From time to time, students have asked me, 'Do you think about martial arts when you leave the studio?' I certantly do! In my professional career as a former Vice President of a large hospital group, I used these priciples all the time.

These principles came in handy when attending meetings, especially when I knew it could be hostile. By keeping people off balance, I could have the advantage. There was a time there was a meeting I was hosting, the conference room had around 30 people, six hospitals were present on dual 50" video screens and the rest dialed in with a conference call. My office was next door to the room and I intentionally waited until everyone was present. As I entered the room my seat was waiting for me at the head of the table but instead of sitting down I walked around the room reviewing the topic. After a few minutes someone interupted me and asked if I would like to sit down, I responded, "Why? Is this making everyone nervous?" "Yes," was the response. I knew at this point I was able to control the flow of the meeting and it went well. Another time someone came into my office warning me that a hospital executive was on his way to see my and he was extremely upset. I knew this person and had a reputation to really fly off the handle so I had a little time to prepare. He came in, stood in front of me ranting and raving about one of the staff, veins buldging, red in the face. I let him continue without saying a word then I calmly looked up at him and said in a very calm voice, "Wow, you are pretty upset," and did not say another word.

I used the Yin Yang principle, complete opposite actions to the situation, it worked! Yes, martial arts are a way of life; it is not always about fighting, but working to avoiding it— that is the mark of a master. 

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