Mark DellaGrotte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mark DellaGrotte |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | November 14, 1974 |
| Nationality | American |
| Style | Muay Thai |
| Team | Sityodtong USA |
Mark DellaGrotte, born on November 14, 1974, is an American who used to be a professional Muay Thai kickboxer. He is also a well-known trainer in Muay Thai. He owns and runs the Sityodtong USA Branch in Somerville, Massachusetts. Master Yodtong, a famous Muay Thai instructor, officially recognized Mark as an international expert in Thai style boxing. Mark has also trained a lot and is certified in other martial arts like escrima, Pencak Silat, Jeet Kune Do, savate, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Contents
Mark DellaGrotte's Journey
Mark DellaGrotte is known for his Boston accent. He was a featured kickboxing trainer on the TV show "The Ultimate Fighter 4" on Spike TV. He has also trained many mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters. Some of these fighters include Kenny Florian, Frank Mir, Stephan Bonnar, Marcus Davis, Alex Karalexis, Jorge Rivera, and Patrick Côté.
Early Martial Arts Training
Mark started learning martial arts when he was young. His first training included classic styles like taekwondo, Shotokan karate, and tai chi. As he became stronger and better at martial arts, he wanted to learn even more.
In 1992, he found the combative martial art he was looking for. He met Guro Guy Chase, who had learned from some of the best martial artists of his time. Guro Chase had trained with experts like Dan Inosanto, Ben Lagusa, Herman Suwanda, and Surachai Sirisute.
From that point on, Mark dedicated himself completely to martial arts. Through this training, he became certified in many different styles. These included Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, Indonesian Pencak Silat, Boxe Francaise savate, Filipino kali-escrima, submission wrestling, and Muay Thai kickboxing.
Learning Muay Thai in Thailand
Mark first learned about Muay Thai in 1997. A friend took him to the famous Yodtong boxing camp in Pattaya, Thailand. He lived and trained there. After showing how good he was as a student and a fighter, Kru Yodtong himself thought highly of him. Kru Yodtong is a famous Muay Thai instructor who also helps troubled young people.
After eight years, Kru Yodtong chose Mark to be his representative in the United States. Mark's job was to teach and keep the art of Muay Thai alive. To honor his teacher, Mark named his gym Sityodtong. This name means "Student of Yodtong."
Mark had taught martial arts before he started fighting professionally. He decided to step into the ring only to become a better trainer and teacher. So, he traveled all over Thailand. He learned different Southeast Asian martial arts styles. These included Mae Mai Muay Thai, Kun Khmer, Muay Boran, Muay Lao, and also Burmese boxing.
Master Yodtong Senanan officially asked Mark to teach, protect, and promote Thai style boxing around the world. Mark is one of only two of Kru Yodtong's representatives in the United States. He is proud to be an international expert in Thai style boxing.
Mark in Movies
Mark also played himself as a striking coach in a movie. He helped the fictional character Scott Voss, played by Kevin James, in the 2012 sports comedy film Here Comes the Boom.
Mark DellaGrotte's Family
Mark DellaGrotte is married to his wife, Marie. They have a son named Dante and a daughter named Giovanna.
