Loyalty

by Nancy Trowbridge, 1st gup

Loyalty is talked about often. In fact, loyalty is one of the two highest vales of Tang Soo Do, as represented in our American Tang Soo Do Karate Institute (ATKI) logo.

What does Loyalty really mean? According to Webster, "Loyalty is to be faithful to a person, cause, ideal, or custom..."

If the divorce rate, and the lack of long-term job history is any indication, it would seem that there is very little loyalty in our world towards any one person, or one organization. In days past, many couples celebrated 50 years of marriage, and many employees received a gold watch upon completion of 30 years or more of service to one job. There aren't many 50 year Anniversaries being celebrated, or many gold watches being handed out today.

Many years ago, Masatter Schmitt opened the Dubuque Karate Club, and also founded the ATKI. Under his guidance, and through his caring attitude, each one of us, as students, have been given the opportunity to become a better person. Not just being able to throw a punch or kick, but truly a better, well-rounded person and martial artist.

Imagine almost 40 years ago, Master Schmitt started his martial arts training in the military. He learned from his instructor the important values gained by training hard, and living, not just giving lip service to, but really living the Tang Soo Do codes that have been passed down for over 2000 years. Master Schmitt is a man of honor and integrity, and he has given us - his students - so much to be thankful for.

Unfortunately, I think we sometimes take for granted what we have available to us, and what we have gained by being a student of Master Schmitt's.

Can you think of a time when you took the philosophies learned in class, and applied them in the outside world? I can! Many times I have recalled the words of Master Schmitt and those words - those teachings - have helped me through a difficult situation.

What does Master Schmitt ask of us, his students, in return for his life-long comitment to helping each of us beocme stronger, and more sure of ourselves? What does he ask of us for dedicating his life to us? OUR LOYALTY! All that Master Schmitt asks of us is to be as loyal to him as he is to each of us. This means we should be striving to be good students - looking for ways to make our club grow. Support our club - be there for Master Schmitt the same way he is there for each of us. Be a giver - give of yourself and your time. Pass down the values and knowledge you have gained in your training.

Be PROUD - be proud of who you are, and what you are a part of. In Master Schmitt's own words "shout it from the rooftops." Let everyone know how proud you are, and what an honor it is to be a part of Tang Soo Do. Tell everyone about Master Schmitt and what he has done to make your life a better one.

And most importantly, say thank you next time you see Master Schmitt. Remind him how glad you are that you have the opportunity to belong to such an elite club. Tell him how proud you are that when someone asks the question "who is your instructor", you can answer "Master Schmitt".

Where do my loyalties lie? Each one of us needs to think about this question. I know my answer. Do you?

Thank you, Master Schmitt.