Larry Tatum began his study of Kenpo Karate in Pasadena, California in 1966, and has become one of this style’s most prominent figures. Recognized for his captivating seminars and articulate explanations of his art. Tatum enjoys a reputation as a gifted instructor and “teacher of Black Belts.” His forte is helping others reach their maximum potential through Kenpo karate. In 1984, he was named “Instructor of the Year” by Inside Kung Fu magazine.
His many students include celebrities and their offspring. He has personally worked with Sidney and Joanna Poitier, Gary Collins, Julie Haggarty, writer Joe Hyams and Nancy Cartwright. He has trained the children and grandchildren of such notables as Ed Byrnes, George Peppard, Ann Archer, Tommy Smothers, Patty Duke Austin Grier and composer Henry Mancini.
In 1988, Panther Productions asked Larry to create 23 videos on the art of Kenpo, entitled When Kenpo Strikes. These videos encompass all the basics, freestyle, katas, concepts and principles of the kenpo system. In 1993, Larry produced another comprehensive series of 21 videotapes entitled Kenpo Self-Defense Techniques. These definitive videos represent a virtual technical encyclopedia of the kenpo system. In them, Larry personally demonstrates each and every self-defense technique from yellow belt through 3rd degree black belt. Larry has written two books, Confidence, A Child’s First Weapon, and The Art of Competition Kata. Today Larrry Tatum is a 10th Degree Black Belt and is considered one of the foremost authorities on American Kenpo Karate. His teaching has spanned over 40 years. He is one of the most sought after teachers on the seminar circuit today and, as such, his time is spent giving seminars and demonstrations throughout the world as well as teaching at his Headquarters School located in Pasadena, California. He has founded the Larry Tatum Kenpo Karate Association which boasts thousands of members world-wide.
Teaching children has always been a specialty at Larry Tatum’s Kenpo Karate schools. Children as well as adults are taught to walk away from a fight. But if they have no other choice, they know they can defend themselves -THIS IS CONFIDENCE-. This confidence is carried with them into their school work and daily lives.
Master Larry Tatum is the official spokesperson and co-founder for “Children at Risk”, a non-profit organization. He is also a Television and movie Technical Consultant and Fight Choreographer.
