Biography
Javier Ramirez Franco is a dedicated martial artist and full-contact kickboxer with over 30 years of experience across multiple disciplines, including boxing, kickboxing, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, and mixed martial arts. Originally from Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico, Franco has built a lifelong career centered around discipline, competition, and the continuous pursuit of mastery.
Early Training & Background
Franco began boxing at age 13 under professional boxer Manuel “Zorro” Castañon, quickly developing a strong foundation in striking. After two years, he transitioned to the Centro de Arte Marcial Chino, where he expanded his training to include Kung Fu and Wu-Shu under Instructor Rene Banos Solis, achieving a high-level black belt equivalent (Wu-Shu does not use a formal belt system).
Competitive Record
- Amateur Boxing: 6 wins, 0 losses – Boxeo Amateur Forum Condesa
- Amateur Kickboxing: 3 wins, 1 loss – Boxeo Arena Coliseo
- Jiu Jitsu: 2× Second Place – Submission Hunt (170 lb No-Gi & Gi Divisions)
Career in the U.S.
In 1997, Franco moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he began training in Taekwondo at National Karate under Carrie Foustemberg and Jeff Sidner. He earned his First Degree Black Belt in 2001 and distinguished himself in national competition:
- 1998 Diamond Nationals – 1st Place Sparring (Brown Belt)
- 1999 Diamond Nationals – 1st Place Sparring (Advanced Brown)
- 2001 Diamond Nationals – 3rd Place Sparring (Black Belt)
In 2006, Franco broadened his training into mixed martial arts at Gorilla Combat MMA Gym, training under top-level instructors in Muay Thai, boxing, jiu jitsu, and wrestling. His development continued at Minnesota Martial Arts Academy in Brooklyn Center under Instructor Hayden Buckner, where he focused on Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. Franco later returned to Gorilla Combat as a personal trainer and boxing coach, where he also sparred with professional MMA fighters.
Teaching & Current Role
In April 2018, Javier Franco joined Dojo Karate – Medina to continue sharing his knowledge and passion for martial arts. His approach integrates traditional martial arts values with real-world striking and combat experience, creating well-rounded martial artists prepared both for competition and personal growth.