Anyone who know me knows my passion for martial arts.  As a child, he was heavily influence by media portrayals of martial arts.  It wasn't just the kicking and punching that fascinated him, it was also the sense of inner calm and peace that the heroes portrayed.  At the age of 10, in 1981, he began studying Tae Kwon Do in Baltimore, Maryland at Cheju Dojang.  In 1985, the school closed, and he began to study other arts, including kung fu.  

     In  1994, he began studying Shorin Ryu karate, and in 1998 earned the rank of 1st degree black belt (Shodan). By 1996, Sensei Cooper knew that he wanted to dedicate the rest of his life to the study of karate and to become a professional karate instructor.  During that year, he made two pivotal decisions; he became an assistant instructor in karate and a full-time educator in the Baltimore City school system.  In over 22 years as an educator, he has achieved many accomplishments, including:

• 5th degree black belt (Godan) 

• Master's degree in Education,

  • Johns Hopkins University​

• member, Shobayashi-Kan Research Society

• numerous local, state and national championships

• member, Shobayashi-kan Research society

• Who's Who Amongst America's Teachers 2005-2006