| Shu Ha Ri
is a term the Japanese use to describe the overall progression of martial
arts training, as well as the lifelong relationship the student will enjoy
with his or her instructor. There is a concept
of "Shu (remain), Ha (break), Ri (free)", thereby symbolising a
three stage learning approach. |
 |
"Shu" means
"conservative" and is often translated as "remain -
tradition." The beginning student learns the fundamentals of the art
form, and all the techniques and kata, essentially as ones teacher has
shown them. |
 |
"Ha" means
"break" and has been variously interpreted in Western martial
art circles as "breaking the tradition" or even "breaking
with your teacher." However, it could also mean breaking as in
"breakthrough in understanding", i.e., going beyond the
mechanics of the techniques to discover their underlying meaning. |
 |
"Ri"
therefore, which has been interpreted in the West as "free - founding
your own style," or even "preserving the style but adding to
it," means "freedom" and could instead be interpreted as
"owning the kata," establishing one's own identity within the
traditionally arranged and performed techniques. |
| Ultimately, Shu
Ha Ri should result in the student surpassing the master, both in
knowledge and skill. This is the source of improvement for the art as a
whole. If the student never surpasses his master, then the art will
stagnate, at best. If the student never achieves the master's ability, the
art will deteriorate. But, if the student can assimilate all that the
master can impart and then progress to even higher levels of advancement,
the art will continually improve and flourish. |
