Ms. Dian Tanaka was born in Tokyo, Japan, but did move to the San Francisco Bay area with her family at the age of 7. Her interest in the martial arts began when she watched a karate class at Chuck Norris' Karate School in Los Angeles; she began her study in Kenpo in the late 70's at an Ed Parker school run by Mr. Harvey Clary. She went to UCLA and earned a bachelor's degree there; while at the university, she studied at the West Los Angeles School, which was ran by Mr. Chuck Sullivan. When she returned the following fall, the school was under the instruction of Mr. Larry Tatum.

Being in California in the 70s, Ms. Tanaka frequented the tournaments such as the Long Beach Internationals and the International Karate Championships among others. She competed in forms and self-defense categories. She did go on to become a champion forms competitor.

Ms. Tanaka is currently a 6th Degree Black Belt who works with a variety of individuals like Mr. Richard "Huk" Planas, Mr. Frank Trejo, and Mr. Bob Liles, as well as doing seminars and camps.

Ms. Tanaka also is the owner of a highly successful electronic materials distribution business located right in Silicon Valley. Other than her business or her passion and devotion for Kenpo, Ms. Tanaka also enjoys working out, collecting and tasting wines.

Ms. Tanaka was recently featured as one of the Honorees in Joe Hyam's book, The Journey.