Billy Blanks, the creator of the iconic Tae Bo workout, remains a prominent figure in the fitness world at 69 years old. He insists that Tae Bo, despite its origins in the 1970s and rise to fame in the 1990s, continues to be a highly popular exercise regimen. Blanks is committed to teaching his unique blend of martial arts and aerobics until “the day I leave this earth.”
Blanks attributes Tae Bo’s enduring appeal to its core values, emphasizing authenticity and connection. “I tell people the truth,” he shares, highlighting the importance of genuine interaction with his audience. He believes in establishing personal connections, looking people “eye to eye,” and conveying his passion for fitness.
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Despite his success in fitness videos and films, Blanks maintains a humble demeanor. He prioritizes his faith and helping others, viewing himself as a “server” rather than a celebrity. He is driven by a desire to empower individuals and facilitate positive change.
Blanks’s childhood experiences significantly shaped his outlook. Witnessing a friend drown and navigating a challenging upbringing with dyslexia fueled his determination to help others. He found solace and purpose in martial arts, eventually becoming an international karate champion.
This led him to open his studio in Los Angeles, initially focusing on self-defense for women. He realized that by incorporating elements of karate, boxing, and weight training into aerobics, he could create a workout that empowered women and made them feel like “warriors.”
His journey to success wasn’t without obstacles. Early in his career, he faced rejection from a production company that doubted his appeal to a wider audience. However, Blanks persevered, driven by his strong work ethic instilled by his parents and unwavering belief in his mission.
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Despite facing financial setbacks due to a dishonest producer, Blanks remained focused on his purpose of helping others. He defines Tae Bo as a “lifestyle,” emphasizing its transformative power to change people “from the inside out.”
Contrary to popular belief, Tae Bo is not a combination of Taekwondo and boxing. Blanks reveals that it’s an acronym: Total Awareness Excellence Body Obedience. He emphasizes the importance of mental and physical engagement in his workouts, encouraging participants to connect with their inner strength.
Blanks believes in looking beyond the superficial, focusing on the individual’s heart and inner drive. He aims to understand and address the underlying obstacles that hinder personal growth. His approach involves creating a supportive environment where people feel comfortable confronting their challenges.
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Blanks continues to engage with his audience through social media, releasing new workouts on platforms like YouTube and even exploring virtual reality fitness. He remains committed to evolving his approach while staying true to the core principles of Tae Bo.
Blanks’s genuine approach, skipping choreographed routines and scripts, resonated with audiences. This authenticity, combined with his unwavering dedication to helping others, has solidified Tae Bo’s lasting legacy in the fitness industry. He believes Tae Bo will continue to thrive, empowering individuals to achieve their fitness goals and realize their full potential, even after he retires.
