LOYALTY and its importance in the martial arts.

LOYALTY. A very important aspect in any relationship but especially in the martial arts between a student and their instructor. Trust and true loyalty take years to build and loyalty towards an instructor is easy when things make sense and you are getting what you want out of your training. True loyalty is tested when maybe you don't understand your instructors decision or you get a better offer elsewhere. True loyalty is when you get no personal gain from a decision made but support it anyway. You base your decision on your values and not your own ambition. Loyalty is a two way street. A good instructor would do anything for their students and good students should always trust their instructors judgement and remember there may be a bigger picture. In martial arts you need to trust your instructor and believe every decision they make is for the greater good. If you don't trust them, leave and find someone you do trust. Life without genuine relationships is meaningless. Martial arts is not about kicking and punching its about people.

You must practise loyalty towards your family, friends, club, Instructor and most importantly yourself.