“Shu Ha Ri” (守破離) The path to mastery.

 

Posted by ADAM CARTER on JAN 06, 2023

“Shu Ha Ri” (守破離) The path to mastery.

 

The Japanese concept of “Shu-Ha-Ri” (守破離), applies to the practice of learning, from beginner to a level of mastery.

“Shu-Ha-Ri” is a way to think about the levels of learning that we progress through as we gain knowledge through our practice. The idea is that in order for a person to master something they need to pass through three stages of growth.

“Shu” (守): In Japanese, “Shu” literally means “to obey”, “keep intact” or “protect”. This is the beginning stage of learning where we follow and mimic our instructors. You focus on doing the task without knowing or worrying about the “why”.  Following your instructors teachings, collecting and memorizing the information that is being presented to you. There are many practitioners and instructors who do not move on from this “mimic my instructor” stage.

“Ha” (破): In Japanese, “Ha” literally means “to detach”, “let go” or “break away”. The intermediate stage is the point where we begin to think for ourselves. We gain knowledge of the “why” and start integrating what we have learned into our practice. This can be hard for some people, because change and moving on from our instructors fundamentals, may seem very difficult for some students, many never make it past the “Shu” stage because of this.

“Ri” (離): In Japanese, “Ri” literally means to “leave”, “go beyond” or “transcend”. The mastery stage is a stage of continuation. We aren’t learning from our instructors anymore, but learning from own experience and practice. We are able to adapt what we learn from our own experiences and circumstances. You finally make karate your own! You have followed the rules (Shu), broken the rules (ha), now it is time to make the rules (Ri).

“A shark in a fish tank will grow 8 inches, but in the ocean it will grow to 8 feet or more. The shark will never outgrow its environment and the same is true about you. Many times we're around small thinking people so we don't grow. Change your environment and watch your growth.”

It’s important to take some time to challenge your old ways of thinking and practicing, to make room for the new. Are you open to doing things differently, looking at things a different way?

The best you can do, and the best something can be done…. are two entirely different things. Simply defaulting to what you know, or how you do something, doesn’t mean you’re doing it the best way.

You have to be willing to acknowledge that what you know and how you are doing things, may not be the best solution.

To me, the idea of Shu Ha Ri provides thinking tools, a language and a frame of reference to approach learning a new skill. When you are first learning something, a variety of ideas isn’t usually the most helpful place to start. Once you get the basics down, then move on to experimenting and looking to integrate new thoughts or ideas. Your experiments will lead you to new paths and eventually you’ll move beyond the specific practices and evolve your own way of doing things.

The Ri state is exceptionally coveted. There is no yellow brick road that someone can show you that will lead you to it. Just keep in mind that walking the Ri path is hard work, you must have an open mind, and an insatiable curiosity. It’s up to you, your journey is to find your own path there, but above all….. you must want it.

 Photo Credit: With thanks to Ryozo Tsukada (one of my early instructors)