Mark Steven Grove is widely known as the “man of action” by those who have collaborated with him throughout his career. Many attribute this moniker to his impressive stunt career, but it actually stems from his core philosophy: “The best way to predict one’s future is to create it themselves.” This principle of active, self-directed living profoundly influences all his professional endeavors and personal mentoring. While his thrilling stunts might initially suggest the nickname, it’s his commitment to forging his own path that truly defines him. Seamlessly transitioning between roles as a stunt coordinator, director, and producer, Mark Grove embodies the proactive spirit he champions. He instills this philosophy in his mentees, encouraging them to take charge of their future careers. Through his mentorship, martial artists, aspiring stunt performers and action actors not only master technical skills but also learn to adopt a mindset of initiative and creativity, embodying the belief that one's destiny is best shaped by one's own hands.
BUSINESS VENTURES
In an interview for a magazine article, Mark Grove commented, "I am an artist, and my medium is life itself. I view my entire existence as a canvas, imbuing creativity into every facet of my daily life. To me, artistic creativity transcends mere choices; it is an inherent drive and a core aspect of my identity that shapes my worldview and actions. This internal impetus propels me to perceive and interact with the world in unique, imaginative ways." He continues, "Incorporating artistry into various facets of my life, I embrace a constant need to create and re-create my environment. Inspired to keep my workspace fresh and alive, I resist anything static or redundant. I love to re-envision things, to innovate and alter them, making them uniquely mine. My lifestyle is a continuous, evolving masterpiece without an ending, for in my mind, the 'End' symbolizes finality. Therefore, I strive for a career that perpetuates this boundless creativity, ensuring my artistic journey remains eternal."
MARTIAL ARTIST
Mark Steven Grove's extensive martial arts background in Aikijujutsu, Yawara, and Ninjutsu has led him to develop his own unique vision of the Ninja and Samurai arts, which has continually evolved since he first opened a dojo in 1983. By integrating his deep knowledge of these traditional disciplines, Mark has created a distinctive approach to fight choreography that emphasizes fluidity, precision, and adaptability, reminiscent of the dynamic action scenes in Japanese "Chambara" films. His innovative techniques blend the elegance and discipline of classical martial arts with the creative demands of modern action cinema, resulting in choreography that is both visually stunning and technically authentic.
He fosters an environment that encourages embracing discipline, patience, and a resolute spirit in practice. His teachings not only impart technical skills but also instill a deeper appreciation for the philosophy and culture behind the martial arts. Through his mentorship, students learn to cultivate mental fortitude, perseverance, and a proactive mindset, enabling them to excel both on and off the mat. Mark Steven Grove's legacy in martial arts is his commitment to excellence and his passion for passing on the timeless values of these ancient traditions.
For more on Mark Grove's Martial Arts background
FILM CAREER
Mark Steven Grove transitioned into the stunt industry in the late 1980s and has since worked on over 200 films in various action-related capacities. He established himself as a versatile actor, skilled stunt performer, and fight choreographer. Additionally, he excelled in practical effects, proving his talents as a prosthetic makeup artist, respected firearms handler, and licensed pyrotechnician. In 1994, he expanded his repertoire by adding writing and producing to his resume, which eventually led him to the director's chair in 1999.
Beyond his action endeavors, he enjoyed a sixteen-year run as an international sales agent, broadening his understanding of the film market by championing his own and other filmmakers' projects to territories all around the globe. Eventually, inspired by the creative energy of the industry, a great deal of his focus turned to independent filmmaking, where he now writes, produces, and directs films with budgets ranging from $250,000 to $1 million. His dedication to his craft and ability to juggle multiple roles have made him a respected figure in the industry. Grove's unique blend of martial arts expertise and filmmaking skills continues to inspire and influence a new generation of filmmakers and stunt professionals.
For more on Mark Grove's Film background
The Boy behind the Man
WHY COLORADO?
Many people wonder why I chose to base my film career in Colorado, but the truth is, it wasn’t my original plan. I had worked tirelessly for nearly a decade and was just about to move to California when my youngest son, Hunter, was born with severe medical conditions—brain abnormalities, cerebral palsy, and more. Life changed in an instant.
As Hunter’s health challenges intensified, it became clear he would need constant care. Leaving the support of our family behind wasn’t an option. So, instead of moving to California, I decided to build my filmmaking career here in Denver. A year later, I directed my first feature film and the realization that it didn't matter where I was, the power of creativity would prevail.
