Back On Top: Athlete Secures Second World Title

Achieving world champion karate status is no small feat – but Cooper Rogers has now done it twice. 

For Cooper, the journey has been one of dedication, time, and commitment. But it has simultaneously allowed him life changing opportunities and travel experiences. 

He is now back in the US and ready to provide insight as to what kind of preparation, dedication, and training it took to earn him his second national karate champion title.

His success was not simply an offhanded accomplishment. “I was in the gym almost every day lifting weights, as well as staying at the karate school late into the night doing drills, along with regular karate classes and fighting,” Cooper clarifies.

The extensive routine allowed him to set the tone for what level of athlete he wanted to be, improving not just his physical abilities but also his mental capabilities.

His first competitive international performances were in Toronto, Canada, and Mexico. 

Each location had its advantages and disadvantages. “The first time I competed internationally was in Toronto, Canada, but I’ve also competed in Mexico,” Cooper explained. 

Although he does admit that Wales was superior in its impression: “I would say I liked Wales better because it felt more like home than Canada. The people in Canada weren’t very nice and it was really cold.”

Of course, when a competition is based in another country you are sure to see a variation of fighting styles that have been adapted in that country.

This means adapting to the different opponents and their individual techniques, “It was different because their fighting styles are not what I’m used to,” Cooper elaborates. “I would say there was a kid from Wales who stood out to me because he was a very good kicker.”

Analyzing and adjusting your fighting style to better combat your opponents is the key to success in competitions where things are viable to change.

Traveling internationally is something most of us can only dream of throughout our high school years, whereas Cooper has seen a medley of cultures at their finest.

“The UK had beans on toast and stuff like that,” he responds when asked about cultural differences. 

Sightseeing for him on these occasions is limited, although he did still get to enjoy some famous landmarks.

“I didn’t get to tour the UK much but I saw Big Ben and Buckingham Palace,” he states.

Jet lag and the time difference were not in Cooper’s favor, as he admits that, “The most challenging part was dealing with the time difference over there.”

In light of these challenges, he remained focused and engaged, especially in correlation with his teammates’ schedules and events.

“My day would involve waking up early to get to the competition and supporting my teammates. Once you’re done fighting you would still have to wait for everyone on your team to get done and then we’d go get dinner with each other,” Cooper says, providing a look into his day-to-day competition lifestyle.

When preparing for your own event, Cooper offers the advice, “For an event it’s best to just not over worry about your performance. You just have to think about how far you’ve come and how good you are.”

When asked what he thinks defines a champion he answered, “A champion is someone who doesn’t make excuses for why they can’t get better or why they lost.”

With medical issues currently being resolved before his next competition in February, he enlightens us as to his plans following his recovery, “I will be competing in this same competition next year and it will be held in France.”

Ultimately, his most rewarding accomplishment was, “When I was able to bring home a gold medal for my country,” the athlete concludes. 

An achievement like national champion is an impressive and inspiring milestone, especially when it’s put in the perspective of being in succession to his first major title. 

Through resilience, work ethic, sacrifice, and ultimately talent, Cooper Rogers has surpassed the expectations of what should be achievable.

He has beat expectations in a way that many believe high schoolers are incapable of and is looking into the future for plans of how he sees himself overcoming his next obstacles on his martial arts journey. 

Cooper is a prime example of how working hard towards a goal can lead you farther than seemingly plausible. The opportunity for triumph is greater than any self or outside limitations, and that message is clearly displayed in Cooper’s story of two time karate international karate champion.