A 1st Recruit Training Battalion drill instructor was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame April 30 during a ceremony in Los Angeles.
Sgt. Kenneth Carter II was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame for being awarded instructor of the year by the Hall of Fame because of his dedication to training civilians and military members in various forms of martial arts.
Carter, a Newport News, Va., native, was nominated by his sensei, Jeff Anderson.
“I nominated Carter due to his contribution to Martial Arts,” said Anderson.
Carter is proficient in a wide range of martial arts making him capable of teaching many different forms.
“If you really look at what he’s done, it’s amazing how many lives are affected by one class he teaches,” said Anderson.
Carter discovered his love for martial arts at age 12. He was looking for an outlet and wanted a way to defend himself. Carter’s first discipline was Tae Kwon Do.
“Bruce Lee was such a small guy but still so strong, I wanted to be like that,” said Carter.
Initially, Carter wanted to learn how to fight, but as he got older he wanted to learn the different types of martial arts. He never imagined his childhood escape could lead to something so significant.
“It’s great! I’m not use to receiving awards, or being nominated. I don’t see myself as a kung fu master,” said Carter.
Since Carter began his tour on the depot, he lacks time to teach anyone other than fellow drill instructors. When Carter has time at home, he enjoys training with his eight-year-old daughter, Mercedez Sade Gonzales-Carter. She has watched him train over the years and aspires to follow in his footsteps.
“She wakes me up just so we can workout and train,” said Carter.
Like her father, she was introduced to martial arts at a young age but for different reasons.
He recommends people interested in martial arts aid themselves with different types of fighting, not just what’s popular. Carter says he’s seen tan belts defeat black belts.
“You never know what your opponent knows, so you need to be a well rounded fighter,” said Carter. “If you find something you want to do, go for it and don’t be afraid to fail,” added Carter.