Taharka H. Ankhenaton was born and raised in the inner city of Cleveland, OH. Since childhood there were many struggles with mental health challenges from his father. This later led him to become more educated and take courses related to developmentally disabled persons and training. Neighborhood conflicts, struggles and everyday life events he believes made him stronger and able to address issues as a teenager and later as an adult. This included active listening and problem solving skills. Ankhenaton has been a vegetarian since 1991. Being a father, martial artist, working for his local Law Enforcement agency, being an instructor in multiple disciplines at work and in his private life is credit to his accomplishments. Ankhenaton was inducted into the Martial Arts Master's Hall of Fame in 2016; his discipline is shared by many to protect and serve others.