In order to fill a cup, according to an ancient proverb, one first must empty it.

      DePaul University Professor Mark Frigo has followed this philosophy for many years and utilizes it in the accountancy courses he teaches at the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. The philosophy comes from a unique credential that Frigo has earned. In addition to his many academic degrees and honors, Frigo is a third-degree black belt in Shotokan karate.

      The proverb is the first thing the popular professor teaches his students at the start of each quarter, and like a benevolent drill sergeant, he begins each class by establishing the students' attitude ("Positive!" they respond in unison) and their state of mind ("Empty cup! Desire to learn!" comes the unanimous reply).

      Frigo says his path to becoming a successful corporate management consultant, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant and, eventually, the Eichenbaum Foundation Distinguished Professor of Accountancy at DePaul, began when he started studying martial arts as a teen. A White Sox fan who grew up in a working class family in Chicago's Pullman neighborhood, Frigo said that karate's focus on training body, mind and spirit appealed to him and has been a part of his life ever since.

      Frigo said he has gained an important sense of discipline, peace and wisdom from studying karate with the same sensei, or teacher, for more than 20 years at Chicago's Jiu-Jitsu Institute, located 226 S. Wabash Ave, just north of DePaul's business school in downtown Chicago. He cites 81-year-old Master Sensei Wataru Nakamoto as one of his greatest role models.

      "In my opinion, the best sensei teaches by example and is an inspiration to his or her students. He is a living example of what is possible," Frigo says. "My sensei has taught me many things, including what it means to be a good learner and teacher, and that both student and teacher must maintain mutual respect to be successful.

      "These are lessons that I live by and try to pass along to my students in the way that I teach and interact with them," he said. "My teaching philosophy is to develop and deliver innovative and state-of-the-art courses, to continue to improve their content and delivery and to continue learning as a professor."

      These lessons apparently have taken hold, as Frigo has achieved sensei status himself. He has received four prestigious teaching awards from the university in the last five years. Frigo was the first accountancy professor ever chosen to receive the Gus Economos Distinguished Teaching Award, based on votes by Kellstadt graduates. He also has won a teaching excellence award from the university's Quality of Instruction Council and two Excellence in Teaching Awards from Ledger and Quill, DePaul's School of Accountancy alumni association.

      As far as passing along his passion for karate, Frigo serves as an instructor at the Jiu Jitsu Institute-even training some of his DePaul students. Two of his three children have followed in their father's footsteps. His 18-year-old son has earned a brown belt, and his 16-year-old daughter has taken some training in the discipline.