Best known for his role as Tommy Oliver in the long-running TV show Power Rangers, Jason David Frank morphed into a series of different rangers over the years: Mighty Morphin Green and White, Red Zeo, Red Turbo and (after his return in 2004) the Black DinoThunder Ranger. All in all, Tommy appeared in more episodes than any other character—225 in total, and appeared in both full-length Rangers movies, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995) and Turbo (1997).

A highly accomplished and respected martial artist with 34 years experience, Kyoshi Frank currently holds a seventh-degree black belt in American Karate and a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He is the owner/operator of Rising Sun Karate and MMA, with two schools in Texas and one in California. He is also the founder/CEO of Jesus Didn’t Tap, the first Christian-based line of MMA clothing and fight gear. Inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame in 2003 as the American Karate Master of the Year, he is the founder of Toso Kune Do, his own style.

Always an actor at heart, Jason has taken on several small- and big-screen roles, his most recent being The One Warrior, an action/fantasy film which also stars James Russo and Dominic Keating. In the story, the character of The One Warrior finds himself in a mythical world where he must destroy the Evil Lord Shoukata.

Frank took some time to answer questions from the Murfreesboro Pulse in anticipation of his upcoming appearance at Wizard World Nashville, Sept. 26–28

Murfreesboro Pulse: You spent the ’90s as a hero to many children. Who are your heroes of both childhood and today? What makes a hero?
Jason David Frank: We all are heroes in our own way. I think we all have done heroic actions whether it was helping a friend from a bully, rescuing a defenseless animal, or saving someone’s life. To me a hero is someone who inspires someone else to be better or complete a dream. When I was growing up I saw my senseis [elder teachers and/or masters] and of course my parents as my heroes.

Your Wikipedia page says that you hold a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu? When studying forms of martial arts, what about jiu-jitsu appealed to you? What makes it different from other disciplines?
I’m currently a purple belt but I’m going for my brown belt real soon. I know many styles of martial arts but jiu-jitsu to me is like a game of chess. It takes a lot of thought and strategy; it isn’t easy like checkers. I love the challenges you have to face when training in jiu-jitsu.

Documentaries such as Fight Church have chronicled the intersection of fighting culture and faith. With your efforts (including Jesus Didn’t Tap), how much of a hand do you think you’ve had in the popularity of this intersection? Also, is this trend temporary or here to stay?
There is always a lot of controversy when you mix religion with anything, but as a Christian, I am proud of my faith. Jesus Didn’t Tap was the first Christian-based clothing line in MMA. We have represented many top fighters and I think its success has opened fighters and those in the industry to show how proud they are of their beliefs. This is a permanent trend and will only continue to grow, in my opinion.

Regarding criticism of people training the temple of their body like a weapon, what would you offer to that discussion? What arguments do you hear regarding this, and how have you countered them?
There are a lot of misconceptions about training in martial arts. A lot of people believe martial arts instructors are only teaching violence. However, one of the first things I teach at my schools, Rising Sun Karate Academy and in my up-and-coming virtual training, trainmejdf.com, is that we must never use what we learned in martial arts to attack or harm anyone. Martial arts isn’t only about teaching someone how to fight—it also teaches what we call the codes of the dragon, brotherhood, dedication, respect, cooperation, discipline, attitude and self-respect.

You broke a Guinness world record by breaking seven pine boards during a free fall. What made you want to attempt breaking said world record? Do you have any current plans to break any more records?
I wanted to do a world record that meant something special to me. I love martial arts and skydiving so I decided to combine the two by breaking boards while skydiving. I have a few more records in mind and plan to do them soon. In fact, I’m planning on documenting one on my reality show, My Morphin Life.

Describe your efforts with Bat in the Sun productions. How did you meet the folks involved with the company?
Aaron Schoenke of Bat in the Sun contacted me in participating in his Super Power Beatdown, which would feature my White Ranger character against one from Mortal Kombat. Since I do all types of interviews whether big or small I agreed, but I was blown away by the magic he produces. His work on Super Power Beatdown is amazing. Currently, we have quite a few projects. We are working together on my reality TV show, My Morphin Life, which we have filmed two seasons and are starting the third. We also filmed a special black ops web series, where I will play the lead character called Taz Kayden: Operation Black Unicorn. We also filmed another Super Power Beatdown, the Green Ranger vs. Ryu, which is going to be epic.

According to Variety, Lionsgate has dated the reboot of Power Rangers to 2016. In what capacity will you be involved? What would you like to see from the reboot?
Right now, everything is in the beginning stages, but I have heard that they are very interested in having some of the original cast. I definitely want to see what new things they will come up with and what direction they will take the Power Rangers to. I would also love to see the originals appear.

You have a loyal social media following with whom you frequently interact. In what ways have you changed the lives of your followers? Any inspirational stories you’d care to share?
There are so many stories to tell. We would probably run out of space. They are more than just followers; I consider them friends. So many have told me I have inspired them to get in shape, live healthier, accomplish a goal, et cetera. We are accountability partners. They don’t let me quit and I won’t let them, either.

What other projects are you working on currently?
Like I said before, I have my reality show that is going on its third season. Also with Bat in the Sun, I have the Green Ranger Beatdown and the special ops web series, Taz Kayden Operation Black Unicorn. Also I am very excited to launch a virtual training school where I will be able to teach martial arts to everyone around the world, which has been a huge dream of mine.

What was the best piece of advice you were given when you started studying martial arts? What misconceptions, if any, do people hold about the disciplines?
To stick to it and never quit. There will always be obstacles and people that will put you down so you don’t succeed. Ignore these people and face those obstacles. As a martial artist, you will always continue learning. You don’t stop just because you’ve earned a black belt. We learn things everyday and that will never stop.

Outside of the realm of Power Rangers, are there any roles as an actor you’ve been dying to play?
I would love to play a dark, gritty character like a hero who is down a dark path and then in the end discovers himself again and beats all adversity.

Any cool or funny stories from the various Wizard World cons you’d care to share? What can fans in Nashville expect this year?
Each Wizard World is different, but all I can say that we always have a great time. I recommend that those who have never dressed up in costume but want to, to definitely do it, join the costume contest and to enjoy the panels and other special events they offer. I, of course, will be the same crazy JDF that riles up the crowd and has the loudest lines.