FOUNDER

About Us | Super T Karate Grand Rapids

TERRY GAY

“Super T”

Terry “Super T” Gay is the founder and lead instructor of Super T Karate / Tactical Defense. With five decades of hands-on experience, Terry combines traditional martial arts, competitive fighting, and modern tactical training into practical, safety-first programs for civilians and professionals alike.

He teaches everything from fundamental self-defense and edged-weapon awareness to advanced close-quarters handgun tactics and real-world protective skills. Terry continually advances his expertise through professional development and realistic scenario training, so his students receive current, battle-tested instruction.

Martial Arts & Competition

  • 8th Degree Black Belt — 50+ years martial arts experience
  • P.A.K.A. World Kickboxing Champion
  • Former Professional Boxer & Kickboxer
  • Fought on ESPN and PASS TV
  • International Martial Arts Hall of Fame member
  • #1 World Middleweight Contender (PAKA)
  • #3 World Cruiserweight Contender (KICK)
  • #5 World Light Heavyweight Contender (PAKA)

Firearms, Tactics & Defensive Training

  • NRA Basic Pistol Certified Instructor
  • NRA Personal Protection in the Home Instructor
  • USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor
  • SRC Defensive Knife & Handgun Instructor
  • CQT Handgun 1 & 2
  • CQT Carbine 1 & 2
  • CQT Shoothouse / Room Clearing
  • A3 Room/Building Clearing
  • Low-light Training
  • Force-on-Force simulation training (100+ hours)
  • UTM / NRA certification; Shooter Technology Group — Ultimate Dry Fire
  • Dave Spaulding Handgun Combatives
  • Rich Nance WARTAC
  • Ranger Tactical Handgun Course

Security & Protective Experience

  • Personal Protection / Security Training
  • Security Guard / Bouncer
  • Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor
  • A3 Vehicle & CC Vehicle Firearm Tactics
  • CC Home Defense — Tactics for Defending Your Castle
  • C.R.A.V.A.T. — Civilian Response to Active Violence and Trauma
  • ALICE Certification for Businesses

Affiliations & Awards

  • NTL / NLT affiliate instructor (training affiliations)
  • Association of Defensive Shooting Instructors — certified member
  • Bravery Award — Branch County Sheriff’s Department

INSTRUCTOR

About Us | Super T Karate Grand Rapids

Lloyd D. Adams

Super T EDC Instructor Lloyd D. Adams is a powerhouse in the world of self-defense, dedicated to equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to handle today’s challenges safely and effectively. With a sharp focus on knife tactics and practical defensive techniques, Lloyd isn’t just an instructor—he’s a mentor and guide, helping students build both skill and mindset for real-world situations.

At the heart of Lloyd’s instruction is the principle that self-defense starts long before physical confrontation. He emphasizes situational awareness, teaching students to read their environment, recognize potential threats, and take proactive steps to stay safe. This foundation of awareness ensures that his students are prepared to handle situations with clarity, confidence, and control.

Lloyd’s mastery of knife skills is the result of years of focused training and hands-on experience. He teaches both offensive and defensive applications with precision, providing students the technical expertise to handle knives safely and effectively. But beyond technique, Lloyd instills a strong sense of responsibility and ethics, ensuring students understand the power and potential consequences of wielding a weapon.

Contact

Adams Karate

482 Marshall St, Coldwater, MI 49036

(517) 278-5425

adamskarate@gmail.com

adamskarate.com

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

About Us | Super T Karate Grand Rapids

BRENDA GAY

Brenda Gay serves as Assistant Instructor at Super T Karate / Tactical Defense, supporting the team in delivering world-class self-defense and tactical training.