artistry or 芸術性

I saw the word 芸術性　or artistry today and somehow my mind flashed upon swordsmanship and the relationship between the two. Martial arts today has become seen as systematized. That every move has a place, a time to be used. The mind and muscles are trained to react in a specific manner. This method is very useful for beginner and intermediate learners, it enables them to see connections between attack and defense. But by limiting a particular move to a certain response or time you place it unmoving in a long line of predictable routines. I think this is where most hobbyist and part-time practitioners are to be found. They see the ultimate goal being the accumulation of as many techniques as possible. That in itself is not bad but the strict focus on the systematic is not the highest level.

Then what is artistry? Artistry is simple yet achieving the feel of it the hardest. At any given time numerous movements, techniques and positions are possible. An artist is a practitioner who sees the totality of every move to its outcome and chooses one. It is not the best move nor the worst, it is simply the only move for that situation. An artist then is a decision making master, unburdened by indecision nor regret. Do not assume that because this is no time of war and life or death is not an outcome that one who called himself a warrior that is now an artist are different. If you somehow convince yourself you have mastered all techniques, have a thorough systematic understanding of the art and above all are sure that your style is superior, you will be defeated by one who is not. Defeated by one who considers the right move, one who knows that a master of art puts effort into every notion every minute, that excellence is achieved through personal decision.