Francesco “Frankie” Castillo has been a dedicated fixture in the martial arts community since beginning his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at just seven years old. Training under his stepfather, Crispim, at Ralph Gracie in Dublin, Frankie was immersed in the academy’s culture throughout his youth, eventually teaching kids’ BJJ classes while still in high school.
He later moved to San Francisco to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from San Francisco State University. Combining his martial arts expertise with his formal business education, Frankie returned to the academies to drive growth and operational efficiency. Starting at the front desk of the Pleasanton location, he quickly advanced into operations management. Today, Frankie focuses on continuously improving the academies, overseeing both the business operations and the ongoing development of the teaching curriculum. Whether he is managing daily operations or teaching on the mats as a Brown Belt instructor, Frankie is deeply committed to elevating the student experience and carrying on the academy’s long-standing family legacy.