Hailing from Jamaica Queens, NY, Frankie's story is deeply rooted in a legacy of Italian American boxing. The tales of his grandfather's boxing bars in Brooklyn and Queens, and of his family members like his uncle, father, and the legendary cousin Mickey, are an intrinsic part of his boxing identity.
Yet, while boxing was in his blood, life presented Frankie with formidable challenges.
Seeking a positive outlet, Frankie turned to the boxing gym, which became his sanctuary. It was here that he met Coach Ray Rinaldi, who would become a significant guiding light in his life. Ray's teachings in the ring were complemented by the spiritual teachings of Christianity, to which Frankie was deeply devoted. This faith provided him with a moral compass and a sense of purpose.
After years of dedication in the gym, Frankie took a brief hiatus to serve in the U.S. Army, where his athletic prowess earned him unique privileges and eye-opening experiences.
Upon his return, his passion for boxing remained unwavering.
In the midst of his boxing journey, Frankie's personal life flourished. He met Signia, his future wife, during his service at Fort Drum. Their bond, strengthened by shared faith, led to a beautiful marriage, graced by the presence of their two children, Francesco David and Luciana Ivette.
Frankie's commitment to education paralleled his dedication to boxing. After obtaining a bachelor's degree in Legal Studies, he pursued a Master's in Education, influenced by friends who saw his potential as a Physical Education teacher.
Throughout his journey, Frankie's faith remained his guiding light. Many pastors, notably Pastor Francis Foti, played pivotal roles in shaping him as a devout Christian. This spiritual foundation, combined with the discipline of boxing, made Frankie a beacon of resilience, hard work, and unwavering faith.
After achieving remarkable success with his gym in NY, Coach Frankie felt the call to new horizons and decided to relocate to the Sunshine State, Florida. It was here that destiny introduced him to Joe "Formiga" Cortez, a fellow enthusiast of the sport. With open arms, Joe welcomed Frankie into the Primal Striking BJJ family.
This union marked the inception of Frankie's first esteemed program in Florida, merging his legacy with the vibrant energy of the Primal Striking BJJ community.
Today, Coach Frankie stands as a testament to the transformative power of dedication, faith, and passion. Through boxing and his strong Christian values, he continues to inspire and mentor countless individuals, fostering strength of both body and spirit.
Boxing is a transformative tool that molds character, fosters growth, and instills values like perseverance, faith, and community.
Boxing is a comprehensive workout that strengthens the heart, tones muscles, enhances agility and promotes active lifestyles, vital in today's sedentary world.
Yes, by equipping them with self-defense skills, boxing significantly boosts self-confidence and self-assurance.
The intense sessions and drills in boxing improve cardiovascular endurance, crucial for overall stamina.
Indeed, boxing bolsters mental endurance with its strategic thinking and decision-making under pressure.
Through boxing, kids learn perseverance, determination, discipline, and the value of hard work, which are essential for success in life.