Founder & Head Instructor – Aguirre’s Fighting System (AFS)
Third-Degree Black Belt – Kickboxing & Sambo
Fifth-Degree Black Belt – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Judo

Coach Franklin Aguirre began his martial arts journey in the 1970s at the young age of 12. His first step into the world of combat sports was through Tae Kwon Do, where he trained diligently for four years. Driven by a deep passion for learning and a relentless pursuit of mastery, he went on to train in Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Sambo, and Judo for over 12 years—earning black belts in all four disciplines.

Currently, Coach Franklin holds:

• 3rd Degree Black Belt in Kickboxing

• 3rd Degree Black Belt in Sambo

• 5th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

• 5th Degree Black Belt in Judo

Since the late 1990s, Coach Franklin has been blessed to train, compete, and teach around the world, working with many well-known fighters and instructors, including:
Joe "Daddy" Stevenson, Jason Lambert, Bas Rutten, Jay Pinto, Mike Sandez, Danniel Martinez, Richard Schiller, Saad Awad, and others who helped shape his style and mindset.

Coach Franklin began teaching in 1997 at WCG, where he taught for four years. He then moved on to teach at the American Sports Academy for two years and later spent another year at Sports Academy. During this time, he wasn’t just teaching—he was competing in MMA and grappling, while also refereeing MMA events, including Gladiator Challenge and King of the Cage, well before MMA became officially regulated by athletic commissions. He has now been a professional MMA referee for over 27 years, serving both in the U.S. and internationally.

In 2006, Coach Franklin took his passion to a new level and began promoting his own MMA events in Costa Rica, launching “Titans of the Pentagon”, a major milestone in his mission to grow the sport.

But his deepest desire wasn’t just about success in combat sports—it was to create a different kind of academy. For years, he prayed for a place where families could feel safe, where children could grow in discipline and character, and where respect, faith, and love would be central. That prayer was answered with the opening of Aguirre’s Fighting System (AFS)—a family-centered martial arts academy where no foul language or inappropriate behavior is tolerated. As a Christian, Coach Franklin leads his academy with Christ-centered values, providing a safe, respectful, and empowering environment for all.

For the past 16 years, Coach Franklin has successfully run AFS, teaching students from all walks of life. In addition to his regular classes, he is also certified to teach survival tactics to law enforcement officers. For the last four years, he has proudly taught Fontana Police Department and SWAT—helping train those who protect our communities. At the end of 2024, he launched his own custom curriculum for law enforcement survival tactics, extending his impact even further.

Above all, Coach Franklin gives all glory to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for granting him the strength, health, and opportunities to do what he loves every single day.

"Without Jesus, I would have nothing. He is the one who opened every door and has kept me standing all these years.