Mark DellaGrotte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mark DellaGrotte |
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| Born | November 14, 1974 |
| Nationality | American |
| Style | Muay Thai |
| Team | Sityodtong USA |
Mark DellaGrotte (born November 14, 1974) is an American former professional Muay Thai kickboxer. He is also a well-known trainer in Muay Thai. Mark owns and runs the Sityodtong USA gym in Somerville, Massachusetts. He was chosen by Master Yodtong to help keep the traditions of Thai style boxing alive around the world. Mark has also trained a lot in other martial arts like escrima (Filipino stick fighting), Pencak Silat (Indonesian martial art), Jeet Kune Do (Bruce Lee's fighting style), savate (French kickboxing), and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (a grappling martial art).
Mark's Journey in Martial Arts
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 famous mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters. Some of these include Kenny Florian, Frank Mir, Stephan Bonnar, Marcus Davis, Alex Karalexis, Jorge Rivera, and Patrick Côté.
Mark started learning martial arts when he was young. His first training included classic styles like taekwondo, Shotokan karate, and tai chi. As he got better and stronger, he wanted to learn even more about fighting styles.
In 1992, Mark found what he was looking for when he met Guro Guy Chase. Guro Chase had learned from some of the best martial artists of his time. These included Dan Inosanto, Ben Lagusa, Herman Suwanda, Ted Lucay, Salam Allsi, Surachai Sirisute, and even Karl Gotch.
After meeting Guro Chase, Mark dedicated himself completely to martial arts. Through this training, he became certified in many 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. Mark lived and trained there. He worked hard and proved himself as a good student and fighter. Because of this, Kru Yodtong, a very famous Muay Thai instructor, thought highly of him. Kru Yodtong also helps young people who are having trouble.
After eight years, Kru Yodtong chose Mark to represent him in the United States. Mark's job was to teach and protect the art of Muay Thai. 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 himself to become an even 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.
Mark has said that he had less than 10 fights, mostly in Thailand. He fought to gain experience and become a better teacher.
Master Yodtong Senanan chose Mark to teach, protect, and promote Thai style boxing around the world. Mark is one of only two people in the U.S. chosen by Kru Yodtong for this important role. He is proud to be someone who helps keep Thai boxing traditions alive internationally.
Mark also played a striking coach in the 2012 sports comedy movie Here Comes the Boom. He helped the fictional character Scott Voss, played by Kevin James.
Family Life
Mark DellaGrotte is married to his wife, Marie. They have a son named Dante and a daughter named Giovanna.
