The sixth virtue of Bushido is Loyalty. Ancient warriors, Knights, Samurai, etc. were steadfast in their allegiance to a king, chieftain, emperor, clan, tribe, state, code, fealty, blood oath, etc. This staunch loyalty was something that was automatically understood and more important than life itself. When given, it was a constant devotion that could be reliably counted on.
Modern definitions include being: True, Faithful, Dependable, Trustworthy, Steady, Stable, Firm, Unwavering, Unswerving, and Duty bound. The U.S. Marine Corps motto “Semper Fidelis,” always faithful, is a famous expression of loyalty and patriotic dedication. Loyalty can be applied to any person, group, place, or thing. Perhaps the most difficult application to explain is loyalty to a cause or a belief, or a process, or a system. When one adopts an attachment for someone or something, in fact, anything, it is almost mandatory to devote the energy necessary to maintain that constant connection. That can be viewed as a more artistic interpretation used to express Loyalty.
When practicing the Martial Arts, we are loyal to our instructors and to the tenets of behavior required by them to fulfill the requirements of training. If we are not true to the process, we will not succeed in reaching our desired goals and it will violate the trust of obedience that is part of any learning method. When we fail in loyalty, we sabotage the ability to create a bond with something greater than ourselves.
Mr. Weber is the chief instructor at the Aikido Academy of Self-Defense located at 16134 North Oracle Road, in Catalina. He has more than 45 years of experience in the Martial Arts and has achieved skills in a variety of disciplines. He also teaches Tai-Chi with classes on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon and Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m.
Please call (520) 825-8500 for information regarding these and other programs. If you wish, check out the website at www.AikidoAcademy OfArizona.com.