Jason David Frank, ex-Green Power Ranger: A legitimate Martial Artist?

**ignignokt** · Posted On: 5/10/2007 1:12pm

Well, he's started a martial arts school and has apparently started his own style, "Toso Kune Do," and has Flash-based website that's pretty heavy on the flashiness:

http://www.risingsunkarate.com/default.html

It tries very hard to create an atmosphere of badass-osity, what with the menacing music constantly going except during the video, during which he breaks out the MTV rock:

http://www.risingsunkarate.com/videos.html

It's pretty hard to see in the midst of all of that slow motion exactly what separates Toso Kune Do from normal Tae Kwon Do or Karate, but I don't think the Green Ranger would lie to us. I did kinda hope to see everyone using Power Ranger suits instead of gis, though.

Lest you think that amidst his constant grimacing that he forgot how to have fun with the shorties, check this out:

http://www.risingsunkarate.com/bday.html

Yup, the dojo is available for kids' birthday parties!

The best part of the web site is that it's impossible to find an actual address for the dojo, so after you're done being impressed by all the slickness and want to sign up, you'll have no idea where it is. But if any of you happen to have seen the mysterious Rising Sun Karate Academy, you should check it out and give us the scoop on the power of Toso Kune Do!

**Matt W.** · Posted On: 5/10/2007 1:28pm

Looks like the guy is a FC Karate and MT champ. Which, is... you know... pretty legit and all.

They also offer programs in boxing, MT/KB and sub grappling in addition to a bunch of kiddie programs.

Wait... Why does this guy suck, again?

**Teh El Macho** · Posted On: 5/10/2007 1:37pm

He has a 6th degree black belt:

http://www.risingsunkarate.com/jason-frank.html

Who is Kyoshi Jason David Frank?

He is a 6th degree Black Belt
He achieved his 6th degree black belt in 1998 Tom Rivers New Jersey under Master Rick Herbster , Also By Louis D. casamassa

**bearich** · Posted On: 5/10/2007 1:40pm

At worst I'd call it a McDojo for the kiddie programs (3 yr. old class & an 11 year old 2nd degree black belt), but I'm not seeing anything that jumps out as bullshido.

**ignignokt** · Posted On: 5/10/2007 1:40pm

What? He started last year, and his record is 2 and 0. Not bad, but two fights really don't make him the combat authority he makes himself out to be.

The grappling thing doesn't look bad, actually, but there's a lot of other red flags that make the place look like it sucks, like the "We are a black belt school" motto, the new "style" that combines fifteen other styles, as well as the crappy slo-mo-packed video.

**Matt W.** · Posted On: 5/10/2007 1:44pm

ig, you're ragging on the corporate aspects of the school. Feel free to do so, but they obviously are a school that fights and competes. Heck, even on the non-fighting stuff they still compete! (Looks like XMA/forms type stuff.)

Call me crazy, but XMA looks pretty neat. If you can do that stuff, and then step in a ring and K somebody TFO, then that's pretty cool in my book.

**Iscariot** · Posted On: 5/10/2007 2:27pm

Feel free to actually call something on this guy, but so far you haven't really.

Need I remind you that Omega's school has a kid's program?

If you want you can dig around and see if his qualifications and fight records are legit, but on the face of it it looks like a school that's running the stereotypical kids programs to pay the rent while training fighters for competition. McDojo? Maybe depending on the split. Bullshido? Not until you come up with something.

The fact he was the Green Power Ranger means bollocks all (actually it's a plus as the Green Ranger was easily the coolest - he had a Godzilla robot and actually got around to shagging the Pink Ranger, unlike the entrenched in the closet Red Ranger).

**isol8d** · Posted On: 5/10/2007 2:34pm

he trained for Muay Thai with some guy named Master Toddy. Maybe someone can look him up to see if he's legit?

**Tom Kagan** · Posted On: 5/10/2007 4:27pm

The links to the Pink Power Ranger went here:
http://www.bullshido.net/forums/showthread.php?t=54630

The Ultraman v. Power Rangers discussion went here:
http://www.bullshido.net/forums/showthread.php?t=54628

**ignignokt** · Posted On: 5/10/2007 6:52pm

You guys may be right. His web site is ridiculous and makes me think he's trying to put one over on people and the video fails to demonstrate anything worthwhile about his martial arts or martial arts instruction, but perhaps some of the courses at that school can teach someone something worthwhile.