See Larry Kelley Knock Out the Founder of Tae Bo!

On August 7, 1983 at a High School gym just outside of Boston, Larry Kelley then ranked #2 in New England met Billy Blanks (before he founded Tae Bo) then ranked #1 in New England for a 2-minute barnburner confrontation.

The match was jam-packed with suspense and energy. Kelley and Blanks were both looking for the other's weaknesses while evading the kicks and fists that were flying inches from their bodies. Point for point the match progressed, with neither gaining a clear advantage. With the score tied 2 - 2, adrenaline and excitement were running sky-high for both fighters. At five minutes and nineteen seconds, Kelley planted his feet and saw his opportunity. He lunged from the floor, throwing a back fist which Blanks successfully evaded. What Billy didn't see coming though, was the perfectly executed hook kick that had become Larry's trademark!

This video clip has been seen over 400,000 times on metacafe and has been reviewed many times.

Under the rules of tournament point karate, a knock out blow usually was considered "uncontrolled" and garnered a disqualification. The kick, during sudden death overtime, that took out Billy Blanks was so perfectly executed that referees didn’t have the heart to disqualify Kelley and he was awarded the point and the match.

Larry Kelley Knocking
Billy Blanks Out