Designations

Daniel Yeates (B.Sc.Kin.) started to train in martial arts when he was 7 years old, having watched his father teaching a variety of styles to different groups of students. Daniel's first art was ITF Tae Kwon Do, where he earned his full black belt at age 13 and he began to teach adult classes.

 

Daniel captured the following titles during his tournament career and 40+ wins :

• 2 x Canadian Light-Middleweight Champion

• World Champion - 2002 (ITF TKD World's - 27 countries)

• World Champion - 2003 (ITF TKD World's - 27 countries)

 

He has been fortunate to train under many Masters and Grand Masters, including his father, Ron Yeates, as well as Walter Zdeb, John Koeshall, Ray Dionaldo, Paul Vunak, Dan Inosanto, "Big" John McCarthy, Pedro and Guy Valente. 

Daniel, has a degree in kinesiology and sports rehab, and places a strong emphasis on human kinetics and developing athletic attributes in all practitioners.

Daniel and his father officially opened GMA in March 2005, and Daniel took over as President & Chief Instructor in 2013. He's responsible for the day to day operation of the academy and actively teaches all programs with the help of his black belt students.

 

In 2024, Daniel was asked by Sifu John Koeshall, to come to Texas to assist in teaching JKD & FMA techniques to elite-level military and law enforcement personnel.  In June 2024, Sifu John presented Daniel with his "Full Instructor" certificate, confirming his rank as the highest TTF instructor in Canada.  Sifu John is the Founder of the "TTF" (Thru The Fire Training Organization) with students in various countries around the world. Daniel and his father, Ron, are two of the original founding members of the organization.