Minority Inventors Empowerment
June 7, 2020 ·
Billy Blanks
Born 1955
The inventor of the Tae Bo exercise program
Blanks is famous for inventing Tae Bo a Fitness program that combines martial arts, boxing, and aerobics. Tae Bo is a combination of the words for tae kwon do, a Japanese martial art form, and boxing. Blanks was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, he is the fourth of fifteen children.
In 1974, Blanks married Gayle H. Godfrey, whom he met in karate class. Shortly after the marriage, he adopted Gayle’s daughter, Shellie, who had been born in 1973. Shellie Blanks Cimarosti, a martial artist, is prominently featured in many Tae Bo videos. Shellie has also produced her own video called Tae Bo Postnatal Power, as well as hosted her father’s new infomercial Tae Bo T3 (Total Transformation Training). Gayle and Blanks also have a son, Billy Blanks, Jr., who works as a dancer, singer, and fitness instructor. Blanks Jr. produced several best-selling DVDs, including Cardioke and Fat Burning Hip Hop Mix. He has also starred in a touring production of the musical Fame and has worked as a dancer in music videos.
Also to note Billy Blanks is a Christian. He released a special line of Tae Bo workouts called the “Believer’s” series that includes motivational prayers and other Christian components. He has appeared on the Christian television network TBN.
Awards and Medals
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men’s karate | ||
Representing the  United States | ||
| World Games | ||
 | 1981 Santa Clara | Kumite open |