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ANTONIO GRACEFFO
His website is www.speakingadventure.com
Before September 11th, 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.
The best introduction to who Antonio is today is to read an overview of his last few years - complete with pictures, entitled Four Years of Living Dangerously.
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 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, which are available on www.amazon.com.
He currently has 4 books which can be purchase on amazon.com:
The Monk From Brooklyn: An American At The Shaolin Temple - 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.
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 aventure stories.
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.
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.
Recently, Antonio started working as a martial arts consultant for American TV networks. he has done two shows, “Digging for the Truth” and “Human Weapon.” Although he studies many arts, he especially concentrates on Khmer martial arts, Bokator and Bradal serey. Antonio now has a web TV show, called “Martial Arts Odyssey.” The Pilot episode, shot in the Philippines, is shown below.
See thousands of Antonio's adventure photos at Ringo.com.
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