New Videos Pack a Punch

American Fitness, Nov, 1998 by Kelly Laidlaw

"I tell clients, `If you want to sweat, go sit in a whirpool. I want you to get some power. I want you to feel like you can overcome everything. Be a conqueror?'" This motivational attitude of mega-trainer Billy Blanks draws both the average and famous people to the modest World Training Center in Sherman Oaks, California. Blanks' clientele includes celebrities such as Shaquille O'Neal, Wayne Gretzky, Brooke Shields, Lisa Rinna and Sinbad.

Those unable to attend classes at the World Training Center can still benefit from Blanks' teachings with the TaeBo[TM] Ultimate Fitness System. This set includes instructional, beginner and advanced TaeBo[TM] workout videos. And for days when you don't have a lot of time to work out, there is the Eight-Minute TaeBo[TM] Workout Video.

Blanks has lived the American Dream. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, he lived with his parents and 14 siblings in a violent, poverty-stricken neighborhood. At 12, the dangerous reality of his situation forced him to take action. "I saw people getting stabbed and shot," says Blanks. "I used to get beat up everyday. I knew I was going to have to be disciplined to survive." Blanks then enrolled in karate lessons with money he had earned from part-time work as a garbage collector.

His early attempts at martial arts proved less than successful. Blanks recalls having so much trouble mastering the combinations that his first instructor told him to go home and practice in the corner. Because of this humble beginning, Blanks stresses to his students, "Never be discouraged by your perceived lack of coordination or endurance." His time in the corner paid off. By 1975 Blanks had won his first World Karate Championship. He is a seventh degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do (the dominant Korean version of karate), and holds black belts in five other karate forms.

Blanks moved his wife and two children to Los Angeles in 1988 in pursuit of conquering his last unrealized goal--the chance at a film career. Blanks' subsequent involvement in films such as Bloodfest, The Last Boy Scout and Kiss the Girls proved him a talented actor.

Blanks also dedicated himself to fitness training in Los Angeles. Born from his basement studio was the revolutionary new exercise TaeBo[TM]. TaeBo[TM] combines Tae Kwon Do, boxing and aerobics to the rhythms of hip-hop music. TaeBo[TM] was initially created for women intimidated by martial arts.

In 1989 Blanks opened his World Training Center, and classes were so packed the fire marshal had to limit the studio's capacity. Students arrive up to two hours before class to procure a coveted spot near Blanks. The one-hour class includes jabs, punches, kicks and steps set in serial eight-count combinations.

Blanks' day begins far before his classes. His personal routine is waking up at 4:30 a.m. for 40 minutes on the Lifecycle, 20 minutes on a rowing machine, 1,000 to 1,500 sit-ups, boxing, karate and weight training. In detailing his methods for success, Blanks says, "The only way you're going to get in great shape is by making your body, mind and spirit work together."

For more information or to order the TaeBo[TM] Ultimate Fitness System videos, call (818) 906-8538 or visit his Web site at http://www.taebo.com.