A TRUE HERO
Hunter’s journey has been filled with surgeries, moments of rage, sadness, and the search for answers. Eventually, we received a diagnosis: ZTTK syndrome, a rare and severe condition affecting fewer than 30 people worldwide. Every day is a battle for him. He struggles to climb the stairs, has no close friends, and often retreats to his room, where he embarks on adventures with imaginary companions he considers his only friends.
Despite it all, Hunter is my inspiration. Over the past three decades, I’ve written, directed, produced, and performed in numerous projects, always with him in my heart. Looking into his eyes, I’m reminded that we all need someone to care for us, to stand by us no matter what life throws our way.
Hunter is a warrior, a survivor, and a hero. Because of him, I have no excuse but to strive for the same. We have a saying to keep us strong as we search for a healthy and prosperous life… Always the Quest!
LATEST NEWS
SHOGUN
FANTASY ACTION
SHOGUN
02/27/24 New Shogun series is out! Congrats to RMStunts Member James Lew for his involvement. - Mark Grove
SHOGUN
FANTASY ACTION
SHOGUN
02/27/24 New Shogun series is out! Congrats to RMStunts Member James Lew for his involvement. - Mark Grove
FANTASY ACTION
FANTASY ACTION
FANTASY ACTION
01/15/24 New Fusion Factory Films project "Shacklebone" goes into Pre-Production - Mark Grove
CU BOULDER
AXANAR MAKEUP
FANTASY ACTION
11/29/23 Working fight choreography with the CU Boulder Film Program Students. - Mark Grove
AXANAR MAKEUP
AXANAR MAKEUP
AXANAR MAKEUP
09/30/23 Kevon Ward and I ventured where Both of us have gone before - Mark Grove
A SUMMER AWAY
AXANAR MAKEUP
AXANAR MAKEUP
07/20/23 Finished shooting the Horror Short Film "A Summer Away". A great time with a great team. - Mark Grove
ENTER SIMON RHEE
KUNG FU HATCHETMAN
ENTER SIMON RHEE
06/28/23 My longtime friend Simon Rhee is a new Coordinator with the Rocky Mountain Stunts Team. - Mark Grove
TJ STORM
KUNG FU HATCHETMAN
ENTER SIMON RHEE
06/28/23 MoCap Actor and Movement Maestro TJ Storm is joining up with the Rocky Mountain Stunts Team as a member and instructor!. - Mark Grove
KUNG FU HATCHETMAN
KUNG FU HATCHETMAN
KUNG FU HATCHETMAN
06/16/23 Production Begins on "Kung Fu Hatchetman Versus the Zombie Slavers From Beyond Space" starring James Lew! - Mark Grove
QUANTUM COWBOYS
RAVEN & BLACKJACK
KUNG FU HATCHETMAN
12/17/22 A film I stunt coordinated is doing quite well on its festival run. I had such a great time shooting this really interesting and creative project. - Mark Grove
RAVEN & BLACKJACK
RAVEN & BLACKJACK
RAVEN & BLACKJACK
11/11/22 Working with Meryem Ersoz once again to create a mind-bending western with a taste of science fiction. Virtually everyone on our team was involved in some capacity. - Mark Grove
TRUE WARRIORS
RAVEN & BLACKJACK
RAVEN & BLACKJACK
09/12/22 My old pal Dale Girard came in from the east coast to share his knowledge on the use of the longsword as a theatrical tool. It was a great adventure. - Mark Grove
LIGHTS, CAMERA, FIGHT
LIGHTS, CAMERA, FIGHT
LIGHTS, CAMERA, FIGHT
02-28-21 The first stunt workshop of 2021 was a huge success with 25 performers working on refining fight choreography skills and learning to communicate with the camera. Next month... breakfalls, stair falls, over object falls!
FANTASY NETWORK
LIGHTS, CAMERA, FIGHT
LIGHTS, CAMERA, FIGHT
02-01-21 The independent fantasy film GATHERING OF HEROES: LEGEND OF THE SEVEN SWORDS starring Martin Kove and Mark Grove will release on the FANTASY NETWORK February 2nd 2021.
AMERICAN FILM MARKET
LIGHTS, CAMERA, FIGHT
AMERICAN FILM MARKET
11-01-20 This years AFM is being held entirely online, so although we won't be visiting sunny Santa Monica like normal, we will still be showing our current lineup of feature films to buyers from around the world!
STUNT HUSTLE ARTICLE
STUNT HUSTLE ARTICLE
AMERICAN FILM MARKET
09-11-20 Great new article on amazing stunt coordinator Chuck Borden (who is also a member of our team) sharing highlights of his career, lessons he's learned, what he looks for in performers and his general views on the industry.
