School Motto

• Honesty!
• Integrity!
• Respect!
• Pil Sung!

Sunnyside Tae Kwon Do was founded by Derrik and Nikki Carter who wanted a safe but competitive place to learn martial arts -- a place where they could provide one with the opportunity to develop confidence, pride and self esteem regardless of one's size or shape.

Derrik Carter began his martial arts training in 1975 in Shotokan, Kempo and Tae Kwon Do. After starting their son in Tae Kwon Do they had an opportunity (in 2002) to purchase a small school that was about to close its doors. Starting with only a dozen students, within a year they surpassed an enrollment of over 100 students -- and still growing.

"We believe our success is due to quality training in a positive atmosphere by instructors who care about their students."

"As senior instructor, I believe in being on the mat with the class, every class of every day."

Off the mat, Nikki Carter handles everyone's needs whether it's information, enrollment, pro shop needs or tournament assistance. If you need answers she will provide them.

All the instructors are certified black belts who are actively competing and or are certified referees and coaches.

Sunnyside Tae Kwon Do also features a high energy Demo Team where members get to showcase their talents and skills. They demonstrate high airal kicks, fast hand and foot strikes, board and brick breaking, high speed weapon routines and self defense techniques as well as sparring. The Demo Team performs for school functions, fairs and other major events.

Sunnyside Tae Kwon Do Competition Team is open to any student who wishes to turn their training into a sport and compete on local, state and national levels.

"Our team is among the best in the area and promotes sportsmanship by learning how to be humble in victory and honorable in defeat. We have members who are just beginning as well as nationally ranked black belts training side by side to reach their goals."

Derrik Carter

• Multi-time State Champion
• Certified USTU Referee
• Certified AAU Referee
• Certified National Coach
• USA National Martial Arts Team Coach
• Inducted Member USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame
• Inducted Member United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame
• 2005 US National Silver Medalist

Nikki Carter

• Office Manager
• Proshop Manager
• Tournament Coordinator
• Team Mom

Beth-Ann Shepard

• 2nd Dan Blackbelt
• Certified USTU Referee
• Certified AAU Referee

Nick Trujillio

• 3rd Dan Blackbelt
• Junior Olympian
• Demo Team Captain

John Huewitt

• 1st Dan Blackbelt
• Junior Olympian

Steven Moreno

• 1st Dan Blackbelt
• Junior Olympian

Junior Leaders
Demo Team
Competition Team