National Shotokan karate Champion and International MMA Champion Dan Higgins is a quietly spoken and humble man, however, not one to be challenged competitively. Dan Heads the Security department at Australia Zoo and is also responsible for training the Irwin family.
Dan began competing at the age of eight. When asked who inspired him to train as a fighter, it was his father, a nationally ranked wrestler and his uncle, a nationally ranked boxer. “At the age of five my late Pop asked me if I wanted to box or wrestle, so he’d probably be laughing that I kind of do both.”
From the age of eight through to 18, Dan was the State and National champion on numerous occasions for Shotokan Karate, State Champion in boxing, wrestling, submission wrestling and Brazilian Jujitsu. He has also boxed competitively and has achieved silver and bronze in the World Karate Championships in 1996. He then took the road less travelled in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and fought mostly in the USA, winning the Spartan International Super Fight in 2006.
Among Dan’s many personal victories, he is most proud of his coaching achievements with ten State and National champs. Just to name a couple, Adrian Pang Australian 65 kg and 70 kg champion and Kyle Noke 77 kg and 84 kg champion.
Although very competitive and accomplished in his field, Dan is also passionate about bringing these disciplines to the forefront of training and believes there are many benefits for non-fighters such as increased fitness levels, self-esteem and empowerment to be more confident. He takes children as young as five years old, obviously not the same class structure as adults; there are lots of games involved with the younger students to stimulate flexibility and agility etc. MMA for women and children is at the top of his list as far as self-defence goes. Particularly the grappling and Jiujutsu aspect; it is a very real, safe way to defend yourself against a larger stronger assailant. Because the Grappling is so hands on, the students are not left wondering if what they are learning is effective or not; which in turn builds great self confidence.
When asked if MMA is misunderstood by most, Dan agreed, “I think we are still largely misunderstood by the public. People perceive what we do as the elite level they see on television. However, if they were to see what happens in a ‘reputable’ gym, they would see that it is a friendly social environment with a wide demographic spectrum – I have lawyers, construction workers, students, etc.”
Dan’s message for potential students of MMA is.... “One, find a good teacher/mentor. Someone who pays attention to not just your physical development but to your mental and emotional development as well.”
“Two, take your time. Nothing worth having comes quickly or easily.”
“Three, particularly if you are young and full of beans. Make sure that you are training for the right reasons (self development, etc.). A good teacher/mentor will pick up on this last point.”
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
When it comes to fight training what disciplines are incorporated in MMA and does skill level in any one of these give the fighter an advantage in the cage?
“In my opinion, as long as you practice a strong striking style (kick-boxing, boxing, karate) wrestling, judo/Brazilian Jujitsu you are pretty much covered. It is, however, the athlete more than the style. Mental strength is by far the most important ingredient.”
How does your training differ leading up to a fight?
“Training for a fight is much more about tactics and becoming fight-fit and hungry. For example, lots of training is designed to go beyond your perceived mental and physical limits. When not training for a fight we build our individual technical skills, as well as being the best athlete we can be faster, stronger more flexible, etc. We always work on our mental or sports psychology aspects as well.”
How long do you allow yourself to prepare for a fight?
“Fight preparation is anywhere from six to ten weeks, depending on different factors.”
What do you offer at your training facility?
“My training facility offers children’s martial arts, BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), submission wrestling, kickboxing and MMA. We have powerlifting essentials, kettlebells, cage, ring and training mats.”
In what way did your style of training impact on Steve Irwin? What would a training session consist of?
“Steve initially did the grappling to help him with jumping crocodile’s, but as time went on it grew due to his awesome competitive nature, it lead him to embracing the sport as a whole. I truly believe that he understood the many mental benefits martial arts develops.”
You are also training with Terri and Bindi, can you describe what you focus on when training them and how does Terri incorporate this into their demanding lifestyle?
“Terri, like Steve, enjoys the training for the practical benefits for her job. I believe however, that martial arts have made her even stronger mentally than she was, if that is possible. I will just add that training and being invited into the Irwin family life has been the highest honour and a true life changing experience. Terri and the kids are super busy but they fit sessions in when they can.” M&F
Dan would like to thank the Irwin family for letting us use the photographs of Steve and his family, for this article.
10 More Quick Questions
Favourite food? A good steak
Least favourite food? Pumpkin
Pet hate? Lack of loyalty and obligation
Favourite movie? Seven Samurai
Best moment of your life? Hands down, the birth of my daughter
Favourite band? I always come back to Jimi Hendrix because he was ahead of his time
One word to describe yourself? Passionate
Holidays, beach or country? Yamba, NSW
Your mentor/who do you aspire to? Masao Kagawa (karate teacher) , Greg Jackson (MMA teacher) and Miyamoto Musashi (greatest swordsman in Japanese history who wrote the classic The Book of 5 rings).
Morning or night person? Morning
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