MULAN RELEASE
STUNT HUSTLE ARTICLE
YOUTUBE CHANNEL
09-04-20 James Lew, Simon Rhee, Tzi Ma, and many more of our stunt and actor friends can now be seen in the epic Disney+ release of Mulan. This film is majestic and powerful. Make sure you check it out!
YOUTUBE CHANNEL
STUNT HUSTLE ARTICLE
YOUTUBE CHANNEL
08-28-20 A Website and YouTube Channel dedicated to fights! Created by Action Coordinator James Lew to share his love of fight choreography with fans and fellow filmmakers. Take a look and subscribe to the channel
CAPTURED FRAME
CAPTURED FRAME
CAPTURED FRAME
07-21-20 We grabbed a still frame from the opening space sequence from ALIENS & DRAGONS that shows the Rocket headed toward a mysterious nebula! - Mark Grove
PARK DOJO
CAPTURED FRAME
CAPTURED FRAME
07-20-20 Great evening practicing in the park with stick fighting. Nothing quite like training in the open air with good people... and fighting with sticks is always a treat regardless. - Mark Grove
NEW SHURIKEN
CAPTURED FRAME
ALIENS & DRAGONS
07-01-20 I am taking this time to work in the shop to create some amazing custom weaponry. This is just one design... I have twelve different shapes. Time to test them out! - Mark Grove
ALIENS & DRAGONS
OUT OF THE SHADOWS
ALIENS & DRAGONS
06/15/20 The post production on our Aliens & Dragons project is moving along nicely, but the pandemic has definitely taken its toll. Video updates and trailer coming soon - Mark Grove
HOME DOJO
OUT OF THE SHADOWS
OUT OF THE SHADOWS
05/26/20 Had to transform a room at my house to accommodate training. I can video lessons from here for my students and display all the new weapons I am making in the shop - Mark Grove
OUT OF THE SHADOWS
OUT OF THE SHADOWS
OUT OF THE SHADOWS
05/17/20 After the Covid-19 shutdown we decided to change training to take place outdoors. We are focusing on swordsmanship so we can maintain distancing - Mark Grove
WATCH THIS VIDEO
WATCH THIS VIDEO
WATCH THIS VIDEO
AXANAR - THE GATHERING STORM
03/15/20 Take a look at the latest trailer that the Axanar team has worked so hard on. I am proud to be a Producer on this project - Mark Grove
SHADOW WALKERS
WATCH THIS VIDEO
WATCH THIS VIDEO
02/25/20 Re-release of one of my early films originally released through Lionsgate. I always find it amazing when work from your past gains renewed momentum - Mark Grove
RETRO RE-RELEASE
WATCH THIS VIDEO
RETRO RE-RELEASE
Get ready for a blast from the past with the Bluray re-release of MY SAMURAI (1992) from the MVD Rewind Collection. Check out the commentary track I did in the special features section! - Mark Grove
JOHN WICK 3
EXCITING ADVENTURES
RETRO RE-RELEASE
05/16/19 Long time friends and fellow action icons James Lew and Mark Dacascos at a showing of JOHN WICK 3. James and Mark worked on the TV series THE CROW: STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN. - Mark Grove
STEVE WANG
EXCITING ADVENTURES
EXCITING ADVENTURES
05/14/19 had a visit to see the amazing work of Steve Wang, who has created magic in many films including Predator, Underworld, X-Men, Blade, Alien, Gremlins, The Monster Squad, Kamen Rider, and the Guyver. - Mark Grove
EXCITING ADVENTURES
EXCITING ADVENTURES
EXCITING ADVENTURES
05/13/19 Expanding my horizons. Great meetings with the amazing people at The Asylum. Always great to see what they have up their sleeve! Who knows... someday you might see my name of one of these projects - Mark Grove
TRUE WARRIORS
2019 STUNT AWARDS
2019 STUNT AWARDS
05/12/19 Developing some projects to utilize my friends Mike Chat and Ho-Sung Pak. If all goes as planned we will have the project going sometime in the first quarter of 2020! - Mark Grove
2019 STUNT AWARDS
2019 STUNT AWARDS
2019 STUNT AWARDS
05/11/19 The Taurus Word Stunt Awards sponsored by Red Bull put on an amazing show! I Have been attending since the first one in 2001 and it never fails to impress! - Mark Grove
RIFFTRAX
2019 STUNT AWARDS
RIFFTRAX
04/17/19 RIFFTRAX LIVE! in Nashville where they were taping their riffed version of my film STAR RAIDERS that will plan in 700+ theaters across the country in June 2019. - Mark Grove