Loyalty is generally one of the most important character traits that we must all have. In all aspects of our lives, whether personal or business, loyalty is such a priceless commodity. Be it in romantic relationships, lasting friendships, or solid partnerships, loyalty must always be a top priority.
In martial arts, loyalty can be exhibited in a variety of different ways.
Staying loyal to your martial arts gym and to your instructors can have lasting effects on your path as a martial artist. It also allows you to develop at a steady and consistent pace throughout your martial arts journey. The concept of loyalty and its importance is something that kids pick up early on when training in children’s martial arts programs. Furthermore, the relationships you build in the gym are deep and will benefit you in more ways than one.
Another form of loyalty is staying true to ourselves. In this way, when we discover who we are and what makes us unique, others are then able to see our positive traits and can invest in our development. Lastly, loyalty commands a certain level of power and respect that cannot be gained by any other means.
In this day and age, loyalty is essential in any endeavor. Here we have come up with a few reasons why staying true and sticking by the people and things you care about is ultimately a great thing in the long run.
1) It gives our training and development consistency
Constantly switching between martial arts programs can be very confusing. The lessons and fundamentals can get convoluted and messy. Remaining loyal to your training and to your discipline means streamlining your martial arts education. It gives our training and development a level of consistency that cannot be achieved by always switching martial arts programs and gyms.
When we choose one gym to train as martial artists, we adapt to that gym’s teachings and lessons. It is important that, during our study of martial arts, we delve deeper into the lessons that it teaches us. When we take a look at the core teachings, we realize that there is much to learn.
It will be very difficult to focus when information is coming from multiple sources. Staying loyal and true to one martial program and gym allows us to progress in our martial arts journey at our own pace, all the while gaining a wide understanding of our gym’s core principles.
2) It allows us to develop deeper connections
Another benefit of staying loyal to our martial arts gym is that it allows us to form deeper connections with our peers and martial arts instructors. Getting to know those we train with on a personal level develops strong and long-lasting friendships.
Ask any martial artist in training now and they will tell you that one of the most important aspects of their development will be the people that they train with. It is super important to have people that are loyal around you, people you can trust. They will be the first to congratulate you on your achievements, as well as the first to tell you that what you’re doing is wrong.
The gym may not be the first place that comes to mind when looking to build new friendships, but it’s definitely going to surprise you once you experience it. In the end, we train martial arts because of all the fun we have, and fun isn’t possible unless we experience it with people that we trust.
3) It allows us to remain true to ourselves
An additional form of loyalty is staying true to ourselves. Being loyal to our emotions, to our beliefs, needs, and responsibilities is critical to our personal development. Since martial arts celebrates our constant self-improvement, showing loyalty to the person who matters most is very important.
Oftentimes we give a lot of ourselves to the people that we love. We would do anything for our family and friends. We work hard, long hours and have sleepless nights. We give more than a hundred per cent of our being to make sure that our loved ones are taken care of. But when was the last time we did something for ourselves?
Being loyal to yourself means giving yourself a little bit of relief. You’ve done a great job, and you’ve earned a break. We all have needs and wants, and we shouldn’t feel bad if we choose to put ourselves first every once in a while.
The right martial arts program teaches us to enhance our mind, spirit, and body to become the best version of ourselves that we can possibly be. Moreover, it allows us to focus on our physical well-being, because, health is wealth after all.
4) Instructors will invest in your development
It is important to place absolute trust in our superiors, our martial arts instructors who know exactly how we should be traversing on our martial arts journey. After all, they are the experts, and without them, we would all just be grasping at straws.
Our martial arts instructors have our well-being in mind. They know what we can achieve and at what pace we should work. When we place our loyalty and trust in our instructors, they, in turn, place their loyalty and trust in us. In this way, we all share our trials and tribulations, as well as our greatest triumphs.
If there is one person that cares more about your development than yourself, it is your martial arts instructor. Your development and success as a martial artist is a direct reflection of your instructor’s martial arts program and their effectiveness as a teacher.
Years of experience and knowledge will be imparted onto your development. This means unlocking the secrets of the discipline for the betterment of your well-being. Loyalty is a key ingredient in a successful martial arts journey.
5) Your power will come from respect
Loyalty commands the highest levels of respect. When we treat others with loyalty and trust, we involuntarily invite others to treat us the same. In this, we gain the power of trustworthy relationships.
In this type of authentic relationship, there is no betrayal, there is no letdown, and communication is utilized in the best possible way. The power we possess as human beings to remain loyal and true to the relationships that truly matter to us is extremely enriching.
Loyalty lets people know that they are wanted in your life. There is less pressure to try to make relationships work because people will feel your authenticity. When you keep it real, people know inherently that you are a trustworthy person. Your words and your actions will leave a lasting impression, and people will remember it.
You’re also much more likely to be treated with loyalty as well, and people will think twice before they act disloyally towards you.
Loyalty is an important part of being human, and perhaps, one of the most essential aspects of relationships. Everyone wants loyalty, but to receive loyalty, you must first be loyal. Strive to be loyal in your daily life, whether at home, in the workplace, or at the martial arts gym.
