Kru Mark DellaGrotte is the owner & operator of the Sityodtong USA Branch. He began his martial arts studies at an early age. His initial training involved classical martial arts, such as Tae Kwon Do, Shodokan and Tai-chi. As his athleticism and martial skills grew, so did his desire to further his training in the martial arts.
In 1992 his quest for a more combative martial art was complete when he met Guro Guy Chase, who had studied with some of the greatest martial artists of his time. Guro Chase had trained with Sifu Dan Inosanto, Grandmaster Ben Lagusa, Pak Herman Suwanda, Guro Ted Lucay, Professor Salam Allsi, Arjarn Surachai Sirisute and even the Great Karl Gotach.
At that point, Mark devoted himself entirely to the martial arts. Through this training he became certified in the arts of Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, Indonesian Pencak Silat, Boxe Francaise Savate, Filipino Kali-Excrima, Submission wrestling and Muay Thai Kickboxing.
In 1997 Mark wanted to take his training even further than what was available in the U.S. so he decided to travel abroad to Thailand. He was introduced to Kru Yodtong and the Sityodtong Boxing Camp, where he lived and trained. Mark's ability to speak Thai, led him to explore Thailand and Thai culture.
He traveled throughout Thailand, learning different styles of Muay Thai such as Mae Mai Muay Thai, Kun Khmer, Muay Burand, Muay Lao, and also Burmese Boxing. Mark is also a current Muay Thai champion.
Master Yodtong Senanan appointed Mark to teach, conserve and promote Thai style boxing worldwide. He is Kru Yodtong's US representative and is honored to be an international conservator of Thai style boxing.
Mark has coached fighters to victory in events such as The Kings Cup and UFC. In 2006, he was selected as the Muay Thai coach on The Ultimate Fighter Season 4: The Comeback, which was broadcast by Spike TV. Mark conducts seminars around the world and ranks instructors.
Mark and the Sityodtong USA camp train a growing number of UFC fighters including; Kenny Florian, Jorge Rivera, Marcus Davis, Patrick Cote and Stephan Bonnar.
