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Jason David Frank

Jason David Frank (September 4, 1973 – November 19, 2022) was an American actor and martial artist best known for portraying Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger and subsequent iterations of the character, across multiple seasons of the Power Rangers franchise. Born in Covina, California, to parents Janice and Ray Frank, he began his acting career in 1993 with the role of Tommy Oliver in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, initially cast as an antagonist for a limited arc of 10 episodes before becoming a central figure as the White Ranger and leader in later seasons. Over the course of his tenure, Frank appeared in more than 200 episodes of the franchise, including Power Rangers Zeo (as the Red Zeo Ranger), Power Rangers Turbo (as the Red Turbo Ranger), Power Rangers Wild Force, Power Rangers Dino Thunder, and Power Rangers Ninja Steel, as well as starring in the films Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995) and Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie (1997). Beyond Power Rangers, Frank pursued other acting projects, such as the 2024 fantasy film , his final film, and maintained a professional career in , where he developed his own hybrid system called Toso Kune Do in 1994 and owned and operated Rising Sun Karate schools in and . A highly accomplished practitioner, he held an eighth-degree black belt in karate, along with black belts in Wado-ryu karate, , and , a purple belt in , and training in ; he also made his mixed martial arts debut in 2010, defeating opponent Jonathon "the Mack Truck" Mack. In his personal life, Frank was married to Shawna Frank from 1994 until their divorce in 2001, with whom he had three children—sons Jacob and Hunter, and daughter Skye—and later to Tammie Frank from 2003 until filing for divorce in August 2022, sharing a daughter, Jenna. He died by suicide via hanging on November 19, 2022, at age 49, in a hotel bathroom in Texas, leaving behind his four children.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Jason David Frank was born on , 1973, in . He was the younger of two sons born to Ray C. Frank and Janice Christine Soter, who married on December 2, 1967. Frank's older brother, Erik Ray Frank, was born in 1971 and preceded him in death in 2001. His mother was of and descent, while his father had , English, and ancestry. The family resided in Covina during Frank's early years, where he grew up in a close-knit household that emphasized physical activities and . Frank and his brother began training in karate during childhood, marking the start of his lifelong involvement in .

Early interests in martial arts and acting

Frank developed a profound interest in during his childhood, beginning formal training at the age of four at the Red Dragon Karate School in , where he studied under the Red Dragon style. By age twelve, he had achieved his first-degree , showcasing early dedication and skill that carried into his high school years. This accomplishment laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to various martial disciplines, including later pursuits in , , and . His family's encouragement played a key role in nurturing Frank's early passion for , with his mother observing his energetic and performative nature as a child and urging him to explore it professionally. This inclination was amplified through his training, as instructor Chris Cassamassa—who portrayed in the 1995 film Mortal Kombat—mentored him on the intersection of and performance, inspiring Frank to view as a viable path. Frank attended Bonita High School in , graduating in 1991, during which time his dual interests in and continued to evolve as hobbies before his professional breakthrough.

Professional career

Modeling and breakthrough in acting

Frank worked as a for Olive Productions during the , appearing in photo shoots featured in teen magazines under the stage name Jason Barnes. Frank's breakthrough in acting occurred in 1993 when he was cast as , the Green Ranger, in the children's television series . Originally intended as a villainous character for a limited five-part storyline, the role quickly evolved into a fan favorite, propelling Frank to international fame as the series became a cultural phenomenon in the . His selection for the part was influenced by his extensive background in , which he had pursued since childhood, including training in and other disciplines that aligned perfectly with the show's action-oriented demands. Frank auditioned amid competition from numerous candidates, but his natural athleticism and charisma secured the role, marking his transition from relative obscurity to stardom. Although the character was slated for only 14 episodes initially, Frank's performance led producers to expand Tommy Oliver's arc, turning him into a heroic figure and allowing Frank to portray multiple Ranger iterations across seasons. This opportunity not only established him as a leading figure in the franchise but also opened doors to further acting pursuits in the mid-1990s.

