Born 1959 in Chicago, Illinois, Danny Pesina has been studying martial arts since 1972. He began his formal training with Master Guo Jianhua in 1989 studying both external and internal Wushu. He has also studied under many other Chinese living instructors including Hu Jianqiang (the former Chinese National Champion), Lo Minghan (former Hubei Wushu Team member), and Lin Jianhua to name just a few.

Danny has competed both nationally and internationally. He has won numerous first places and awards in forms, weapons and fighting on the A.A.U., N.A.S.K.A., and U.S.A. KungFu/Wushu circuits.

Starred in the first two Mortal Kombat video games as characters such as: Johhny Cage, Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Reptile and Smoke. His brother, Carlos Pesina also worked with him in these projects, he played the character of Rayden the thunder god.