Billy Blanks

Billy Blanks, born William Wayne Blanks on September 1, 1955, is an American actor, martial artist, and fitness personality. He gained national recognition as a semi-contact and point karate competitor in the 1980s, winning a Bronze medal at the 1981 World Games. Blanks is best known for creating the Tae Bo exercise program, which gained immense popularity in the fitness industry. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, Blanks began studying martial arts at the age of eleven, overcoming a hip joint anomaly that impaired his movement. He holds black belt ranks in taekwondo (7th dan), karate (5th dan), and a black sash in Hung Ga kung fu. Blanks' martial arts skills and fitness expertise have made him a prominent figure in the industry.