The Mark of a True Master

From my decades of training - and closely watching the behavior of true masters of their respective arts - I have learned:

Mastery isn't to be found in grandiose movements, showmanship, or prideful loud boasting.

Mastery is to be found in the smallest of movements.

Mastery is economy of motion.

Doing the smallest thing possible, expending the least energy, exerting the least force - to achieve the desired outcome.

Quiet Stillness - Action - then, returning to Quiet Stillness.

Silent and still, like the calm surface of a pond.

Decisive, like the strike of the mongoose.

Clarity, like the moon seen through crisp winter air.

Relaxed, loose, waiting - until the moment to act is reached in the fullness of time.

The mark of the true master is to be found in their humility - always knowing that they are still the student.