Most fighters never get the opportunity to compete in the country where their chosen martial art was born. Even fewer actively seek it out.

For Dani Lee Ashfield, that journey has become a reality.

The undefeated fighter from Deeside, North Wales, is preparing to make her Lethwei debut at the inaugural Lethwei Fighting Championship. She is arriving in Myanmar with an undefeated 4-0-0 professional record across boxing and bare-knuckle boxing, a European title in traditional Shotokan bare-knuckle karate, and months of preparation dedicated specifically to the demands of Lethwei.

“I am incredibly humbled and excited to test myself in the traditional sport that holds such a deep, historic place in Myanmar’s culture,” Dani says.
“I look forward to competing with honor, respecting the roots of the sport, and showcasing a fantastic performance for the fans.”

A Martial Artist in Search of Authenticity

Her road to this point did not begin in a boxing ring. Dani started training in traditional karate at eight years old. By fourteen, she had already collected 24 trophies, winning Welsh, National, and European championships. Although travel and logistical difficulties eventually pulled her away from competition, the years away never ended her interest in martial arts.

As an adult, she worked her way back through boxing, MMA, and bare-knuckle boxing while searching for a style that felt right.

“Lethwei gave me the raw authenticity and precision I’d been looking for.”

An old karate instructor first introduced her to Lethwei several years ago. At the time, there was no practical way to pursue it seriously in the UK. She later trained under Lethwei rules in Sweden, but still wanted to experience the sport in the country where it developed. Through promoter Nick Chapman, that opportunity finally came together.

What drew Dani in was not simply the challenge of another combat sport.

“People expect me to say it was brutal or shocking, but I saw the authenticity in the martial art. I found it fascinating, it made me fall in love with martial arts again.”

Preparing for Lethwei

That perspective has shaped the way she has prepared for this trip. Her training has centered on skills that play a much larger role under traditional Lethwei rules than in conventional boxing. She has spent months working on chain elbow techniques, clinch control, body conditioning, hand strengthening, and headbutt mechanics while continuing to build the pressure-heavy style that has become part of her identity as a fighter.

At 5’4″ and 58 kilograms, she also regularly spars with larger training partners to prepare herself for the physical demands of competing in Myanmar.

“I am bringing a highly conditioned, battle-tested body into the ring, one that can not only sustain heavy hits but give them back just as good, to honor the warrior spirit of traditional Lethwei.”

Embracing Myanmar Culture Beyond the Ring

The trip, however, is about far more than what happens inside the ring.

Before leaving for Myanmar, Dani bought books on both the country’s culture and the history of Lethwei. She has spoken openly about wanting to understand the traditions surrounding the sport rather than simply arriving to compete. That curiosity was reinforced by the reception she received after announcing her plans.

“When Nick put a post out on social media, the sheer amount of warmth, welcoming energy, and genuine offers of help I received from the people over there was overwhelming. Seeing that incredible response, I decided right then: let’s make this happen.”

She is equally eager to experience everyday life in Myanmar, from meeting local people to exploring Yangon between training sessions.

“I hear nothing but good things about the people of Myanmar. I want to experience the culture and spirit. The authentic Myanmar experience has me really excited.”

Fighting for Something Bigger

Dani also recognizes that this opportunity carries personal meaning beyond her own career. 

As a single mother, she hopes her journey shows her son what persistence can accomplish. As an autistic woman and European Ambassador for Autism, she wants others to see that determination and commitment can open doors that once seemed out of reach.

“Lethwei has been a dream of mine for years. By taking this leap, I want to pave the way for other women and fighters in the UK and the West to see this traditional sport and know they can do this too.”

“I want the people of Myanmar to know that I didn’t just come to fight. I came to honor their history and build a bridge that inspires the rest of the world to respect and embrace this beautiful sport.”

Giving Credit Where It’s Due

Dani is quick to point out that reaching Myanmar has been a team effort. 

She credits her coach, Danny Dixon of North Wales Fight Academy, for supporting her pursuit of a sport few gyms in the UK have experience with.

“When I first walked in during a dark place in my life, he gave me a home. He is a mentor inside the gym, a true friend outside of it… Without his backing, knowledge, and support over the last six months, I wouldn’t be here.”

She also expresses her gratitude to promoter Nick Chapman, whose encouragement helped turn years of ambition into a reality.

“Before he even met me, Nick was in constant contact, acting as a true mentor and friend to make this dream a reality.”

Above all, Dani says her greatest source of motivation has always been her son.

“He drives the biggest factor in my heart to show him, despite autism or a label, we can achieve our goals despite what others think or say. All that matters is we believe in ourselves. The rest will follow.”

When she walks into the ring at the inaugural Lethwei Fighting Championship, Myanmar fans will be seeing more than another international opponent. They will be watching a fighter who deliberately crossed continents to compete in the birthplace of the sport she has spent years pursuing, determined to earn her place through preparation, respect, and performance.