From the Turmoil of Adolescence to the Success in MMA and Beyond, Frank Shamrock Reflects on His Career

Frank Aliso Juarez III, better known as Frank Shamrock, was raised sans a father within a violent, impoverished and trouble-stricken environment. And then things got worse.

By age 12, he was a ward of the state of California and would eventually serve prison time.

But from the ashes he rose. Like the mythical phoenix.

And the man responsible for the resurrection was Bob Shamrock, who ran the Shamrock Boys’ Ranch in Susanville, Calif.

Shamrock had taken in drones of troubled boys, including Frank’s older foster brother, Ken. At the age of 21, Frank moved into the “ranch,” and Shamrock adopted him.

“Bob was the first guy I encountered who refused to take any lip,” says Frank. “He was also the first guy to show me respect, give me a hug and tell me he loved me. Plus, he had really good morals and communicated well. Through all my trials and tribulations, he was there for me.”

Following in the footsteps of his brother Ken, Frank changed his surname to Shamrock.

SIBLING RIVALRY

In 1994, Frank began to train in submission fighting under Ken and, before long, was a component of his brother’s Lion’s Den martial arts school.

“The feeling of camaraderie and family I experienced while a part of the Lion’s Den is something I’ve replicated at AKA and all the other schools I’ve gone on to create,” says Frank.

Despite their co-tenure at the Lion’s Den, the brothers’ relationship emerged as problematic and continues to be strained to this day …

You’ll find Adam’s full story in the December issue.

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