Roles in Power Rangers franchise

Jason David Frank first gained prominence in the Power Rangers franchise with his debut as in , premiering in 1993. Introduced in the five-part episode arc "Green with Evil," was initially portrayed as a brainwashed under the control of the villain , serving as the Green Ranger with enhanced powers derived from the Dragon Dagger and Dragonzord. After being freed from Rita's spell by the other Rangers, transitioned to a heroic role but struggled with the temporary nature of his Green Ranger powers, leading to key storylines involving power loss and recovery, such as in "The Green Candle" episodes. This arc established as a central figure, evolving from villain to ally, and Frank's background contributed to dynamic fight throughout the series. By season two, permanently assumed leadership as the White Ranger following the "White Light" arc, wielding the sword and White Tigerzord, and he reprised this role in the 1995 film : The Movie, where leads the team against Ooze. Frank continued portraying Tommy in subsequent seasons, returning as the Red Zeo Ranger in Power Rangers Zeo (1996), where Tommy led the team with the Zeo Power Sword against the Machine Empire, emphasizing themes of upgraded powers and ongoing leadership. In Power Rangers Turbo (1997) and its companion film Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie, Tommy served as the Red Turbo Ranger, piloting the Red Lightning Cruiser and transitioning the team's vehicle-based powers, before passing the leadership mantle to T.J. Oliver in the "Passing the Torch" episodes to pursue personal endeavors. Tommy made guest appearances in later series, including a prominent role in the "Forever Red" episode of (2002), where he joined other Red Rangers as the veteran leader to battle remnants of the Machine Empire. Frank's most substantial return came in (2004), portraying Tommy as the Black Dino Ranger and science teacher mentor to a new generation, featuring invisibility powers via the Shadow Saber and Pterazord, while grappling with personal story arcs like family dynamics and villain confrontations. In the 2010s, Frank reprised in anniversary specials, appearing as the in the "Legendary Battle" episode of Super Megaforce (2014), a massive crossover event uniting past Rangers. His final on-screen role was in Super Ninja Steel (2018), in the special "Dimensions in Danger," where morphed as both and alongside other to combat multiversal threats. Additionally, Frank provided voice work as Dr. and the alternate-universe villain Lord Drakkon in the audio RPG series (2017–2018), expanding Tommy's lore in narrative-driven episodes. He also had a brief non-morphing as an Angel Grove citizen in the 2017 reboot film.

Other acting projects and reunions

Beyond his iconic roles in the Power Rangers franchise, Jason David Frank pursued a variety of projects in and independent films, often drawing on his background and fanbase for superhero-themed content. In the Bat in the Sun Super Power Beat Down (2012–2020), Frank made multiple guest appearances between 2013 and 2016, reprising his role as in crossover battles against characters from other s, including Green Ranger vs. Ryu from and White Ranger vs. Scorpion from . In 2018, Frank portrayed the super-soldier Bloodshot (Ray Garrison) in the live-action Ninjak vs. the Valiant Universe, a adaptation produced by Bat in the Sun, where his character confronted the assassin amid a lineup of heroes and villains. This role marked his first live-action portrayal of a character, showcasing his action-hero persona in a serialized format released on . Frank's final on-screen project was the lead role of Erik Reed, the titular , in the crowdfunded Legend of the White Dragon (2023), which he co-wrote and co-produced alongside director and Christopher Jay through Bat in the Sun Productions. Filming began in 2021 via a successful campaign that raised over $300,000, reuniting Frank with fellow Power Rangers alumni like and in a story of a down-on-his-luck fighter gaining mystical powers to battle a shadowy . The film, completed before his death, was released posthumously and highlighted his creative involvement in expanding the indie . Frank's enduring popularity from also intersected with franchise reunions, though he did not appear in new footage for the 30th anniversary special Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always (2023) on , having declined participation prior to his passing; the special instead featured a heartfelt to him alongside the late .

