I have trained in the Wing Tsun Kung Fu martial system for some years now. Although there are other martial systems that I have cross-trained in, Wing Tsun Kung fu has been the one that enables me to draw the most parallels between the martial and the legal world. One principle of Wing Tsun is that of balance. Balance is important to a Martial Artist because without balance you easily become off-center and prone to falling or losing your footing. This leads to feeling insecure and unable to make decisions as everything will eventually come tumbling down in confusion as you attempt to grapple with the instability. The same is often true of pursuing litigation or criminal law. Without a clear balanced path, doubt can easily make one fearfully reactive to events as they unfold due to suddenly losing control.
Another principle of Wing Tsun is that of discipline. Discipline is important in martial arts as the exact way in Wing Tsun requires iterative practice to obtain proficiency and mastery of a skill or technique. The same is true when it comes to mastering the law. The law today is an intricate set of rules and procedures that require exacting application and understanding in order to master and be able to effectively apply it for a client’s needs. Failing to be disciplined is likely going to lead to disaster.
Further, mental acuity is another concept that manifests itself through martial training. If you properly execute what is called the “Tiger Claw Stretch” I can guarantee that you will not be able to think about anything else besides the intense sensation of the stretching. Everything else will fade away and you will become highly focused. This is beneficial from a martial arts perspective to keep ones focus and defend oneself. However, on the legal side, this high level of focus, after training and conditioning, allows one to stay on point in their understanding of the law and allows one not to stray from the important points one must convey to a jury in order to assure a proper outcome.
Another principle is strategy. There is a clear strategy in Wing Tsun that allows one to know what to do next. One can see the “Center Line” of the person’s body and it is clear where the openings are if one knows how to use them. If you don’t properly exploit the center line, you will find yourself wanting. Similarly, in law one needs to understand the strengths and weaknesses of a situation in order to execute proper strategies for the client. For example, a plaintiff client may need to dig in their heels and be “hard” in settlement negotiations as they have good arguments. On the other hand, in a criminal defense situation, one might have to take a far more negotiable position than one might desire as the state has the upper hand and the uncertainties of trial can make one vulnerable.
One needs to have a local legal services network in order to have a clear understanding of the available legal services of North Louisiana and how to acquire them. With a network in place, one can then draw upon it in case someone has need of specific legal expertise or help. This is why it is so important to refer others when one can’t provide the type of legal assistance that is needed. This is not only a matter of ethics but also a matter of good business.
Another principle is respect and caring. Martial art is a dangerous system and one must have respect for it in order to practice with others and survive. People who practice martial arts must have care for others as well because if you don’t care about your training partners then the flaws in your sparing technique may lead to injury on either side. However, there is a much broader type of respect and care needed as an attorney. One must have respect for the law and everyone involved. The law is a deadly weapon that can cripple someone’s life or liberty and one must have respect for the power and influence it wields. Additionally, in regards to one’s legal adversary, one needs to have great respect for their intelligence and abilities. When one fails to have such respect, then one can easily wind up with egg on their face. A case in point is to never underestimate a case that was represented pro se. Why? Because pro se litigants are some of the hardest cases to argue against because there are no boundaries.
Finally, spiritual development is a strong component of martial arts. To make a movement work in martial arts you must spiritually be at peace and free from doubt. If you are of that mindset then your martial art will work. Why? Because you will gain the muscle memory and discipline to be able to do the martial arts correctly without thinking about it. In the same way, if you are spiritually free of the struggles of your unfulfilled dreams and worries, then you will be able to attack a legal problem effectively without any hindrance. My life during the post bar exam season testifies to this.
All in all, martial arts is a positive force in my life. It has enabled me to grow as an attorney and vice versa as an attorney. One enables the other and without it none would be complete.
For more information on legal services, you can visit USA.gov.