NEMO DAT QUOD NON HABIT

During my Black Belt testing Sifu Dan requested a short writing on what my martial arts training means to me. The following is of my thoughts on what my Wing Chun training meant at that time. --Rhett Hackett

Can peace only come after war? What motivates our choices? Why are some choices repeated? From the Lessons of History, I have learned three valuable lessons: Life is competition, life is selection, and life must breed. Is Wing Chun alive? To me, Wing Chun is an unwritten language of sorts, an unwritten form of communication that is lost to many, but mastered by some. It expresses itself outwardly through forms and movements (body) and inwardly by principles and beliefs (soul), much like the church and its traditions. Why have so many of my ancestors died for what they believe in? Is it because of a deeper meaning that has the potential power to outlive the body and help transform future generations? To simply know (have the body) is not enough. This is why Francis Bacon's famous quote, "Knowledge is power" is inadequate and why Napoleon Hill's quote, "Knowledge is potential power" brings truth to my soul. 

"Be it known, then, that there are two ways of contending, one in accordance with the laws, the other by force; the first of which is proper to men, the second to beasts but since the first method is often ineffectual, it becomes necessary to resort to the second… [It] is necessary for a Prince to know how to use both natures, and that the one without the other has no stability" --Machiavelli. 

Is this why I wanted to learn to fight? Or is there some other reason which hides from me? I thought I would learn to hit hard, instead I learned to be soft! I thought I would learn to fight, instead I learned to be at peace! Or am I sleeping lion just waiting to be awakened? 

Bruce Lee spoke of the formless form of martial arts saying, "[be] more interested in the root of martial arts and not the different decorative branches, flowers or leaves. It is futile to argue as to which single leaf, which design of branches, or which attractive flower you like; when you understand the root, you understand all its blossoming," with all due respect, I disagree. Through my personal experiences and observations I see that specialized knowledge is what makes one desirable. I want it all, but life is two short, so I must specialize to be of value to others and myself. I must know the leaf in its entirety. I do not want to be a jack of all trades and a master of none. All achievements have their beginnings in an idea. Therefore, I am a master in the making. 

"There is no significant example in history, before our time, of a society successfully maintaining moral life without the aid of religion." These words are from Durant the great historian. Is this why Wing Chun has such a deep root in Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism? Were these beliefs put into the art to make it come alive or to make it worth practicing? Is it the soul? I am a Christian who proudly practices his faith! Should I find a different way to put my beliefs and principles into forms of movement? I think not! I feel energy in me, but I will never forget where it comes from. 

For 350 years Wing Chun Gung Fu has survived. Along the way, it has hidden itself form some and shared itself with others. I have heard it said that it is much easier to find a master to teach you than it is for a master to find a good student. Is this why they say, "When the student is ready the master will appear?" Did I search for Wing Chun or did she cry out for me? If we look around, growth and decay are what we will see, then let it be ourselves that put meaning into our lives. Death is our destiny. Of body and soul, only one can last forever. That is why I learn. Remember that I give this not for you to keep, but to pass it on.  

 If I am fortunate, I will, before I die, accumulate as much as I can of this language, master it and transmit it to my children knowing NEMO DAT QUON NON HABIT, Latin for YOU CAN'T NOT GIVE WHAT YOU DON'T HAVE!