Involvement in martial arts and MMA

Jason David Frank began training in at the age of four, initially under Louis Casamassa in , where he learned the style of and earned his first at age 12. He later achieved an 8th-degree in and held in Wado-ryu and , while also attaining proficiency in , , , , and . These accomplishments stemmed from years of dedicated practice and competition on the karate circuit starting in his late teens. In addition to his personal achievements, Frank became a prominent instructor, opening his first , Red Dragon Karate, at age 18 after competing professionally. He later founded and operated Rising Sun Karate Academy, establishing multiple locations in and to teach and , blending traditional techniques with practical . Frank also developed his own hybrid style, Toso Kune Do ("The Way of the Fighting Fist"), which incorporated elements from various disciplines he mastered, and he frequently demonstrated these skills at dojos and public events. His teaching emphasized discipline, faith, and empowerment, often drawing from his experiences to inspire students. Frank's martial arts expertise directly informed his portrayal of Tommy Oliver in the Power Rangers franchise, where he contributed to fight choreography using authentic techniques from his training. Transitioning into competitive mixed martial arts, he compiled an undefeated amateur record of 4-0 in 2010, with first-round stoppages: submission (omoplata) over Jonathon Mack on January 30 at Lone Star Beatdown in Houston, ; TKO over Chris Rose on February 19 at Lone Star Beatdown in , ; knockout (rising knee) over James "the Beast" Willis on May 8 at Cage Rage 7 in ; and submission (armbar) over Carlos Horn in 24 seconds on May 22 at UWC 8: in . He made his professional debut on August 4, 2010, at Texas Cage Fighting: Puro Combate 1, submitting Jose Roberto Vasquez in 46 seconds. These five bouts marked the extent of his competitive MMA career, after which he retired from fighting. Following his MMA retirement, Frank focused on inspirational seminars and motivational speaking, often at conventions and through his apparel brand Jesus Didn't Tap, which promoted perseverance and in . He used these platforms to share lessons from his fighting experience, encouraging participants to apply martial principles to personal challenges without pursuing competitive bouts himself.

Personal life

Marriages and children

Jason David Frank was first married to Shawna Frank from 1994 until their divorce in 2001. The couple had three children together: sons and Hunter, and daughter Skye. In 2003, Frank married Tammie Frank, a fellow martial artist, and the couple, who filed for divorce in August 2022 but were reconciling, remained together until his death in 2022. They had one daughter, , and Frank also served as a to Tammie's daughter from a previous relationship; Shayla passed away in 2021. The family resided in Houston, Texas, where Frank owned and operated schools, allowing him to integrate his professional commitments with family responsibilities. Despite frequent travel for acting projects and fan conventions, Frank prioritized parenting, often sharing glimpses of family life through personal vlogs and bringing his children to events when possible.

Religious faith and advocacy work

Jason David Frank converted to in the early 2000s following the death of his older brother, Erik Ray Frank, in April 2001, an event that prompted him to attend at the invitation of his then-wife, Shawna. This personal tragedy led him to deepen his faith, describing how friends encouraged him to seek during his grief, marking the beginning of his commitment to evangelical . Frank became an outspoken advocate for his beliefs, frequently sharing his testimony at events and integrating his faith with his martial arts background. In the mid-2000s, Frank became actively involved in an evangelical church in , led by Pastor Keenan Smith, where he participated in ministries that combined physical challenges with spiritual teachings. He co-founded in 2005, a Christian promotion and apparel line that emphasized faith-based resilience, drawing from the idea that endured suffering without "tapping out." Frank established Rising Sun Karate schools in and , where he taught infused with biblical principles to promote discipline and spiritual growth among students. From the 2010s onward, Frank advocated for awareness, openly discussing his own battles with during convention panels and on to encourage others facing similar struggles. Posthumously, a documentary highlighted how these struggles, including and the suicides of his brother and stepdaughter, shaped his efforts. He participated in discussions with fellow actors, such as at C2E2 in 2020, highlighting the importance of seeking help and reducing stigma around issues. Frank also engaged in charity work tied to his Power Rangers persona, visiting children's hospitals like Vanderbilt Children's Hospital to interact with young patients and boost their spirits. He organized charity motorcycle rides to support children's hospitals and produced anti-bullying content on social media, using his Tommy Oliver character to promote messages against bullying and encourage kindness among youth.

