Uncaged: My Life as a Champion MMA Fighter

This is an excellent autobiography penned by one of the great figures of Mixed Martial Arts -- Frank "The Legend" Shamrock, who overcome seemingly insuperable odds to become the first UFC middleweight champion, and, later, to achieve the personal stability which allowed him to marry, raise children, overcome alcoholism and start giving back to the community from which he had taken so much as a troubled young man. It is an inspirational tale which will surprise many who see MMA ("cage") fighters as strutting, shallow-minded thugs. Frank is as smart and big-hearted as he is tough...and that's saying something.The early chapters of UNCAGED are devoted to Frank's horrifying childhood. Half-white and half-Latino, he struggled early on with identity issues as well as the poverty of his family. His mother was a drug addict, and when his father ran off, he was "raised" by a stepfather whose methods of punishment included locking him in closets and tool sheds and just generally beating the ---- out of him. Frank rebelled with petty crime and drug use, and was cycled through so many group homes, juvenile halls, youth authorities and so forth that the reader will be horrified and then numbed by the repetition. Written off as a drug-addled psychopath, incorrigible and unteachable, he ended up at Bob Shamrock's home for boys, and there began a new chapter in his life. Bob Shamrock was a tough do-gooder known in MMA circles as the man who adopted another troubled loner, Ken Shamrock, who went on to found the infamous Lion's Den MMA gym and became one of the key figures in the early years of mixed martial arts. The two adoptive brothers did not get along, and according to Frank, Ken tried hard to discourage his little bro from fighting professionally; but Frank's a guy who goes his own way, and that way took him to Japan, where he cut his teeth fighting for the Pancrase organization and ultimately became King of Pancrase, twice defeating the legendary Bas Rutten. From there he bashed his way through the newly-created UFC and defeated the likes of Tito Ortiz and Renzo Gracie to become the first undisputed middleweight champion. His success deepened the rift between himself, Bob and Ken, but the upshot was that Frank became the first "evolved" fighter in the sport; someone who mastered all aspects of the fighting game, both on the ground and on his feet.This book, however, is not just about his fights in Pancrase, the UFC and Strikeforce; Frank is harsh and unsparing about his low, slow evolution from a remorseless, impulse-driven street punk into a well-rounded human being who fully embraced the Bushido code of duty, honor and respect. Nor does he shy away from the difficulties he's faced overcoming alcoholism, which nearly wrecked his second marriage, or the adjustment problems that come with retirement. He worked very hard to promote the Strikeforce brand, only to see it consumed by the UFC, whose titular head, Dana White, has never forgiven Shamrock for refusing to fight under the Zuffa banner. Shamrock's estimation of the wanna-be pimp White is accurate and fearless, but he confesses as well that the feud has come with a price: all of his accomplishments in the UFC have been "erased" under the leadership (so called) of White, and with them, much of Frank's place in MMA history.UNCAGED is a highly readable book with many dark corners. It touches on many troubling subjects, including sexual abuse, alcoholism, drug use, prison, family dysfunction, and domestic violence. It is the work of a highly intelligent, disciplined man who harnessed his athletic gifts to a tough discipline that allowed him to overcome innumerable obstacles and become the person he always wanted to be. Frank is an inspiring man and if you read this book, you will be inspired, too.

This was a excellent book! I'm an avid martial artist and retired after 30 years in Law Enforcement, 25 years as a CDC Parole Agent. We all know what a gifted MMA fighter Frank was. His MMA record speaks for itself. He's my favorite MMA fighter of all time. However, this book is a lot more about the man than than his legendary status as a fighter. Frank shares painful personal experiences he had as boy, young man and even in his later years while incarcarated in CYA & CDC. He's a truly humble and compassionate human being that cares for his fellow man and truly respects the arts. One would have to read the book and listen to him in personal interviews to realize this. Lastly, after I read the book I sent Frank a message on FB telling him how much I enjoyed the book. Within a week he personally responded and thanked me and was glad I enjoyed it. Frank your not only The "Legend", your a class act as well!

Great story that covers a mislead youth. Smooth writing style. Teaches a lot, you are guarenteed learn something new. Especially about correctional facilities and criminality. Parts of the book are Very adult and personal to the point of intimacy. Mature audience would only be able to understand and show respect to the level of personalness revealed within. Fun book, kind of powerful, in the spirit of Bruce Lee. Frank is Not my mentor or does he lead a similar direction in life as me, I can still learn from any foolishness and I admire his perseverance.

In this autobiography Frank Shamrock tells in all honesty about his disturbing life as he grew up. He admits the mistakes he has made in life and makes the reader aware of the ordeals he had to endure as a child. He truely became a legend against the odds, and the reader gets to understand how insignificant his career losses is compared to how he was thrown into the deep end as a fighter, winning and losing fights on his way to becoming a great fighter. One is not guaranteed to admire Frank as a person by reading his autobiography, but you will admire his feat of not losing a fight in a decade. This autobiography is can be used as a motivational book on how to succeed against the odds.

I believe you only live once, yet I still have a gut feeling that our souls may be re-incarnated from another era. If that is the case, Frank Shamrock was definitely a warrior in another life. Although he struggled as a young child and teenager, I believe his circumstances are what drove him to be a better person, an advocate for bullying and maintain a dedicated level of business etiquette that defines him and his brand. MMA allowed him to create the man he is today, the wonderful father, husband and brother he strives for in the future. Love you, Brother.

