The Power Rangers television series may be one of the most treasured memories of any 90’s kid’s nostalgic haze through childhood. Focusing on a team of monster-fighting youths who have to defend their ever-endangered community from the threats across the cosmos, the franchise created two movies and a new series for almost every year since it started in 1993.
Most memorable among the cast was Jason David Frank, who played the role of Tommy Oliver — a character who evolved from bad guy to good guy, portraying the green, white and red rangers of the show’s lineup. Having been in karate since age 4, Frank started teaching at the age of 12, and co-owned his first school by the age of 18. Now, claiming a thousand students in four schools, Frank’s success as a mentor and mixed martial artist can be seen in his celebrity among the MMA community through a collection of awards and achievements, including , a Seventh Degree Black Belt, a Guinness World Record and a sterling fighting record.
It would seem to the Pulse that Frank’s most cherished trophy is the moral standing he has with his fans. Owner of the fighting apparel company “Jesus Didn’t Tap,” Frank has always had a focus on instilling positive values into his fans and students. Overcoming the hazy accusations of “promoting violence” by early detractors of the Power Rangers show, Frank’s dedication to the concentration, discipline, and virtue of his pupils can be seen as the running theme in all of his works.
Stopping by the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital on Oct. 18, Frank gave a demonstration in karate and a lesson to sick children about the principles of martial arts, bringing eager members onstage to learn to bow, punch, kick, and “Kiai” (the familiar Japanese battle cry). The final lesson, however, was the boost in self-confidence every child received after Frank’s students received an uproarious amount of applause, helping them each overcome the crippling fear of public presence.
The Pulse was able to steal a moment with Mr. Frank, starting off with a question about the proposed solo series following the exploits of the Green Ranger.
“I can talk a little bit, but I can’t discuss too much,” Frank says, catching a breath after the demonstration. “Well, I’m working with Bat in the Sun Productions right now doing a movie trailer to present to Saban Entertainment, and things are going really well. We haven’t released the story, but you can expect to see it soon. It’s going to be awesome.”
Switching gears, the Pulse asked Jason what it was like having been a mentor to youth for two decades, to which he replied, “It feels good, man. I have a whole new generation of kids coming up, and I’ve been on the road for the past two years, promoting and stuff like that almost every week. It’s refreshing to hear some of the stories that have changed people’s lives. I can never hear that too much. Fans ask if I get tired of hearing that, but that’s what I’m here to hear.”
Frank’s fans, which as of this article compose a healthy 200,000+ followers on Facebook alone, have shown a colossal amount of support to the fighter, father and frequenter of conventions. According to him, it came about through “lots of hard work, and three years of building social media, talking to the fans every single day for three to four hours almost daily, and sharing pictures.” He says, ” I do it because there’s a lot of interesting stuff on social media. Believe it or not, there’s a lot of people who turn to me when their mom dies, dad dies, brother kills themselves, commits suicide. There’s a lot more on there than things like, “What’s your favorite color?” My page is an in-depth page. It’s more of a motivational page for people to stay fit. I’m just there to listen, and there to give quick guidance on some stuff, you know? I try to answer every single post. Sometimes I’m a few days behind, especially when I’m traveling and stuff on tour. But I’ll eventually get to everybody.”
The conventions, which compose a decent bulk of Frank’s activity, have helped kept the fighting star in touch with his fans. The hospital visit was actually scheduled as an offsite event, courtesy of the folks at Wizard World, who programmed the visit for youth who could not attend the convention.
“Wizard World’s great, man. I started with them this year. We’ve got 16 new shows traveling around different cities and states. Very well organized. I think the most important thing is that the fans leave Wizard World with a great experience. That’s what I love to be a part of. I love to be a part of an organization that respects the fans just like I do. The last thing I want to do is appear at an event that has negativity.” He adds, “I’m not the only one there. There’s tons of things to do and to check out.”
To stay current with Jason David Frank, check out his social media. And be sure to pay the folks of Wizard World a visit too.
