Shuhari

Concept describing the stages of learning

Shuhari (Kanji: 守破離 Hiragana: しゅはり) is a Japanese martial art concept which describes the stages of learning to mastery. It is sometimes applied to other disciplines, such as Go.

Aikido master Endō Seishirō shihan stated: "It is known that, when we learn or train in something, we pass through the stages of shu, ha, and ri. These stages are explained as follows. In shu, we repeat the forms and discipline ourselves so that our bodies absorb the forms that our forebears created. We remain faithful to these forms with no deviation. Next, in the stage of ha, once we have disciplined ourselves to acquire the forms and movements, we make innovations. In this process the forms may be broken and discarded. Finally, in ri, we completely depart from the forms, open the door to creative technique, and arrive in a place where we act in accordance with what our heart/mind desires, unhindered while not overstepping laws."

The Shuhari concept was first presented by Fuhaku Kawakami as Jo ha kyū in The Way of Tea, "Sado 茶道". Fuhaku based his process from the works of, Zeami Motokiyo, the master of Noh, which then became a part of the philosophy of Aikido. Shuhari can be considered as concentric circles, with Shu within Ha, and both Shu and Ha within Ri. The fundamental techniques and knowledge do not change. During the Shu phase the student should loyally follow the instruction of a single teacher; the student is not yet ready to explore and compare different paths.