Testimonials

Having been diagnosed with Celiac and Fibromyalgia at the age of 26, I knew I had to make some huge lifestyle changes. But going gluten free simply wasn’t enough. I believed to be on a better path nutritionally but continued to face many obstacles when it came to my overall health. Daniel not only helped me realise exactly what my body was lacking but also helped me understand the power behind the mind and body connection. Daniel showed genuine interest in helping me and continues to show me his support to this day with his patience, open heart and is most likely the best listener I know. He took the time to learn my entire history and made it a mission of his to help me begin living a healthier life. For this I am forever grateful.

-Annick Obonsawin

(Actress /Voice actress)

Sou Brasileiro e estava com muita dificuldade de conseguir me adaptar a dieta local ( Tailândia ) mantendo o peso no qual geralmente me encontro no Brasil. Na academia conheci o Dan que então organizou um plano alimentar, o qual além de me fazer conseguir baixar meu peso me proporcionou uma visão muito mais ampla e financeiramente acessível, gastando menos e comendo muito melhor. Muito mais que me orientar nutricionalmente, Dan me apresentou um leque de informações que me ajudaram que incrementaram em Meu bem-estar e deram um upgrade como atleta também.

(Translated from Portuguese to English)

Im a Brazilian and I was having a difficult time adapting my diet to the Thai local diet and keep my usual weight. At Sitsongpeenong I met Dan who organized me a nutrition plan which allowed me to not only reduce my weight but gave me a much more ample vision and also was financially accessible. More then nutrition, Dan introduced a wealth of information which helped me improve my well being and also upgraded my athletic ability.

-Bernardo Braga

(Model/Professional Fighter)

"The Nutrition Plan Dan made me, gave me the ass of a goddess and a great six pack tummy. Never been so strong, never felt that good! Big love to Dan❤"

-Mathilda Lange

(Professional Fighter)

"I am actually very sad Dan is no longer training in Toronto. Dan is an incredible trainer because he LISTENS to what you want. He develops exercises for your body type and for the transformation you want. Not all bodies are created equally and everyone has specific goals and Dan helped me accentuate my figure and keep my femininity while still pushing my fitness to crazy limits. He is an incredible chef as well. Everything he makes tastes 5 star but is so healthy. I highly recommend a cooking class from Dan or his meal plans! All around incredible fitness and health mentor."

- Eleni Nico

(Actress)

"Hey Dan thanks for your plan man. Im feeling better at training. I have more power, i am eating clean and enjoying it. Thanks for everything man!"

-Pau Illana

(Professional Fighter)

"Hi Dan :) wanted to thank you for the yoga classes during my stay at Sitsongpeenong :) Really good addition to the muay thai training :) I loved it and am going to keep up the good work ;) Thanks for all the good words and inspiration! You are a really great teacher! Wish you the best."

-Janne Christin Dimmen Thunes

(Professional Fighter)

A great way to improve your health! I have worked with Dan for over a month and have had the privilege of him teaching me yoga and writing up a nutrition plan for me. I have never done yoga before, and to be honest, never had an interest in doing so. Apart from Dan showing us cool and exciting yoga positions that look scary and felt that I was incapable of doing, he taught us very calmly and educated us a lot throughout the sessions. After a few sessions, the scary positions became something that I can see myself doing with some more practice that I am very excited in achieving! For the nutrition plan, Dan asks you to complete a form about your past history and other information, which he uses to writes up a very informative nutrition plan. The best thing about this plan is that it is a platform for teaching and educating you about what food is good for you and which isn’t. It is not just a ‘diet plan’ but it is something that you can follow, learn from and adapt according to your lifestyle. The best thing about this is that Dan actually genuinely cares about you and wants you to succeed and be the best you can be!

