Larry C. Tankson - Hanshi, a World Champion and 10th Degree Black Belt, was born in Chicago, IL, on October 12, 1955. He began his martial arts training on September 10, 1969, at the age of 13, studying Goju-Ryu Karate under Sensei Russ Meek at the Dravidian School of Self-Defense and Karate. After two years of rigorous training, he earned his 1st Degree Brown Belt and continued his studies at the Henry Horner Boys Club under Sensei Otis Baker, learning Shorei-Goju Karate.

During this time, Tankson excelled in kata and kumite competitions, winning numerous championships, including the U.S. Grand Nationals and the Midwest and Illinois State Championships, becoming the No. 1 ranked Junior Fighter in the Midwest. In 1973, he studied Shorei Ryu and Tae Kwon Do under Sensei “Shorty” Mills, earning his 1st Degree Black Belt on March 17, 1974. Tankson furthered his martial arts education at Northern Illinois University, studying Judo and Ju-Jitsu under Sensei Wally Babra, and earned his 2nd and 3rd Degree Black Belts by 1979.

In 1980, Tankson began studying an American version of Shorin-Ryu Karate with Sensei John R. Venson. He promoted his first major tournament at Loyola University of Chicago on July 26, 1981, where he was promoted to 4th Degree Black Belt and later opened Tankson Martial Arts Academy Ltd. From 1981 to 1984, Tankson was the national and international champion of the American Karate Association. He was rated the No. 1 lightweight fighter in the country from 1983 to 1985 and received numerous accolades for his teaching and competitive accomplishments.

Tankson earned his 5th Degree Black Belt on February 7, 1987, his 6th Degree on March 1, 1990, and his 7th Degree on June 1, 1995. He received his Doctor of Philosophy for the oriental discipline ZEN CHUAN on December 8, 1996, and became the NBL Light-Middleweight sparring World Champion on November 28, 1997. In 1998, he won three additional World Titles, making him the only person to win all four NBL sparring titles. In April 2003, Dr. Larry C. Tankson was promoted to 8th Degree Black Belt by the American Karate Association, and in May 2003 by “Shorty” Mills, Hanshi.