Calif. Blanks developed Tae-Bo while working out in his basement with his wife and children by putting martial arts moves to music. The name was derived from tae kwon do and boxing. He opened the one-room Billy Blanks World Training Center in Sherman Oaks in 1988. Classes caught on immediately, especially after dancer-singer Paula Abdul enrolled. The Billy Blanks World Training Center 14708 Ventura Blvd.
Individuals can attend classes at the club by paying a guest fee.
In addition to Tae-Bo classes, the club offers karate, funky jazz, kick boxing and stretching. The center also has private training and weight training equipment. Visitors who want to take classes should get to the club 30 minutes prior to a class to ensure that they will get in. If the class is to be taught by Blanks, arrive an hour in advance. The club is open Monday through Saturday and offers up to nine classes daily.