He has been a Muay Thai practitioner since 1978 and has been certified as a teacher of Muay by the Ministry of Education of Thailand (in 1991). During his career he was an athlete, coach of professional thai boxers, judge / referee, promoter and founder of the first Italian Muay Thai Federation. In the year 2007 he was awarded the Gold Medal in the World Muay Boran Championships, solo Technical Forms competition, held at Bangkok National Stadium. In 2012 he was awarded the 15th Khan of Muay Thai Boran (and the title of Bramarjarn or Grand Master of the Art) and the Gold Mongkon by the Governor of Ayutthaya Province, Thailand.
He is the founder and technical director of the International Muay Boran Academy (IMBA), the worldwide organization devoted to the development and spread of Muay Boran in the world, since 1993. IMBA is currently present in 26 countries in Europe, Latin America and Oceania.
Master De Cesaris since 2005 has developed a modern scientific version of Muay Boran, named Muay Boran IMBA, which is based on
three technical pillars:
Combat Muay Boran, the most combative interpretation of the original Thai martial art’s fighting skills,
IMBA Muay Lert Rit, a Siamese Military Close Combat style adapted to civilian use and
Muay Pram, the traditional form of thai grappling.
In order to spread the knowledge of Siamese unarmed combat arts, Master De Cesaris has authored
13 books about Muay Thai Boran and sport Muay Thai and has produced more than
20 instructional videos on Muay Thai and Muay Boran training systems and fighting techniques.
About Master Marco, signed by the Thai Grand Masters
• Khru Pho
Arjarn Marco is a diligent foreigner who has learnt this ancient boxing with patience, effort and investigated by himself. Moreover he usually practiced by himself for a long time through studying from ancient texts, with my help, from old documents,
observing and interviewing experts. Many times he went abroad to Thailand to practice with Kru Muay Boran like myself in many important ancient places such as
Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Bangkok, Chaiya. It is no surprise that he is an appreciated Muay Boran teacher for his value and usefulness to others. It is my privilege to praise and disseminate his distinguished qualities in Thai Martial Art of Muay Boran to people in Thailand, Europe and throughout the world; and to encourage him to always achieve the best in conservation, promotion and spreading Muay Boran worldwide.
“Khru Pho”
Phosawat Saengsawang
Gold Mongkon grade 19 Kru Muay Association
Professor Rajabat Maha Sarakham University
• Master Sane
Ajarn Marco was brought to Thailand by his heart to learn muaythai and muayboran lot of times from various camps and grand masters. But above that I believe that destiny has it to lead him to the fulfillment of his fate; that is to be an instrument for uniting and reaching all muaythai boran warriors. He learned and understands
many techniques and able to apply and innovate new techniques out
of the traditional styles that he leaned. Ajarn Marco is an intelligent student and has maintained the willingness and curiosity to learn honing him now to a complete Master. I first met Ajarn marco way back years ago, from the conversation I had with him I knew it already that he has deep knowledge and passion for the art of muay boran. He speaks stories of muayboran that not lot of Thai persons knew of. He possesses the quality of a true master, the spirit of humility, respect, and wisdom. He never showed arrogance in spite of his superiority to other masters, he displays serenity in all places and to all people, and the intelligence or wisdom to choose; indeed a principled man of good values.
Grand Master Sane Tubtimtong
Gold Mongkon, 16 Khan Kru Muay Association
Member of Lumpini Stadium Board of Directors
• Master Woody
My friend Marco, you have come a long way since I met you and started teaching you the old way of thai fighting; your wisdom and understanding of Muay Boran has now reached the highest level. You have come to this point trough your dedication and practice and most of all thanks to the deep respect you always showed for the Art of Muay Thai Boran and for the great teachers who gave you knowledge and advice. Your never ending desire of learning has made you proud but humble and I believe you will inspire people to understand the way of Muay Boran.
Grand Master Chinawooth Sirisompan – 17th khan, Gold Mongkon
President of Kru Muay Association (KMA)