Mark 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 Gotch. As Guro Chase’s top student, Mark devoted himself entirely to the martial arts. Under Guro Chase, Kru Mark became certified in Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, Indonesian Pencak Silat, Boxe Francaise Savate, Filipino Kali-Escrima, Catch Wrestling and Muay Thai.

In 1997, Mark traveled to Thailand, seeking to further improve his training and understanding of the art of Muay Thai. During that first trip to Thailand, Mark was introduced to Master Yodtong Senanan and the Sityodtong Boxing Camp. He was accepted by Master Yodtong, the most famous teacher in the Kingdom, and the Sityodtong Boxing Camp became Mark’s home away from home. Kru Mark lived and trained at the camp, fully immersing himself in the lifestyle of the Nak Muay, or Thai Kickboxer.

Mark’s ability to speak Thai led him to explore Thailand and understand Thai culture. He traveled throughout the Kingdom of Thailand for the next decade, learning different styles of Muay Thai such as Mae Mai Muay Thai, Kun Khmer, Muay Boran, Muay Lao, and Burmese Boxing. As he traveled and studied, he also participated in numerous competitions in Thailand and the United States. After years of fighting in Thailand, Mark fought in one of Thailand’s most recognized stadiums, Rajadamnern. When he was not competing, Kru Mark also learned the craft of cornering fighters.

Master Yodtong Senanan appointed Mark to teach, conserve, and promote Thai style boxing. Today Kru Mark is known as Kru Yodtong’s top representative worldwide and is recognized as an international conservator of Thai style boxing.

Kru Mark has coached fighters to victory in events such as The Kings Cup and UFC. He has trained and cornered many professional and amateur fighters, including Marcus Davis, Jorge Gurgel, Jorge Rivera, Patrick Cote, Kenny Florian, Alex Karalexis, Stephan Bonnar, Pete Spratt, Frank Mir, Rich Franklin, Travis Lutter, and Drew Fickett.

Mark has been featured on several television shows such as The Ultimate Fighter Season 4 “The Comeback” (Spike TV), UFC Countdown (Spike TV), Time Warp (Discovery Channel), and TAPOUT (Versus Network).

Kru Mark has been featured in two books: The Fighters Mind: Inside the Mental Game by Sam Sheridan and Title Shot: Into the Shark Tank of Mixed Martial Arts by Kelly Crigger.