A great story about overcoming life's craziness. I have been a fan of Frank's since Pancrase. It was great to read his thoughts on many of the historic fights he was in, though I found those chapters and descriptions to be too short...esp when he slammed Igor Zinoviev. The overall prose is pretty good. The narrative of the last chapter or two starts to run out of steam. Perhaps Frank was running out of things to talk about. Nonetheless, this is an inspiring read and I highly recommend it.

I liked everything about this book, this is my favorite autobiography I have ever read. I have been a fan for a long time and had no idea his life was this interesting and reliable to mine

Frank Shamrock really takes you behind the scenes of all his difficulties growing up, his problems with his brother Ken, and with the UFC. I didn't kmow as much about Frank as I do about other mma fighters because the UFC kind of pretends he don't exist. He's never been on a countdown show or Primetime special; but through this book we get to learn about him. Frank is one of the top UFC and mma fighters of all time and I'd highly recomend buying this book to learn about him.

An incredible and honest story of a man who overcame all odds and endured any and all imaginable abuse to not only make it to the top of his sport but pave the way for other as well. He truly earns the nickname "Legend".Frank starts talking about his early family life growing up with his mom, and her many husbands, problems with his siblings, lack of positive role models in his life. Because of the people around young Frank thought this is the way that people normally lived stealing, getting high and drinking excessively. Leading Frank into trouble being in and out of juvenile detention centres from the age of 4 to 16. Group homes till he finally landed in Bob Shamrock's group home facility. Even here Frank managed to find the wrong crowd and earning a reputation as a troublemaker. The abuse Frank when through is beyond horrible (I don't think there is a word in any language that could convey how bad it is). I mean if you put that in a movie it would be thrown out for being unrealistic.Despite all that and using his street smarts Frank managed to carve out a life for himself. Then at the age of 16 he got his girlfriend pregnant, and could not support her and his family so he turned to crime. This really went into over drive when she left him he went on a "one man crime spree" ending up in prison. Strangely this could have been the best they that could have happened to him. This is where Frank finished his education physically and mentally. He earned the respect of the prisoners and the prison guards.Coming out of prison Frank started to work for Ken Shamrock as the trainer in the Lion's Den. This was a great opportunity but it brought its own set of family problems. I 100% believe Franks account of the Lion's Den, anyone who saw the  UFC Ultimate Fighting Championship - Ultimate Fighter Season 3 [DVD ] knows about Ken's coaching skills and personality. From here Frank started training and fighting in Japan, this is where he started to make his mark in Martial Arts. Remember at the time there was no MMA.Frank talks about his great victories and the jealously is brought out in others as well as people trying to ride him to make a name for themselves. To his dispute and leaving the UFC. To Strikeforce and retirement, where he had to face one of his toughest battles.I do not agree with all of Frank's opinions but I appreciate his point of view. It interesting to hear from Frank how the sport of MMA has changed and so have the athletes. I would have liked to hear more about the training in the book, apart from his induction to the Lion's Den he does not really talk specifics about training or any tips. However that is not what this story is about it is about one man's journey to the top and his wars along the way. UFC Ultimate Fighting Championship - Ultimate Fighter Season 3 [DVD

great read about great champion

Livraison ultra rapide, livré en très bon état. Grosse surprise : cet article était dédicacé par l auteur. Génial.Lightning quick delivery. Received in real good condition.Big surprise : this item was signed by the author. Awesome

great book to get you focused before a fight

日本でパンクラスの若手たちと合宿生活を送り、世界最高の総合格闘技大会UFCの王者になったフランク・シャムロック。彼は実は、破たんした生まれ、継父に虐待されて育った。そして周囲の悪影響により少年時代から盗みや飲酒、ドラッグに手を染め、何度も少年院に入れられることに。だがあるとき、不良少年更生農場の主、ボブ・シャムロックと出会い、生まれて初めて「無条件の愛情」を注がれ、転機を迎える。ただ、それでもすぐに更生はできず、再び少年院、そして刑務所に入るが、「なんとか自分の人生を変えたい」と思い、監獄内で読書と筋トレに励む。そして出所後、ボブに養子に迎えられ、ボブに命じられて、フランクと同じくボブが養子にしていた格闘家ケン・シャムロックが開いた道場ライオンズ・デンに送られ、そこで地獄の入門テストをくぐり抜け、メンバーとなる。その後、数ヵ月、誰も技術を教えてくれない中、スパーリングで毎日ボコボコにされながらもノートを取って技術を研究し、先輩たちを逆にキメれるようになる。そして日本のパンクラスの新弟子道場に送りこまれ、そこで「格闘家の道」を学び、修業した末、ついにデビューを迎える。相手はオランダの強豪バス・ルッテン。しかし、大激戦の末、若きフランクは、大番狂わせの判定勝利をもぎとった。そこから、彼の格闘家としての旅が始まった…UFCでのエンセン井上との大激闘や、五輪金メダリスト、ケビン・ジャクソンとの王座決定戦、そしてロシアの強豪イゴール・ジノビエフへの秒殺勝利、そして義兄ケンの宿敵でもあったティト・オーティズとの因縁の戦い、PRIDEで活躍したフィル・バローニとの怪我を抱えながらの対戦など、名勝負の舞台裏や、試合前・試合中・試合後の心の動きを、ファイター本人が語った、この上なく興味深い本だ。そして、単に格闘技の話としてでなく、不遇な家庭に生まれ虐待されて育ち犯罪者にまでなってしまった少年が、人々との出会いを通じて、いかに人生を生き直し、全米のスーパースター、“レジェンド”を呼ばれるまでになったかという成長物語としても読め、そんじょそこらの小説よりも、はるかに面白い内容になっている。人生論、成功哲学、自己教育論としても、稀有な傑作だと思う。