanthawaddy System”. The program included adapted and modified training videos for students with disabilities and special needs.
It was during this time, that Sayagyi realized his desire to share the art was never going to go away. He also realized how much he missed travelling to teach and train! So, armed with the desire and ability to do so, he decided to set sail around the world and share his art with all who want to learn it. His wife is 100% dedicated to helping him achieve this dream and is an active partner in the business.
Daniel Carroll is a former Special Education teacher and has been teaching martial arts since 1994. In 2003, he developed a Martial Arts program utilizing some of the most forward thinking in Physical and Occupational Therapy.
Daniel began studying the Burmese art of American Bando (Hanthawaddy System) in 1980 at the age of eight. He currently holds a 6th level black belt with the ITBA and the 1WMAF, and is a 4 time National Champion of the American Bando Association.
In addition to American Bando, Sayagyi Carroll has trained in the kickboxing art of Lethwei, the grappling sport of Naban, and is a specialist in the Banshay Weapons systems of Myanmar, including the Kukri short sword taught in the Hanthawaddy system and made famous by the incredible Gurkha soldiers.
