Daniel is from SOM class of 2003. He is originally from Chicago, and his first teacher was the late George Izui of the BTC Shonen Kendo Bu. Daniel regards Yutaka Miyazaki sensei, the founder of the Choyokan Kendo Dojo and a graduate of Takushoku University, as having the most important influence on his Kendo development, as well as on his development as an adult and a human. Daniel also has experience in Kodokan Judo, Jodo, and Jukendo. In his spare time that is not spent in the dojo, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son, swimming and reading.