Death

Circumstances of passing

Jason David Frank died by on November 19, 2022, at the age of 49, in a hotel room in , . The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences ruled the as asphyxiation due to , with no evidence of foul play. Frank was found by in the bathroom of his room after his wife, Tammie Frank, returned from getting snacks, knocked on the door with no response, and hotel staff or a guest called authorities; she had checked into a separate room at the same hotel because he snored. Earlier that evening, the couple had a heartfelt and emotional conversation while enjoying a weekend getaway. responded promptly, confirming the scene and transporting the body for . Leading up to his death, Frank had been grappling with significant personal challenges, including ongoing struggles such as , which he had publicly discussed in the past as part of his advocacy for awareness. Earlier that year, in August 2022, his wife filed for divorce citing and allegations of , though the couple had reportedly begun reconciling about six weeks prior to the incident. Tammie Frank later stated that while she was aware of his history with , she did not anticipate the tragedy, emphasizing that he appeared to be in good spirits during their recent reconciliation efforts. Although Frank maintained an active career in , conventions, and , reports indicated that the combination of personal stressors, including the marital turmoil, contributed to his deteriorating in the months before his . and associates had noted his battles with over several years, but no specific professional pressures were cited as a direct trigger in official accounts. In April 2025, the documentary Hollywood Demons explored Frank's , delving into his struggles, , and personal traumas through interviews and archival material.

Funeral arrangements and immediate tributes

Frank's private funeral service took place on November 28, 2022, in Houston, Texas, and was streamed live via his official fan page for supporters worldwide. The intimate gathering was attended by and select close friends. Following the service, Frank was laid to rest at Brookside Memorial Park in Houston, Texas, in Plot 36, Space 2 of the Resurrection Garden section. His headstone bears the inscription: "Dad, Always My Teacher / Forever My Hero / Now My Angel / Soulmates." In the immediate aftermath of Frank's death, his co-stars shared heartfelt tributes on , emphasizing his kindness and inspirational presence. , who portrayed the Red Ranger, posted, "I am heartbroken to hear about the loss of my dear friend Jason David Frank. He was a warrior, and I will miss him," highlighting their bond despite past tensions. , the original Black Ranger, expressed profound sorrow, writing, "Can’t believe it…. RIP Jason David Frank. My heart is sad to have lost another member of our special family," accompanied by a group photo of the cast. These responses underscored Frank's enduring impact as a compassionate colleague and within the franchise.

Legacy

Jason David Frank's portrayal of Tommy Oliver in the Power Rangers franchise established the character as an enduring icon, particularly through his arc from brainwashed villain to redeemed leader, embodying themes of heroism, redemption, and perseverance that resonated deeply with audiences. Tommy's journey inspired countless fans, particularly children in the , to embrace ideals of overcoming adversity and stepping into leadership roles, with many citing the character's evolution as a pivotal influence on their personal growth. This connection fostered dedicated fan communities, where enthusiasts create and share replicas of Tommy's Green and White Ranger suits, as well as extensive depicting his battles and transformations, keeping the character's spirit alive in creative expressions. Frank's performance as significantly contributed to ' status as a global cultural phenomenon in the , amplifying the show's blend of colorful action and moral storytelling to captivate a worldwide youth audience. The series' emphasis on choreography, showcased through Tommy's dynamic fight scenes, played a key role in sparking widespread interest in and related disciplines among young viewers, with Frank's authentic expertise adding credibility and excitement to the on-screen combat. By 2001, the franchise had generated over $6 billion in merchandise sales, much of it driven by the appeal of characters like Tommy who bridged entertainment with real-world physical training. Following Frank's death in 2022, fans organized heartfelt vigils and memorials at major conventions, transforming events into spaces of collective mourning and celebration of his legacy. At 2023, attendees held an impromptu tribute during a panel, where his daughter Jenna Frank shared personal stories, highlighting the profound emotional bond fans maintained with her father through . Online communities continued this outpouring with annual anniversary memorials, including video tributes and fan-led discussions that underscore Tommy's ongoing role as a symbol of resilience for new generations.

