Coach Mario has been training in martial arts since 1987, starting at the original NY Martial Arts Academy under Neil Cauliffe, focusing on Muay Thai, Savate, Escrima, and Jun Fan Kickboxing. While in Chicago from 1989 to 1992, he trained at the famous Degeberg Academy, specializing in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and Wing Chun. He studied Ken SEt su Ryu Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Bernard jackson jr. and Becky Miles as well before returning to NY. he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1994. After his service, he trained at Nu Breed Martial Arts and was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He also trained in Muay Thai at the WAT in NYC and BJJ under Marcello Mello, a UFC 20 fighter. Mario trained at the Renzo Gracie Academy in NYC from 2002 to 2007, 2009, and 2011 to 2012, and boxed under Willie Buenavidas at Zaragoza Boxing. He then trained in upstate NY at the NYMAG Academy. In 2012, he traveled to Thailand to train at Tiger Muay Thai and eventually joined their fight team. He began coaching Muay Thai at Gleason’s Gym, the oldest boxing gym in America, while learning boxing from experienced coaches. In 2016, he returned to Thailand and fought his last match at age 42 after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. As the owner of Red Planet MMA, he aims to provide high-quality training in Brooklyn and NYC.