- Karolina Pupelyte

(Fighter)

"Dan's intuition provides a fantastic training experience with his life coaching capabilities! I wondered into one of his yoga sessions a wounded warrior. I once was a trainer myself and suffered tremor from the intense training of once being a Boxer, Runner, Muay Thai and weights fanatic. The injuries I sustained weighed me down physically and emotionally. I knew that my hidden warrior was still there, I just needed help finding her again. With the strength of a warrior, wisdom of a yogi, understanding and dedication Dan helped me find the strength to stand strong again. As sessions progressed my back pain decreased and confidence restored. Dan has great information about food and nutrition. I loved hearing about his culinary secrets.

Thank you Dan!"

-Emma Unger

(Yoga Teacher)

"Okay, where do I start I had a total of 4 sessions with Dan and I must say I was impressed with the workouts. What makes him unique is that he doesn't give up on you, which helps you not give up on yourself. The stamina that was built from exercise to exercise allowed me to see results in my endurance in just a couple of sessions. I don't know what kind of magic Dan does but he's created a beast, because of him I go to the gym everyday JUST because . I'm excited to see my progression and growth and recommend Dan to anyone as he is truly an artist at what he does."

- Tachia Montague

(YouTube Psychic)

I met Dan when training at Sitsongpeenong October 2015. He was easy to get along with and had time for anybody. After finding out Dan was also running Yoga classes from the gym, I decided to put my hand up and give it a shot (for the first time). I got a lot out of the classes and felt great after them. If you are looking at improving your range of motion or even just after something different then give it a go!

- Chris Davey

(Fire Fighter)

"Training with Kru Dan I was able to benefit from his extensive experience training in and competing in authentic Muay Thai. His comprehensive approach involved evaluating my Muay Thai technique, my physical preparedness, my flexibility, and my diet, and providing corrections and guidance in each category based on his knowledge as a trainer, fighter and nutritionist. This lead to measurable improvements in my performance, my fitness, and my general well-being. He is an instructor that brings enthusiasm and passion for Muay Thai to every session. As such, he makes a great effort to ensure I achieved growth across all categories, from solidifying my foundation to developing my understanding of advanced technique."

-Kirille To

"I had the privilege of being instructed in fighters yoga by Dan on a weekly basis over a 7 week period while living and training in a Muay Thai boxing gym. This Yoga was strengthening and stretching specific for fighters. I found Dan to be patient and calm in instructing each position and able to work with both new and experienced class members. I would recommend Dan's classes and look forward to being part of them again when I am back in the country."

-Clair Odell

"The Yoga classes I had with Dan were great! It was my first time doing yoga and I found the instruction easy to fallow. When moving to more difficult positions I was given the help and support needed to get me further along into the position correctly. And before joining, I thought yoga would be to easy for me. Thank You!"

-Corinne Meade

"Just wanted to thank Dan on his great personal training skills. HIGHLY RECOMENDED! I only got a couple sessions in since his return from Thailand before he had to go back. And it feels like it was a whole months worth. We started off with pad work and then did clinching and technical sparring. I must say even though it was only a few sessions my technique has improved, and my clinch is 100x better. Also after a couple sessions Dan recommend he record our training sessions to see improvements and downfalls. And it was one of the best things ever. If only all my training sessions were like this. I feel more confident in my skill level now and can't wait for more."

- Anton Tony Dominkovic

"Dan the Man... where are you? At a time when I was struggling and doubting my own abilities and direction - you came along at the perfect time. Thanks for the pad work pal. I know I struggled a lot and my energy was low but somehow you got me back on track and helped solidify my basics again...and it's all about the basics. The clinching was great! The little tricks you taught me have been put to good use for myself- and yes, I've shared the knowledge with my students! Looking forward to hooking up again and spending some time training together again. Work hard - play hard...live easy. Take care kid.

- Douglas Bowers

"I came to Thailand to train Muay Thai and I found Dan's Yoga classes an extremely beneficial addition to my training regime. Firstly, it gave me the much needed stretching to help with recovery and increasing flexibility. It offered a time to relax and de-stress from the rigorous training, while at the same time improving core strength and balance. Dan is attentive and tailors the classes to all levels that everyone can participate and are challenged appropriately. Whether your are actively training or simply looking for an activity on your vacation, I highly recommend Dan's Classes.