Posthumous recognition and ongoing influence

Following Jason David Frank's death in November 2022, the Power Rangers franchise honored him through dedications in subsequent productions, most notably in the 2023 Netflix special Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always, which served as a key part of the series' 30th anniversary celebrations. The special, released on April 20, 2023, featured an on-screen tribute card at its conclusion reading, "In Loving Memory of Jason David Frank and Thuy Trang," acknowledging Frank's portrayal of Tommy Oliver alongside the late Thuy Trang's Trini Kwan, and included archival footage of his performances to evoke his enduring presence. This dedication underscored Frank's foundational role in the franchise, with the special's narrative centering on legacy and reunion themes that implicitly reflected his contributions. At the 2023 , panels dedicated to Frank's final project, , transformed into impromptu memorials, where attendees and participants paid homage to his legacy as a martial artist and actor. His daughter, Jenna Frank, spoke emotionally about her father's impact, sharing personal anecdotes and leading fans in chants of "" to celebrate his life, while co-stars and producers highlighted his charisma and dedication during the July 22 event. These sessions drew hundreds of attendees, fostering a collective tribute that emphasized Frank's influence beyond the screen. Frank's portrayal of was set to shape reboots and adaptations, particularly in the Netflix live-action series developed from 2018 and gaining public attention in 2022–2023, which envisioned the character as a central mentor figure in a multiverse-spanning narrative. Jonathan Entwistle revealed that the project aimed to honor Tommy's arc, incorporating elements of Frank's performance to bridge classic and modern storytelling; however, the project was cancelled by in June 2024, with seeking a new partner. Additionally, a 2024 documentary, Jason David Frank: An Intimate Look into Your Hero, explored his career and personal struggles, promoting awareness while featuring interviews with colleagues to illustrate his lasting inspiration in the genre. In 2025, the Max docuseries Hollywood Demons included an episode titled "Dark Side of the ," exploring Frank's career, personal struggles, and legacy while addressing themes. His ongoing influence is evident in fan-driven cultural phenomena, where communities continue to organize events and art in his memory, perpetuating 's status as an iconic anti-hero turned leader.

Filmography

Television appearances

Jason David Frank gained prominence through his extensive work in the Power Rangers television franchise, where he portrayed the iconic character across several series, accumulating over 250 episodes in total, more than any other Ranger actor. His debut as the Green Ranger in marked a breakthrough, evolving the character through various Ranger forms and leadership roles in subsequent seasons. Frank's recurring role as Tommy Oliver spanned multiple Power Rangers series, showcasing his martial arts skills and charismatic presence:
SeriesYearsRoleEpisodes
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers1993–1996Tommy Oliver (Green Ranger, White Ranger)123
Power Rangers Zeo1996Tommy Oliver (Red Zeo Ranger)50
Power Rangers Turbo1997Tommy Oliver (Red Turbo Ranger)19
Power Rangers Samurai2011Tommy Oliver (Red Ranger)1 ("Clash of the Red Rangers")
Power Rangers Wild Force2002Tommy Oliver1 ("Forever Red")
Power Rangers Dino Thunder2004Tommy Oliver (Black Dino Thunder Ranger)32
Power Rangers Super Megaforce2014Tommy Oliver (Green Ranger)1 ("Legendary Battle")
Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel2018Tommy Oliver1 ("Dimensions in Danger")
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always2023Tommy Oliver (archive footage)1
Posthumous release
Beyond the Power Rangers franchise, Frank made notable guest appearances in other television series, often leveraging his action-oriented background. In , he played A.J. Morgan, Jessica Wakefield's boyfriend, across four episodes in 1996, including "Rock Around the Block" and "A Star Is Torn," where his character navigated teen romance and band dynamics. He also appeared as , a member in the Piranhas, in the episode "Karate Kids" (1996), engaging in a memorable showdown with . In animated and web-based television, Frank provided voice work and live-action roles that highlighted his versatility. He voiced Silver Bear, Grizzly's from childhood, in the We Bare Bears episode "Imaginary Friend" (2019). For the Transformers: Titans Return mini-series (2017–2018), he voiced the Emissary across 13 episodes, contributing to the sci-fi action narrative. Additionally, in the Super Power Beat Down (2013–2018), Frank reprised in various Ranger iterations for multiple episodes, such as "Green Ranger vs. " (2015) and "White Ranger vs. " (2013), pitting the character against icons from other franchises in fan-inspired battles. He further expanded into comic adaptations with the role of Bloodshot in (2017–2018), appearing in the live-action episode focused on the super-soldier.

