Before the September 11th terrorist attacks, Antonio Graceffo was a successful investment banker working on Wall Street. In 2001 he left behind the world of high finance to pursue a childhood dream – the life of a full-time adventurer and writer.
Originally from New York City, Antonio speaks Chinese, Khmer, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Thai. He holds diplomas from universities in the US, Germany, and England. He has studied and competed in martial arts and boxing for over twenty-five years, and has studied at the Shaolin Temple, in Mainland China and a Muay Thai (boxing) temple, in Thailand. He works as a full time adventurer, writer, and film star. He has just finished a contract in Cambodia, where he was writing adventure books, staring in Kung Fu films, and boxing professionally. He is now in Korea teaching business English and studying martial arts.
He has competed in martial arts and boxing for over twenty five years, having studied at the Shaolin Temple in Mainland China and a Muay Thai temple in Thailand. He has fought and trained in Taiwan, Cambodia, Korea, Hong Kong, China, and Thailand.
He is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Khmer, German, Spanish, Italian, and of course, Brooklyn English! He traveled extensively in his youth, being educated in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Antonio studied at Tennessee State University; University of Mainz, Germany; Trinity College, England; Heriot Watt University, Scotland; Universidad Latina, Costa Rica, and The Taipei Language Institute, Taiwan. He spent nearly seven years in the US Merchant Marines and US Army NG. He is also an Advanced Toastmaster (Silver) in Toastmasters, Intl.
Antonio’s writing has appeared on USAdojo.com as well as in: Bangkok Post, Hong Kong Saturday Morning Standard, Farang, West East fashion, Escape Artist, Travelers Impressions, Travel UK, Kung Fu Magazine, Black belt Magazine, The World and I, and Off Beat Travel. He has written a number of adventure travel books as well and currently has 6 books for sale.
The Monk from Brooklyn, Adventures in Formosa, Rediscovering the Khmers, The Desert of Death on Three Wheels, Boats, Bikes, and Boxing Gloves: Adventure Writer in the Kingdom of Siam, and his latest book, Warrior Odyssey: The Travels of a Martial Artist in Asia. All his books are available on Amazon.com.
The Monk from Brooklyn – Adventure writer Antonio Graceffo began his odyssey by living with forest monks, studying kick boxing in Thailand’s last Muay Thai Temple. He rode his bicycle to Burma, walked to the top of Chiang Mai’s tallest peak, and was the first to attempt to trace the Doi Saket River to its source. A departure from his standard, self-serving brand of humorous, if narcissistic and somewhat offensive, adventure writing, he spent time with the Akha Hill Tribe and documented the plight of a marginalized people. From a canoe trip down the Maekok river, to accompanying tribal people on a hunting trip with cross bows and muzzleloaders, the book is funny, informative, and meaningful.
Adventures in Formosa – Most people only know Taiwan as a place where computers are assembled, but Antonio Graceffo discovered the Island of Formosa is unbelievably beautiful, and it offers unlimited adventure, if you are willing to look for it. Antonio rode his bicycle 1,500 KM around the island. Next, he climbed some of its tallest peaks, traced its longest rivers, and mounted a search into its deepest gorge, to find the body of a missing American. Through all his adventures, he continued to box and practice kung fu when he could.
The Desert of Death on Three Wheels – After studying at the Shaolin Temple during the SARs crisis and then living in Thailand for eight months learning the art of Muay Thai, adventure writer Antonio Graceffo decided to rest his body. So, he chose to cross the Taklamakan Desert – on a three-wheel bicycle. Not the “rest” he expected! Then, he accepted an invitation to play in the world famous Elephant Polo tournament held in Thailand. Many amazing and unexpected things happen during these two adventures! This is a must read for anyone who enjoys real-life adventure stories.
Boats, Bikes, and Boxing Gloves: Adventure Writer in the Kingdom of Siam – Adventure writer Antonio Graceffo began his eight month long odyssey by living with forest monks, studying kick boxing in Thailand’s last Muay Thai Temple. He rode his bicycle to Burma, walked to the top of Chiang Mai’s tallest peak, and was the first to attempt to trace the Doi Saket River to its source. A departure from his standard, self-serving brand of humorous, if narcissistic and somewhat offensive, adventure writing, he spent time with the Akha Hill Tribe and documented the plight of a marginalized people. From a canoe trip down the Maekok river, to accompanying tribal people on a hunting trip with cross bows and muzzleloaders, the book is funny, informative, and meaningful.
When not training or writing, he works as a martial arts consultant for TV shows such as Human Weapon, Digging for the Truth, Kill Arman, The Art of Fighting, Samantha Brown’s Asia, and Thai TV shows about Muay Thai Chaiya and Kun Khmer Champions in Cambodia.
Recently, Antonio started working as a martial arts consultant for American TV networks for TV shows such as Human Weapon, Digging for the Truth, Kill Arman, The Art of Fighting, Samantha Brown’s Asia, and Thai TV shows about Muay Thai Chaiya and Kun Khmer Champions in Cambodia. Although he studies many arts, he especially concentrates on Khmer martial arts, Bokator and Bradal serey. Antonio has a web TV show, called “Martial Arts Odyssey.”
Visit Speaking Adventure with Antonio Graceffo
The Art of Fighting: Brooklyn Monk Parts (1–8) Robert Clyne, host and creator of “The Art of Fighting”, conducts an in depth interview with Antonio Graceffo, the Monk from Brooklyn. Beginning with his childhood in New York and tracing his family move to Tennessee. Antonio talks about his early years and how he first got into martial arts. In this extremely candid interview Antonio talks about his family and the events of his childhood which set the stage for his years of wandering and fighting in Asia.
Antonio Graceffo is a martial arts and adventure author living in Asia. He is the author of the book, “The Monk from Brooklyn” and the host of the web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey,” which traces his ongoing journey through Asia, learning martial arts in various countries. See all of Antonio’s videos on his YouTube channel, brooklynmonk1, send him a friend request or subscribe. His books are available on amazon.com Contact him: Antonio@speakingadventure.com His website is www.speakingadventure.com
