| Thomas Carroll | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 7, 1938 Brooklyn, New York City |
| Died | March 20, 1999 |
| Style | shotokan karate, Ronin Karate Karate, Kenpō |
| Fighting out of | New York, U.S. |
Thomas "Lapuppet" Carrol, (7 February 1938 - 20 March 1999) was an African-American martial artist, and also a member of USA Karate Hall of Fame [1] , and the Black belt Hall of fame [1] of Brooklyn, NY. He was also a member of the US Ju-Jitsu Federation. [2]. He focused in Ronin Karate and shotokan karate.[2] Carrol died from cancer in March 1999.[3]
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Carroll was born in South Carolina in 1938, but was raised in Brooklyn, NY. Graduating from Franklin K. Lane High School, he then went on to attend the State University of New York in Westbury, NY. While not graduating from there, due to his belief that "The University of the street" provided a more dynamic education.[4] Thomas Carrol worked as a Firefighter for the FDNY and was also in the United States Marine Corps.[1] He was a member of the Prince Hall Masons. [3]
Carroll was a member of the USA Karate Hall of Fame,[1] chairman of USA Karate New York as Treasurer,[5] and holding positions as head coach. He was key in getting Karate recognized by the International Olympic Committee[4]. Thomas Carroll LaPuppet born in South Carolina in 1938 [5] passed away on March 23, 1999 [6]. Considered by some to be an American Martial Arts Pioneer. [7] He defeated many famous martial artists including Bill "Superfoot" Wallace in tournaments. [8]. He also trained actors Gregory Hines and Ralph Macchio of Karate Kid [9]. He is considered to be a contempary of the cerebral Chuck Norris and Joe Lewis [10]. An 8th degree blackbelt [11]. He appeared in the movie Angel With a Kick [12] as well as The Super Weapon[13]. A black belt hall of fame in 1969 [14]
He acted in the 1976 [6] movie The Super Weapon,[7] which also starred Ron van Clief.[8] He was also in the movie Angel With a Kick.[2]