Thomas La Puppet Carroll
Thomas La Puppet Carroll was a well-respected and principled karate man. Thomas Carroll LaPuppet born in South Carolina in 1938 died on March 23, 1999. Considered by some to be an American Martial Arts Pioneer. He defeated many famous martial artists including Bill "Superfoot" Wallace in tournaments. He also trained actors Gregory Hines and Ralph Macchio of Karate Kid. He is considered to be a contemporary of the cerebral Chuck Norris and Joe Lewis. He served as treasurer for the USA Karate Federation, the first USOC recognized national governing body for karate. In addition to serving as treasurer, he was a recognized official, member of the USA Karate Hall of Fame, chairman of USA Karate New York a head coach of the USA Karate national team and involved with the US Jujitsu Federation.
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. Thomas Carrol worked as a Firefighter for the FDNY and was also in the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of the Prince Hall Masons. An 8th degree blackbelt. He appeared in the movie Angel With a Kick as well as The Super Weapon[He acted in the 1976 movie The Super Weapon, which also starred Ron van Clief. He was also in the movie Angel With a Kick.