Instructor Daniel Shaw-Abulafia

Full-time instructor and 3-time gold medalist in China

No matter how difficult things may get, whether it’s through training or in your personal life, never give up and always remember why you started in the first place. Use that to pick yourself up.

When Daniel started training at the age of 15, he found his first class quite difficult. However, he thought it was the best exercise he had ever experienced. Training Kung Fu meant that he could pursue something that he always wanted to do. This meant that no matter his struggles with dyslexia, speech and language, he was always able to set his mind to anything he wanted to achieve. He is a visual learner, and is able to use this skill during his daily practice and whilst teaching.

Whilst also training, Daniel attended college where he studied a BTEC in level 2 Art and Design, a BTEC level 3 in Media Production, a 2 year Art Foundation, and a HnD in Graphic Design.

In 2015, Daniel became a three-time gold medalist in China at International level. In 2023 he won a Gold and Bronze medal in the BCCMA National Championships, going on to win Silver and Bronze medals at the IWUF World Championships in China in the same year.

Classes

Daniel runs our Haringey club in north London, located near Waterlow park and roughly a 15-minute walk from Highgate station. The club offers both adult and children Kung Fu classes, in person and online, and new starters are always welcome.

The club is welcoming and inclusive and classes help you progress at your own pace. You’ll start by learning basic strikes, blocks, kicks, and stepping techniques, slowly building up your strength, speed, flexibility, and fitness.

View timetable

Instructor Daniel-Shaw-Abulafia presenting the Tiger Crane Kung Fu club in Haringey.

My Kung Fu journey

For many years, Kung Fu has been one of the most important parts of my life. From my first class at 15, to going through college, to competing, and then, eventually, teaching my own club. I have pretty much grown-up training and competing.

Every time I train, I always remember the reason why I started, how far I’ve come, and the reason why I continue. Even through tough times, it’s always important to get back up again, to keep moving forward, to keep training, and to always find a solution to reach your goals.

I always strive to become better and overcome challenges, but my main purpose will always be to do the right thing and to protect myself and the people I love.

In the more recent years, as an instructor, I have started to experience martial arts from an expanded perspective, as being able to teach people also means inspiring them to be whoever they want to be. Since starting to teach in Highgate, in late 2022, the number of students I have and how hard working they are is incredibly rewarding for me to see. Especially considering that I’m at a point where I am starting to have students who are winning medals. My students’ accomplishments are a huge reflection on myself as a competitor as well as a practitioner, which makes me extremely proud. I also believe that this is the best way to understand Kung Fu better as an instructor.

I have come to understand that when it comes to my Kung Fu journey (or any journey), the achievement at the end is not the most important thing, but the journey there is just as important.

“I started learning Kung fu with Daniel only a few months ago with no previous experience of martial arts. His lessons have been fantastic, I feel I have been able to progress quickly and have learnt much about the Tiger Crane style.”
Lindsey A.

“Daniel is a wonderful teacher who really understands how to appeal and communicate well with children. He has really inspired my son to work hard at his kung fu and would recommend him to anyone looking for an incredible teacher.”
Rebecca N.

“Daniel's classes have added discipline, physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, and fun to our week. My son looks forward to every session, practices all week, and misses them during the breaks! I am also delighted that my son has Daniel as a role model: a kind, thoughtful, strong young man.”
Karem R.

“Daniel’s classes have made a real difference to my son’s self confidence and physical control. My son never wants to miss a class. Daniel seems to take classes seriously, is always organised and good communicator, but also very approachable and motivates his pupils.”
Laura B.

“Our 10 year old very much enjoys training under Daniel's instruction. All the students get a good degree of individual support and this has helped our son improve his skills considerably during the past year or so.”
Alex G.

“Daniel is very encouraging with all the practising we do in lessons and is often fun in class too. I have benefitted from his lessons because they are calming and helped me to improve body awareness and strength.”
Oliver B.

Get in touch

Got any questions? Send Daniel a message using the form below – or contact him directly on +44 7792 641 465.

Kung Fu students sit crosslegged at the end of class.