San Diego, Calif. -- Staff Sgt. Kenneth Carter II, the staff non-commissioned officer in charge of the Martial Arts Satellite School, Instructional Training Company, Support Battalion, aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego was inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame and presented the Living Legend award in a ceremony held at Orange County Hilton, Costa Mesa, Calif. Aug. 11.
In 1999, the Masters Hall of Fame, a non-profit organization established to benefit the martial arts community, was founded. Seven years later, under the new Leadership of Hanshi Daniel Hect, chief executive officer, the Masters Hall of Fame expanded the focus and operations to include the recognition of exceptional Martial Arts leaders and legends through induction into the Masters Hall of Fame.
Carter holds the rank of Renshi, a master in martial arts also known as a polished expert. He has more than 20 years of experience in martial arts specializing in several forms such as Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, Shudokan Ryu, Shudokan Taiho Jutsu, Kali Eskrima and Wun Hop Kuen Do.
The Masters Hall of Fame recognizes, develops, enhances and improves Martial Arts leaders and businesses by developing and recognizing excellence in the martial arts communities. Inductees are a cross section of the martial arts community from police and military leaders, to martial arts legends and karate champions.
“He works hard at everything he does and really tries to be a master at his craft,” said Kyoshi Jeff Anderson, a member of the board of directors for the Masters Hall of Fame.
Carter’s contribution to the martial arts community, wide range of skills, and dedication to training civilians and service members in various forms has proven the induction was much deserved, according to Anderson.
Although Carter feels honored to be inducted and presented with the award, his constant strive to improve his skills and to pass on his knowledge has been the real motivation behind his martial arts career.
“It’s a good feeling to be inducted, but there’s more to it than that. A lot of people have forgotten that there is more to it than just receiving a black belt,” said Carter. “Most people don’t know but everyone use to wear a white belt and as you would go through your training, the blood, sweat and tears would turn it black, and that’s how you receive your black belt.”
It was just a matter of time until Carter was inducted based off of his skill set, according to Sifu Kirk Price, a licensed mixed martial arts combat instructor and former full contact fighter.
“The guy is phenomenal,” said Price. “When we started training, he already came to me skilled. I wouldn’t say I was surprised because it was expected for him to be inducted.”