-Chanelle Mcleod

"Dan is a knowledgeable and exceptional trainer. Not only did I receive value from the physical training, but from the diet and meal planning as well. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to get to the next level."

- Elias Markos

"I met Dan at Sitsongpeenong Muay Thai gym in Phuket, Thailand. I was really struggling with my fitness when I first arrived and sought out Dan to write me a nutrition plan. I was super impressed with his professionalism and the detail he went into for me. His research was very thorough and he spent over an hour going through the plan he had written for me. Not only did he detail what foods I was to eat but also explained in simple terms why he had each food in my plan. It all made complete sense to me and this has made it easy to stay on track with the plan. Within days I was feeling 100% better and my training output had increased dramatically. I can very highly recommend Dan to anyone who is looking to improve their diet whether it be for fitness or just a healthier lifestyle. Not only is he a great nutritionist but a great bloke as well"

 - Nigel Pearson

"Just finished my 5th yoga session with Dan at Sitsongpeenong Muay Thai Gym in Phuket. It's crazy that it such a short amount of time I've achieved so much! My breathing techniques have improved, feel like I have more balance, can shut off during meditation and I've almost completed my first head stand and crow position ever! This has all been down to Dan's guidance and positive energy. Just wish I was here longer! Wish you all the best for the future 😊"

-Emma Thomas

"Dan work for 7 months with our clients, a lot of whom had never before and if they had, , they were not fans. Dan had a really professional and laid back approach with these clients and he took people from the point of hating yoga and not wanting to do it, to really enjoying it. I could not believe how much some of the clients progressed! One client who started out absolutely not wanting to partake to loving yoga and even perfecting some very difficult positions in little time. I also enjoyed the classes immensely and I count not recommend Dan enough as a yoga teacher. Cheers"

-Grainne Farrell, Hiring Manager for Unit 27's "Operation Transformation" program

"I just wanted to thank Dan Kotsos for all his help over the past 2 months writing me up bespoke food plans and offering overall exposure to working out and changing my body for the best and more importantly in the correct way! 

A massive shout out to him for not only helping me get closer to my goals but helping me feel better and stronger and putting me on the right path!"

- Jay Collins

"Dan was hired to teach culinary at my gym, Elite Fitness, located in Chalong, Phuket. He taught us how to make healthy and tasty hamburger patties, resting them on portobello mushroom caps, sided by cajon baked sweet potato fries. For dessert, a mango white chocolate matcha parfait. The customers really enjoyed the demo. His skill and sense of humor made the step by step instructions easy to fallow. The meal tasted great! We look forward to having Chef Dan in again."

- Jen Yoffe Manager of Elite Fitness

"Daniel is a great chef he did a great job advising and preparing easy to make meals at Elite Fitness of Chaolong, Phuket. The food was great and the clients were very happy with his healthy and tasty meals and desserts."

-Joe Faustian Asst. Manager of Elite Fitness

"When I first got to Thailand I heard there was a nutritionist/meal plan expert at the training camp I was at, so I decided to have a go and see if it would amplify my results. Thats when I met Dan, he created a meal plan for my intended goals and helped me smash them. He checked in with me from time to time to ask how I felt on the plan and as things went on he would make little tweaks to it here and there depending on how I was reacting to the meal plan i.e. feeling strong/weak, tired/energetic. Not only had I lost 40 LBS but I felt better then I ever had. If you struggle with nutrition or losing weight like I have then Dan's the guy you want to see. A great motivator, nutritionist and a solid guy as well. He will help get you to where you need to go as long as you do your part to succeed. "

-Kristopher Kormos

To start off, I never had the pleasure of meeting Dan because he was in Thailand at the time we started my nutrition and exercise plan.

 We communicated through Messenger! It was time for a Life change and I started with Dan. I learned so much because he broke down everything for me about the foods we should be eating versus the garbage we continue feeding and harming ourselves with! Dan also asked me about my exercising which I was only doing twice a week and now I'm upto 5-6 times a week thanks to Him. Every so often He continues to Boost it for me. He always makes sure that I'm continuing on the right tract because he truly cares and wants me to succeed and stay healthy and he'll definitely do the same for you, no doubt about it!

