Billy Blanks is known for the creation of Tae Bo, a fitness program combining martial arts and dance. However, Blank's achievements include martial arts championships, authorship, business success and philanthropy. He is also an actor, having started in movies such as "Tango & Cash," "Lionheart" and "The Last Boy Scout." Since the 1990s, his work has involved expanding Tae Bo.
Origins
Blanks was born Sept. 1, 1955, the fourth child in a family with 15 children in Erie, Pennsylvania. He suffered from dyslexia and hip problems that affected his movement, but when he was 11 years old, he took his first martial arts class. Through martial arts he learned to control his body and his mind, achievements he works to teach others through Tae Bo.
Martial Arts
Blanks earned his eight-degree black belt in tae kwon do and earned black belts in five other forms of martial arts. A seven-time world karate champion, Billy also earned 36 gold medals in international competition and was the captain of the U.S. karate team. In 1982, he was inducted into the Karate Hall of Fame.
Tae Bo
As an adult, Billy opened a karate studio in Boston where he developed Tae Bo by combing dance moves and tae kwon do. In 1989, he moved to Los Angeles, where he continued to teach martial art classes. He eventually opened the Billy Blanks World Training Center in Sherman Oaks, California. His Tae Bo program became popular among celebrities such as Paula Abdul and former Philadelphia Eagles star Randall Cunningham. The Tae Bo fitness program was released on VHS through infomercials in 1998. As of 2011, the program is available on DVD through the Internet and stores.
Other Work
As of 2011, Blanks focuses on his business and staying in touch with Tae Bo fans. He also spends time working with the Billy Blanks Foundation he founded in 1999 to help high-risk individuals reach their potential. He works with U.S. troops and has spent time in Iraq, Bosnia and Africa.
Member Comments