Our Story · Grand Rapids since 1992
A World Champion.
Taught Like Family.
Master Terry Gay won a world title in 1986. Forty years later he's still on the mat in Grand Rapids, now with his son and daughter beside him.
Meet The Founder
Master Terry "Super T" Gay
Terry didn't learn martial arts from a book. He learned it in the ring, fighting professionally as a boxer and kickboxer, and on February 1, 1986, he won the P.A.K.A. World Middleweight Title.
Along the way he worked security, earned a Bravery Award from the Branch County Sheriff's Department, and kept asking the same question about every technique: does this actually work? The answers became the Super T System.
In 1992 he opened Super T Karate in Grand Rapids. Thousands of kids and adults have trained here since. Most come for fitness or confidence. They stay because it feels like family.
- 1986 P.A.K.A. World Middleweight Kickboxing Champion
- Ranked #1 World Middleweight (PAKA) and #3 World Cruiserweight (KICK)
- Fought on ESPN and PASS TV, 30+ professional fights
- International Martial Arts Hall of Fame
- 9th Degree Black Belt, 50+ years on the mat
- Author of the book "Super T Karate System"
The Road Here
From The Ring To Grand Rapids
1979
The Super T System begins
Terry starts building his own system: keep what works in a real fight, drop what doesn't.
1984
Pro fights on the circuit
Fighting professionally across the Midwest, including a Professional Karate Association bout in South Bend.
1986
World Champion
On February 1, 1986, Terry wins the P.A.K.A. World Middleweight Kickboxing Title. "A day that changed my life forever."
1992
Doors open in Grand Rapids
Super T Karate opens on Plainfield Ave NE. Families from Comstock Park to Rockford start training here.
1996
Super T Tactical Defense
Terry adds real-world protection training for adults, which later grows into Super T EDC Tactics.
Today
The second generation
His daughter Sensei Leah and son Shihan Ryan, who both grew up on these mats, now lead classes beside him.
What We Believe
Common Sense Before Self-Defense.
Common sense before self-defense
Awareness, distance and walking away come first. The physical skills are there for when nothing else works.
Use what works
Terry tested his techniques in the ring. If something doesn't hold up in real life, we don't teach it.
Taught like family
Instructors know every student by name, parents get feedback after class, and older students help the younger ones.
The Team
A Family Business. Literally.
Terry's kids grew up on these mats. Now they teach on them. Every instructor here came up through the Super T System, so your child learns the same way they did.
Master Terry Gay
Founder
World champion, Hall of Famer, and still teaching every week.
Sensei Leah Gay
Head Instructor · 3rd Degree
Born into the Super T legacy and on the mat since she could walk. Parents name her in their reviews more than anyone but Terry.
Shihan Ryan Gay
Instructor · 4th Degree
Four-time kickboxing champion. Teaches adult classes and private lessons.
Master Lloyd D. Adams
EDC Instructor · 8th Degree
Promoted to 8th degree in 2026. Teaches in our EDC Tactics program.
What Families Say
4.7 stars from 92 Google reviews
"My son and I thoroughly enjoyed training under the guidance of Master Terry, Sensei Leah, Shihan Ryan, and the rest of Super T instructors and leaders. Their program is tuned to help students of all ages and abilities improve their physical fitness, and develop skills that transcend the dojo. I witnessed those transformations in my son, in many of his peers, and in myself!"
"My kiddo has been at Super T for almost three years. I am so thankful to Master Terry and Sensei Leah for their expertise and dedication to the students. My kiddo is on the leadership team and has gained so much self respect and respect for others."
"Super T Karate has impacted our family in the most positive way. Our daughter is so much more confident, respectful, disciplined, focused, dedicated, motivated, and helpful since beginning her training in the martial arts from the Super T Karate team. Master Terry and his team are awesome. Thank you, Super T Karate!"
Come Train With A Champion
1 Week of Classes plus a free t-shirt for $19.99. Meet Terry and the family in person.