-Nikki Georgiou

"I got set up with an amazing meal plan to help me day to day. Dan has also been great in keeping up with my progress and making sure to be available incase I had any questions. The recipies that he suggested are all absolutely delicious. Definitely made me change the way I look at each meal. The energy levels during training have also been a great improvement"

- Kirill Fraidine

"Thank you Dan for helping with yoga!! Your classes really helped my Muay Thai and flexibility! I had so much fun in your classes! Thank you again"

-Tegan Moore

"I joined Dan's yoga classes to improve my stretching and high kicks, ended up completely addicted to trying hardcore yoga poses that indeed helped me with my Muay Thai training, but were also fun and rewarding on their own. Months later, I still try some of them and take funny handstand pictures wherever I go. These classes were a highlight of the whole Muay Thai in Thailand experience and a must for whoever is training on a regular basis. Plus, Dan is one of the coolest guys I've met." 

-Martin Rodriguez

"I had the pleasure of meeting Dan in Phuket and taking his yoga classes, easy instruction and catered well for my first time. I found it easy to understand and very sore/painful in parts, yet rewarding!

- Kru Scott Moss

"I had the pleasure of taking part in Daniels Private cooking lessons a few months ago! He was an extremely knowledgeable, talented and passionate chef with a lot of patients. (Which was needed since I'm not exactly a good cook) He taught us how to make a delicious soup, but most importantly, how to make our own broth which is the fundamental ingredient in every soup! I now have my own broth recipe which I use in every soup I make and no longer have to by boxed broth from the grocery store!!! Daniel is also a fantastic yoga instructor!! His calmness and peaceful flow in his classes allowed me to really take my mind off of everything else and just enjoy the moment. He pushed me to push my own limits and made me realize that I could do more then I thought I could! His positive energy and state of tranquility is what makes him a perfect yoga instructor."

-Sophia Georgopoulos

"Thanks to Dan's diet plan and his nutritionist expertise, (coupled with a gruelling two hour muay thai workout) I managed to lose 11% body fat in just 22 days! way to go Dan! highly recommended"

- Mustafa Alam

"Christmas of 2015 into New Year I finally travelled to my first muay thai training camp, something I wanted to do since 1990. Long time waiting. I met Dan in training, got along talking from day one. He got me to try out the yoga classes he was teaching every other day, basing it around areas for good movement. First couple of sessions I noticed a difference. Breathing more easily and being looser it also helped me with my joints as I have some bad injuries which required operating on. Dan is also such a nice guy to talk to in general and very patient with the difficult yoga posses he wished you to perform. I never thought to try yoga, being testosterone fueled made me think it was for girls, glad I did. Big thanks to Dan."

-Andy Jones

"I met Dan while training and fighting Muay Thai in Thailand early 2015. I noticed very quickly that Dan was the guy in the gym that everyone went to for advice, wether it be on technique, diet or even minor aches and sprains. Soon enough I was also pestering him for help. He did not mind at all. In fact he loved helping people so much he would even sacrifice his own personal training time for the benefit of others. At the time I was struggling with my energy levels and fighting a losing battle with weight loss. Dan offered to write me up a nutrition plan and within days I was feeling like I hadn't felt in years and the weight started falling off. Dans plan was like nothing I'd ever seen before, it went against everything I'd tried previously on my weight loss journey. It did not limit anything like carbs or food intake in general. But rather balancing my protein, fat and carb intake for the lifestyle I was leading. Plus specific supplements with a reason why he chose those ones. His plan was not only focused on my goals, but to improve my health and well being in general including cancer preventative measures due to my family history of it! It also included a guide to safe weight cutting and rehydrating correctly which was a big help and made heaps of difference in my fight performance. With most nutritionists, I imagine you get a plan and thats it. With dan though, there was early a day while I was settling in to the diet that I did not bother him with a message to ask a silly question. But just like the gym, he genuinely cares about his clients and enjoys answering the questions to ensure we're on the right track! I was also fortunate enough to take part in Dans yoga classes. Having never done anything of the sortI was a little nervous but I was quite surprised at not only how quickly I as able to pick it up but at the benefits of regular yoga sessions. After the time spent in Thailand I consider Dan a good friend and all around top bloke! I would not hesitate recommending him to anybody, weather they be looking for a yoga trainer, Muay Thai coach or Nutritionist." 

