Thomas “Lapuppet” Carroll, (7 February 1938 – 20 March 1999) was a pioneer African-American martial artist, and also a member of USA Karate Hall of Fame, and the Black Belt Hall of Fame. of Brooklyn, NY. He was also a member of the US Ju-Jitsu Federation but focussed on Shotokan karate. Carrol died from cancer in March 1999.

Carrol was a former jiujitsu practitioner before learning Karate under George Cofield. Carroll was a member of the USA Karate Hall of Fame, chairman of USA Karate New York as Treasurer, and holding positions as head coach. He was key in getting karate recognized by the International Olympic Committee. 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 Chuck Norris and Joe Lewis An 8th degree blackbelt he was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame in 1969. Thomas was also featured in various magazines including Black Belt Magazine and Official Karate Magazine.

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