Film credits

Jason David Frank's film career extended beyond his iconic television roles, encompassing lead performances in theatrical adaptations, supporting parts in independent features, and voice work in animated projects. His cinematic appearances often highlighted his background, blending action sequences with character-driven narratives in low-budget and . Frank first appeared in with a voice role as in the special Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Alpha's Magical Christmas (1994), where the Rangers teach Alpha-5 about holiday traditions amid villainous interruptions. He transitioned to live-action theatrical films as Tommy Oliver, the White Ranger, in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995), leading the team against the demon Ivan Ooze in a high-stakes battle to save Earth. Frank reprised the role as the Red Turbo Ranger in Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie (1997), directing the Rangers to thwart Divatox's plot to unleash the destructive Maligore. Frank appeared as Tommy Keen in the mockumentary comedy The Junior Defenders (2007), supporting a ensemble cast in a satirical take on child actors forming a superhero team. He led as the prophesied Dragon Warrior in the fantasy The Dragon Warrior (2011), a awakening ancient powers to mythical beasts in an epic quest against dragonkind. In the documentary American Jesus (2013), Frank appeared as himself, contributing insights into diverse expressions of across American culture through personal testimonials. Frank had a minor supporting role as a sport fisherman in the Omniboat: A Fast Boat Fantasia (2020), which weaves interconnected stories around a speedboat's chaotic journey from construction to . He had a cameo as Tommy Oliver in the reboot film Power Rangers (2017). His final film role was the lead as Erik Reed, the White Dragon, in the martial arts fantasy Legend of the White Dragon (2023), a vigilante hero uncovering supernatural threats; the project was completed posthumously following Frank's death in 2022.
YearTitleRoleNotes
1994Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Alpha's Magical ChristmasTommy Oliver (voice)Direct-to-video animated special
1995Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The MovieTommy Oliver / White RangerTheatrical lead
1997Turbo: A Power Rangers MovieTommy Oliver / Red Turbo RangerTheatrical lead
2007The Junior DefendersTommy KeenSupporting
2011The Dragon WarriorThe Warrior / Dragon WarriorLead
2013American JesusSelfDocumentary
2017Power RangersTommy OliverCameo
2020Omniboat: A Fast Boat FantasiaSport FishermanSupporting anthology segment
2023Legend of the White DragonErik Reed / The White DragonPosthumous lead

Video game roles

Jason David Frank extended his portrayal of Tommy Oliver from the Power Rangers franchise into interactive media through and other contributions in video games. One of his notable roles was voicing the White Ranger in Power Rangers: Super Legends (2008), a game developed by and published by for various consoles, where players control Rangers from different eras battling enemies. Frank also provided voices for multiple iterations of in : Battle for the Grid (2019), a by nWay, including the Green Ranger, White Ranger, Lord Drakkon, and base as a character, marking one of his final performances in the role. Additionally, he contributed motion capture for fight scenes in related Power Rangers titles during the 2010s, leveraging his martial arts expertise to enhance gameplay authenticity.

Mixed martial arts record

Professional fights

Jason David Frank made his professional mixed martial arts debut on August 4, 2010, at Texas Cage Fighting: Puro Combate 1 in Houston, Texas. In the heavyweight bout, he faced Jose Roberto Vasquez and secured a quick victory by submission via rear-naked choke at 0:46 of the first round. This performance showcased Frank's grappling skills, honed from his extensive martial arts background in karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Frank's professional MMA career consisted of this single sanctioned bout, resulting in an undefeated record of 1-0-0. He did not compete in any additional professional fights following this debut.

Amateur competitions

Frank began competing in tournaments as a teenager in the late 1980s, focusing on style. He earned national ratings as a competitor from 1988 to 1990. In 1990, at age 17, he secured the Grand Champion title at the Las Vegas Winter Nationals, highlighting his early prowess in forms and sparring. Transitioning to mixed martial arts, Frank entered the amateur scene in 2010, achieving an undefeated 4-0 record with all victories by first-round stoppage—two via knockout or and two by submission. His debut came on January 30 against Jonathon Mack at Lonestar Beatdown 1 in Houston, , where he won via omoplata at 1:17 of the first round. Subsequent wins included a (strikes) over Chris Rose on February 19 at Lonestar Beatdown in , at 2:09 of the first round; a (strikes) against James Willis on May 8 at Texas Rage in the Cage: Cage Rage 7 in , at 0:23 of the first round; and a submission (armbar) versus Carlos Horn on May 22 at Ultimate Warrior Challenge 8 in . Additionally, Frank engaged in grappling competitions within circuits, leveraging his purple belt proficiency, though detailed bout records from these events remain limited. He frequently conducted non-competitive demonstrations and exhibitions at fan conventions, including a showcase at in 2008 and joint routines at Wizard World events in 2013 and 2014, entertaining audiences with high-energy displays of kicks, strikes, and forms. These formative amateur contests and exhibitions built his confidence, leading directly into his single professional MMA bout later that year.

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