-Steve Kafrouni

I recently just got back from a family holiday in Phuket, Thailand. While there my partner and I came across Dan's Yoga class and thought we would give it a go. 

Within the first class we were trying poses that I never thought I would've been able to do. Dan showed three stages in each pose so that it was possible for anyone at any level to achieve. 

We did three classes in total with Dan and after each class we would go back to the family and the them all about it. My sister and mum were so impressed that they were keen to give it a go also and ended up loving it as much as us. I wish we had more time to continue Dan's classes as he was very encouraging and supportive the whole way through. I highly recommend Dan's Yoga Class for everyone.

Tarryn O'Hehir

So grateful for the amazing beach yoga class delivered exclusively by the awesome Dan. A comprehensive guide through Hatha Flow and poses with offerings for all levels of yogis in a beautiful setting! 

Thanks Dan!

-Ilka Lebbink

First of all, Dan is an absolute legend! I was lucky enough to meet Dan when I was learning Muay Thai in Thailand at Sitsongpeenong and I took some of his yoga classes in between training which was really helpful physically and mentally. If you are like me and never done Muay Thai before you realise really quick that your muscles get in to shock and tightens up and the importance of flexibility training and stretching which Dan helped me with. He also makes you believe in yourself and makes you try things you wouldn't even think was possible to do and the feeling after (almost) succeed a headstand is pretty amazing. Not only did he teach me yoga and the importance of mindfulness training, he also helped me with my technique in Muay Thai and most important, he never gives up on you! Thank you Dan!

-Ida Bogren

I was invited to do a Yoga session with Dan. I liked the idea of stretching and relaxing whilst on holiday. Well, that was totally wrong! But in a good way. Dan showed us three levels of several poses that (for a beginner yogi like myself) I thought were quite challenging. But he broke them down and supported us through each stage and the next minute I found myself upside down in a headstand!

an is a very encouraging and motivating instructor and was very flexible with meeting the diverse needs of our group. He even took us to the beach for a very memorable yoga session. Highly recommend no matter what level of experience you have. 

-Shae Woods

It's my up most pleasure to write this for Dan. I was introduced to him by my girlfriend, when I mentioned I needed to change my diet and training routine. I was unsure at first if this would work because of the distance involved, knowing that I'd never meet him as we live in different countries, and had to rely on phone calls and emails. I can honestly say, it was the best choice I made employing Dan as my dietician, his incredible knowledge on the correct foods and advice for each individual at such a good rate, is money worth spent. Dan will also contact you on a weekly basis, his commitment to you as a person reaching your goals is pure professionalism, he is a friendly, approachable person, whom I enjoyed talking to, and has become a friend. With Dan's advice, I have changed the way I eat, train, and most importantly, look! My physique has made me a confident individual. My confidence in wearing tighter clothes and feeling good is the best feeling ever. I'd like to thank Dan for is pushing and expert advice, I look forward to seeing you in person soon! I will definitely use your service again! Thank you

