Terrie has dedicated over half of his life to training and competing in martial arts. He has backgrounds in Folkstyle Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Catch-As-Catch-Can Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, American Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, American Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Krav Maga, and Shoot Fighting. He has fought in several sanctioned MMA and Muay Thai fights and has been a fierce competitor in both amateur and professional grappling competitions. His competition resumé ranges from regional tournaments such as Grapplers Quest, NAGA, Copa, and Newbreed, to national level professional tournaments such as High Rollerz, Contender Series, Pan American Games, and ADCC Trials.

In addition to remaining active in sport competition for more than 15 years, Terrie spent a decade working in nightclubs in one of the highest crime rate areas in the United States. Having worked in security, trained security staff, and managed nightclub security teams, Terrie has faced hundreds of real-world physical altercations. These have ranged from one-on-one disputes, melees with multiple assailants, altercations involving weapons of opportunity such as glass bottles and bar stools, and assailants with knives and guns.

Terrie brings a wealth of both sport and real-world knowledge into his instruction style, preferring to blend them together as often as possible in order to stay true to the core purpose of the martial arts. His extensive experience in both competition and practical scenarios makes him a well-rounded instructor, capable of preparing his students for any challenge they might face in sanctioned competition, or to defend themselves in their daily lives.