In 1990 Tery started training in American kickboxing, Muay Thai kickboxing and Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do. He then started competing and won in full contact kickboxing in 1993 in the late Walt Mason's, T.A.C.K.A. (Texas amateur contact karate association). After watching Royce Gracie from Brazil's Gracie Jiu-Jitsu totally dominate any black belt or pro fighter at the 1st UFC (ultimate fighting championship), a no holds barred competition, Tery started training in the only Ju-Jitsu school in his area. Mr. Corkran received his black belt in 1996 in Japanese Jukido Jitsu. In November of 1995 Tery found out that the multi world Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion, and 5th degree black belt at that time instructor Carlos Machado, cousin to the legendary Gracie's, moved to Dallas and was teaching at Chuck Norris's Walker Texas Ranger studio. Tery immediately started training with Mr. Machado. Mr. Corkran currently is still training under Carlos Machado. He also is still training American kickboxing and Muay Thai kickboxing.

Tery has competed in several Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, and has only lost one match. He received his Black Belt from Carlos Machado on October 19th 2002. Tery was one of 8 black belts living in the state of Texas, and one of under 100 living in the US at that time. Tery won 3 GOLD MEDALS in the 2001 and 2002 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Pan American championships in Florida at the age of 38 and 39. Tery tries to associate himself with teachers that are well known for their talent and proving themselves in competition as world champions, such as Carlos Machado and his brothers. Mr. Corkran also trains in American kickboxing and Muay Thai kickboxing under the multi world kickboxing champion Joe Lewis.

Mr. Corkran has also had great success in teaching children, women and men at his school North Texas MMA, in Lewisville Texas. Tery opened the Academy of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 1999 and was one of the first schools in Texas to teach MMA to children and adults. In 2007, the Academy expanded into North Texas Mixed Martial Arts. Along with the best team MMA record in the Metroplex, Tery strives to provide one of the best standup and ground training schools in the Metroplex. He sets high standards for his children's classes and in September of 2001, was awarded the "Children's Empowerment Award" by the Mayor of Lewisville Texas. Tery has trained a lot of children and adults that have competed and won many Jiu-Jitsu tournaments. Tery also has trained NHB (no holds barred) fighters, such as, Marcus Hicks, Jeff Helstead and Joe Christopher (just to name a few).

In the movie "The Prodigy" released in 2007 Tery had his first taste as an actor and loves it. He got to play Sam, a small but exiting role with his Thompson Machine Gun. He helped train some of the actors and helped with some of the fight scenes. The Producer of the movie Will Kaughman is a good friend, and one of his loyal students. Look for Tery in the future to do more movies. Tery tries to balance all his training and work along with his beautiful family. He has a wonderful wife Scherrie that he gives thanks to, that supports him and is his training partner on the mat and in life. He has three beautiful children, two daughters Amanda, Kimberly, and one son Jared, all students of Jiu-Jitsu.

School Phone Number:     972-353-0770

School email address:  ntmma@hotmail.com