-Russ Tonks England

Many times in my life have I calmly and enthusiastically tried my hands at yoga and meditation and nutrition plans to always end up more twisted, less Zen, and eating extra candy and carbs than before I even started. To say that I wasn’t all that optimistic of my commitment and progress in trying it out another time would be an understatement! So… If there’s one thing I must mention in the first instance is that Dan’s sincere empathy and kindness is really what makes this whole thing work. His dedication and determination to his clients is always at the forefront of his mind, where his passion and genuine drive for success is infectious and naturally pushes you keep going (even when you’ve - safely - fallen from that bloody crow pose for the millionth time!). Without this, he’d be just another tattooed-up guy in short-shorts (Phuket’s too hot for yoga pants) trying to sell me some health and fitness mumbo-jumbo in order to put his kids through college (The Simpsons reference, obviously). Dan remains a ball of sunshine for his clients for every session, even when he’s not shining so brightly on the inside. His voice is of comfort and reason; his patience is soothing and reassuring; and, his knowledge extensive and thorough, as he teaches you the why’s and how’s for the unreasonable position you’re attempting to manoeuvre yourself into and the importance of keeping your farm at its calmest throughout. If it’s a professional, personal, holistic healing process you’re after, then Dan’s your man for the job! -- Dear Dan, it was a wonderful pleasure to have met you and make a true friend in the process. I can’t wait to trip to Canada/Brasil one day, so that you can level me up to Super Saiyan potential and we can hang out for realsies! Thanks so much again for everything, you superhero human!!

-Charli Dahanayake

Good morning Dan! Spring is a time for renewal and no better time to announce my budding transformation into a healthy and strong new woman! I started down this new path with your diet and exercise plan in hand, a little sceptical, a little in doubt- but willing to try something new. As you know I had been fighting a losing battle to control my diabeties, and was pretty depressed at my inability to do even basic physical activities due to an injury. You took on the challenge that was me, even writing on yourself in an effort to find something that could work! And find it you did- after a few false starts, and with some hiccups along the way i am feeling lighter and healthier than I have in years! I have lost 14 Ibs, with 8.5" coming off my tummy and another 4" off my hips! My blood sugars are under control, my blood pressure is back to normal- and I feel like I can do more, be better, live happier! Thank you Dan- you are the man with a plan!!

-Tracey Warner

I've had the pleasure of participating in Dan's Thai boxing and Yoga classes.  He is an exceptional trainer who encourages me in ways to work my body and improve my personal practice.  In no time, I've seen significant gains both physically and mentally. Dan's demeanour is positive, engaging and supportive. He tailors his instruction to differentiate amongst levels of experience, within his classes.
     Dan has also designed a personal nutrition & meal plan to support my goals.  His attention to detail, his patience and continued feedback makes this journey achievable.  Through Dan's guidance, he has enabled me to confidently embark on a journey to self-discovery and the pursuit of going beyond my limits!
    Thank you, Dan, for your motivation!

Loretta Seymour
 

I’ve been training with Daniel for almost a year now, and believe he is one of the most experienced & committed trainers around. I started training twice a week, I really enjoyed the variety & challenge he put into the one-on-one sessions.
Dan is focused on helping me achieve my goals and makes every session challenging (& somehow fun). My fitness has increased noticeably and I’ve seen improvements in my ability to complete more sit ups / core exercises, lift progressively heavier weights & generally push myself harder throughout each session. I find I actually look forward to my workouts.
Importantly:
– He ensures that my technique is always correct to avoid any injuries.
– He is extremely reliable & punctual – always set up & ready to start training ahead of time, with an exercise routine planned.
I thoroughly would recommend Dan to anyone looking to improve their fitness with workouts and an amazing meal plan, that he took time to build solemnly for my body and lifestyle!!!
Thank you Dan

-Negin Gh

I originally sought out Dan’ services in order to improve my performance and physique as it related to Muay Thai but unfortunately I sustained a fairly substantial injury around that same time period. The truth is that with Dans nutritional knowledge I was able to beat the odds and avoid surgery. He created a plan for me that was specifically designed to facilitate a healing environment for my body/mind and it worked. Do yourself a favour and invest in your health...It is the best decision that I’ve ever made.

- Lee Murdoch

Dan was hired to cook for my family to celebrate our wedding anniversary. 
Dan prepared a delicious 3 course meals that were delicious and quite filling. He wasn’t shy to share each of the recipes and explained the cooking process as he was cooking. He uses healthy ingredients and his services come at a very fair price. A lot cheaper than going to a restaurant!
He is a great cook and I hope to have him cook for us again! 

Anil & Natasha