Notre Dame Martial Arts Institute
University of Notre Dame
South Bend, Indiana
"The need to defend one's life need not be by appointment, but may
occur at any unorthodox time, therefore the forms and techniques of
the martial arts are naturally endless."
Any NDMAI yudansha (person of blackbelt rank or higher) list starts with
Gary "Coop" Cooper. The man with the big smile, and the bigger laugh, he
is one of the friendliest, nicest and most caring people I have ever
known--and he also happens to be one of the most impressive martial
artists I have ever seen. I still remember the first day I saw Gary. It
was the beginning of my freshman year; I was in the Cavanaugh Hall TV
lounge, and Gary was sitting very quietly in a dark corner to my left.
That was until Ray Carter, one of Gary's closest friends and a sometimes
club member walked in. Gary let out one of his patented bellows/laughs that
shook the rafters. It was the first time I saw his big toothy smile, but
luckily not the last. After graduating from Notre Dame, Gary moved back to
New York City and joined an architecture firm. He married his high school
sweetheart, Theresa. He just recently received his Ninth Degree blackbelt
from Professor Visitation at a martial arts demonstration and promotions
held at his father's school.
-- Drew Sandler