30 May 2011
The Institute recently received a donation in support of our cancer research, from the Rotorua Aikido Club. The funds had been raised from a memorial seminar held for a very special and valued member of the club. People attended from all over New Zealand to remember and honour Adam Cooper, who was only 30 years old when he lost his battle with cancer in April 2010.
The tribute page set up for Adam includes these words, Adam was one of those people that made the world a better place just by existing and we will all miss him terribly - he trained with anyone and everyone and it was always a joy when he popped up at your dojo as you knew the energy on the mat that night would be terrific. Adam leaves behind him a huge hole in the NZ Aikido community.
We were humbled to learn a little more about Adams accomplishments and how much he had inspired and motivated others. He had reached the level of 4th Dan in Aikido and was a highly respected practitioner, who taught students at all levels. Aikido is a non-violent martial art using technical skills to re-direct the opponents force to resolve conflict.
The Rotorua Aikido Club where Adam first developed his passion for Aikido was established in 1986 by Dianne and Paul Haynes. His dedication and skill saw Adam well-respected throughout the country and The Aikido Club of NZ states that it is a huge loss to Aikido to no longer have him as a role model and teacher.
Adam was also a chiropractor, graduating from the NZ College of Chiropractors in 2003 and then returning as a supervisor. He worked tirelessly to support the students, even when he was very unwell.
As a result, the Alumni Association of the College has established an award in his memory. The Dr Adam Cooper Chiropractic Practice Scholarship is for excellence and was presented for the first time to 3rd year student Kayla Radovanich.
Adams impact is clearly substantial and his family, friends and colleagues will ensure that there is a lasting legacy.
The Malaghan Institute is extremely grateful that Adams wife and family chose the Institute as the recipient charity for the proceeds of the Aikido memorial seminar. We would also like to thank the Rotorua Aikido Club for contacting the Institute and making the donation to us in Adams memory.