Michael Ding started Taekwondo at the age of 16, under the tutelage of Master Chan Nan King. During his Taekwondo career, Michael Ding obtained the rank of 8th dan, international referee Class 1. He was also the Secretary of Referee Board of then Malaysia Taekwondo Association (MTA) for 14 years. Michael Ding served as examiner to qualify Taekwondo referees. In 2008, Michael Ding was selected as a finalist referee to officiate in Olympic Games.

In 1982, Sensei Takahashi Tamenaga (Yoshinaga) was sent by Mas Oyama to propagate Kyokushin Karate in Malaysia. Sensei Yoshi established Imbi Dojo. Michael Ding started learning from Sensei Yoshi after losing a fight challenge to him.

After Sensei Yoshi left Malaysia to compete in World Tournament, Michael Ding stopped Kyokushin Karate. Malaysia had 2 former Branch Chiefs of Kyokushin, until Michael Ding became Malaysia's 3rd branch chief when he revived Kyokushin Karate in Malaysia.

In 2003, Hatsuo Royama left Kyokushinkaikan and established Kyokushin-kan. Michael Ding followed in Kancho's footsteps and was one of the few pioneering members of Kyokushin-kan. In 2010 during All Asia Kyokushin-kan Championship hosted in Malaysia, Michael Ding was awarded 5th dan and the title Shihan by Kancho Royama.

Shihan Michael Ding currently holds 6th dan in Kyokushin Karate and is the Country Representative of Kyokushin in Malaysia.