Zheng Dao Lo Cymru The Way of the True Path
Traditional values, technical precision, and elite kickboxing training in Wales.
View Class TimesSifu Daniel Cooke began his martial arts training at just 10 years old under the tutelage of Master Omar El-Kilany, one of the founders of the Academy. Becoming the Academy’s first Kickboxing Black Belt in 1997, he has been competing and teaching for decades, accumulating deep high-level experience on the mats.
Holding a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Chinese Kickboxing, Sifu Daniel is also the Welsh Coach for the Great Britain Martial Arts Team (GBMAT) and a certified Referee. Alongside teaching locally in Lampeter, his competitive edge remains razor-sharp—securing multiple English and Welsh titles alongside Gold medals at the World Martial Arts Games in Oslo (2025) and the International European Martial Arts Games in Berlin (2026).
Chinese Kickboxing
GBMAT Squad
Gold: Oslo & Berlin
Mat & Ring Authority
'Zheng Dao Lo' translates to 'The Way of the True Path', and it is this philosophy that has driven the school since its founding in 1997. We believe the Way of the True Path to embody more than just martial skills; we aspire to the values of honour, courage, integrity, respect, humility and tolerance. In days gone by, these traits went hand in hand with the learning of martial arts. Sadly, in today's society, these values are diminishing. We aim to preserve and uphold them through the disciplined practice of ancient martial skills. Through the honing of these qualities along with the perfection of physical movement and interaction, one can travel the path to greatness.
The Zheng Dao Lo Academy aims to promote Chinese Martial Arts to people of all ages and conditions, and offers classes in Chinese Kickboxing, Tai Chi and several styles of Kung Fu. Here in Wales Sifu Dan teaches Kickboxing. Our goal is to help you find the best way to improve yourself, whether your goal is fitness, flexibility, self defense or confidence.
If you want to boost your confidence, health and discipline, come and join us!
*Classes alternate weekly between Mon/Thu and Wednesday slots, with extended 2hr intensives announced in advance.
What made you start training: "I started training as my dad did kickboxing, and I grew up with a love of martial arts."
What you love about the classes: "One thing I like about the classes is the fact that everyone is very welcoming, and you are able to learn something new from everyone."
Martial arts goals: "My goals within kickboxing are to fight for Team GB in the future and hopefully win a gold medal."
Would you recommend it to friends: "I would most definitely recommend kickboxing to friends as it builds discipline and is a fun martial art."
"Leon has shown phenomenal dedication since stepping onto the mats. Having grown up with a love for martial arts, he brought a natural appreciation with him, but his actual progression over just one year has been exceptional. His work ethic, coachability, and hunger to learn have propelled him straight into top-tier competition success. He embodies the true spirit of the academy, and I have no doubt he has a very bright future ahead representing us on the national and international stage."
Leon in action on the mats
Celebrating recent competition success
What made you start training: "My dad trains with Dan at ZDL Cymru, and it looked like brilliant fun. I was a bit nervous at first being the only junior in the class, but everyone made me feel welcome straight away."
What you love about the classes: "Training alongside the adults and sparring. It’s a great challenge, and knowing the room is safe means I can actually experiment and try new techniques."
Martial arts goals: "To be Zheng Dao Lo Cymru’s first Junior Black Belt. To get selected for Team GB and win a world title."
Would you recommend it to friends: "Definitely. Great fitness, top coaching, and genuinely good people."
"Josh started out as a lone junior in the room and earned total respect through grit. Now that more junior students train alongside the adults in our all-ages classes (8+), Josh steps up to assist—showing the kind of attitude, empathy, and leadership that means he’ll make a fantastic coach in the future."
Josh holding his own in adult rounds
Milestones and progression
What made you start training: "I wanted to build confidence—and I’d never really clicked with conventional sports before."
What you love about the classes: "The community. ZDL genuinely feels like family, and sparring never feels intimidating because everyone backs you up."
Martial arts goals: "Keep developing internationally, push my grading depth, and bring new people onto the mat."
Would you recommend it to friends: "Always. A colleague at work even signed up for a trial class just from listening to me talk about it."
"Erin came to class a quiet and shy 16 year old. Within a year she has really found herself. A favourite of other students, winning last years 'Students' Student of the Year' award. And now full of confidence is a force to be reckoned with in class and on the mats. I couldn't be more proud of her transformation."
Erin competing on international and open mats
Celebrating podium finishes
Celebrating hard work, technical progression, and new belt ranks earned on the mats by our dedicated students.
Wednesday, 30th September 2026 at the Lampeter Wellbeing Centre (Extended Grading Session: 19:00 - 21:00 . All grading candidates expected on the mats!
Interested in joining a class or have questions about training at the Lampeter Wellbeing Centre? Drop us an email or visit our Facebook page for updates.