A review of Research of Martial Arts, a book by Sifu Jonathan Bluestein
I'm a sucker for martial arts books. My shelves are full of guidelines for systems I will never have the chance to study, by masters past and present whom I will never have the chance, or sometimes the desire, to meet. There's even a book about using taiji to run better.
Martial arts books fall into a few categories. The ones most people look for are the ones I think of as "How To Wave Your Hands Around" books. They describe the motions of forms and styles, often finishing up with short bios of famous teachers and cryptic translations of old sayings. The more interesting ones go into the mechanics: "How to Wave Your Hands Around With Intention." It is endlessly fascinating to see how two movements can mean and do such different things with different intentions behind them. Is it a strike or a throw? However, lists of this kind of jing and that kind of jing are not always interesting reading since you really need an in-person teacher to show you how to unlock meaning and hidden moves within a form. The third category is philosophy, which is the difference between martial arts and fighting. You probably have these books on your shelves, too. Each of them has its place. I quote from one or another of them extensively in my writings, since each can be the source of great inspiration.
I've recently had the pleasure of reading a book that reaches multiple categories and beyond, Researches of Martial Arts by Jonathan Bluestein. Mr. Bluestein is an exponent of two traditional Chinese martial arts, Xing Yi (internal) and Piguachang (mostly external) and uses his understanding of them to launch into an expansive, thoughtful exploration of the "why" behind traditional East Asian martial arts. Waving hands? A little, although it is not the main focus. Intention? Yes. Internal and external power? Yes, although he thoughtfully disagrees with the traditional classifications. Open hand forms and weapons? Yes. History and philosophy and interviews with masters? Yes. More than that, he touches on what most martial artists are secretly looking for: the keys to unlock hidden aspects within our systems through deep and authentic practice. That kind of serious practice can be reflected in our lives off the mat, too. Mr. Bluestein understands that martial arts are not only about fighting.
For those who are looking for more than the "how to" of martial arts or negotiating strategy, Researches of Martial Arts is worth the read.
What Happens to Client Files When a Collaborative Case Fails: The Massachusetts Rule for Lawyers
Collaborative Law is a great tool for parties to resolve legal conflicts without going to court. Sometimes, though, even with the best intentions and most professional team, the parties are not able to reach a resolution. When that happens, there has been some confusion among lawyers as to which pieces of the client's file they need to turn over to successor counsel. This article explains the rule in Massachusetts.
Kung Fu Negotiation: Putting the Pieces Together
Martial arts training teaches your mind and body to work together and your body to work as a single instrument to deliver a powerful blow. These teachings extend to negotiation skills, too. If your mind is scattered, you can't negotiate well. If your organization doesn't speak with a united voice, you can't negotiate well. Even incremental steps can make you a stronger negotiator.
Kung Fu Negotiation Tactics: The Multi-Level Attack
One martial arts tactic that translates well to litigation and other high conflict, win or lose situations is the multi-level attack. A negotiator can use it too, but if the relationship between the parties is important it can backfire and inflame tensions. The multi-level attack relies on the fact that people have trouble keeping their attention on more than one dangerous stimulus at a time. Attack in two places and one is likely to land.
