Many styles, the same spirit

 

IBF © 2010

Born in 1966, Villmergen, Switzerland. I was raised in 3 different countries as we moved around a lot, the countries: Switzerland, Sweden, and Italy I started my karate training in 1987.


I have over the years worked in many different fields such as, computing, brick laying, barman and P.E teacher just to mention some. At present I am a proud Barista a Bar Italia in Gothenburg.


Chief instructor of Ten Chi Jin Martial Arts Sweden.


Board member of the International Bujutsu Federation technical committee and grading panel.


I have trained Qi Gong, and Tai Chi for many years and since 2007 MMA. What job I ever had did not matter too much in my life as long as I could train my body and mind in karatedo I was happy.


It all started with my wish to get a healthier lifestyle, I changed my eating habits and begun my training, actually it just happened to be karate! I still have my healthy lifestyle after 20 years.


I remember that day in September 1987 that changed my life, as soon as the training begun I felt at home. I do not know what it was but I felt at home! For a long time after my training sessions I went home to train even more, it was the hunger to learn and improve that urged me!


As with everything in life you seek something new when your knowledge has reached a certain level. What I learned in my first Dojo that is very valuable to me was to work hard and train hard and I am glad and thankful for that but other than that it felt empty, always doing the same things. Doing the same things without any development is useless for your spirit. It is like you would live inside a box and regard it and accept it as your universe when there is a whole universe to discover just outside the thin walls of your little box. The process of learning is never-ending, you should always be looking for more! Be curious!


Well, there was an absence of depth and knowledge about the origin of karatedo, which was found at another stage of my search for new knowledge in another country. I learned principles that could be applied to any technique, whether it was karate, Tai Chi, jiujitsu or plain kumite. The problem is often that students just accept what their superiors tell them without questioning why and what. When you reach a certain level, let us say 1st dan (difficult to say exactly as we all are different) it is your duty to ask questions. You do not learn for somebody else you learn for yourself, and you have a responsibility towards yourself.


The IBF is the perfect forum for people that have become stuck in old tracks and want something new, with no strains attached.


Welcome to the IBF!


Danielo Di Feola