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ARTICLES AND COMMENTARY

MASTER TOBY COOLING

NEWEST RED DRAGON TAB RECIPIENT

   The Red Dragons are proud to announce the addition of Master Cooling to our family. Master Cooling actually was voted this award earlier in the year. Plans to present it to him at the Hall of Fame fell through due to his inability to attend this year. So we have just held it, in case we were going to be able to present it at a later date. Due to the Geographic’s, we chose to present it this way.

   There are however no Geographic’s in the relationship between Master Cooling and our dojo. He has been in one way or another, a friend and mentor to us since 1995, when I returned to full time Isshin-ryu. Since that time, he has been instrumental in several decisions of mine and a measure of our dojo operating philosophy. I proudly hold a Hachi Dan given to me by him and one from Grand Master Nagle on his recommendation. I also proudly have his signature on one of my Judan certificates and one to come for the other one.

   We wanted several times to award Master Cooling, but he was so busy sending advice, information, seminars and honors our way, it would have looked like payback. This award is no payback to anyone. It is one of respect and brotherhood only. Master Cooling is at the center of what this award is all about.

   On this site under "Masters Bio's" is one done on Master Cooling when I first started writing them. Nothing since then has changed except he has accomplished much more.

   For a better idea as to the importance to us of this award, please read our, "Red Dragon Tab" page and review the other dragon brothers and sisters previously chosen.

   There have been some who we removed due to loss of interest in the relationship and respect for the individual. We never make that public or ever talk about it. Only when we add someone, do we call attention to it. And that is only to give deserved recognition and thanks for their friendship, leadership and the respect we hold for them. No one on there has any less of that, than the day we selected them. We want it to stay that way, as only the loss of friendship alters the exiting member roll.

   No doubt that Master Cooling will hold a permanent place on that page as he is that kind of man and friend.

Denny Shaffer, Shihan
Red Dragon Master