Shu-Ha-Ri is a concept of how to go from beginner to expert.
At the beginning one tries to imitate the instructor’s techniques as closely as possible in order to develop familiarity with what might be quite new ways of moving. Once that familiarity is established (Shodan?), the next stage is to polish the basic forms and add more advanced techniques (Sandan?). Eventually the techniques should become natural and applied spontaneously. At this stage an element of personal interpretation and creativity may even be displayed.
The goal is to arrive at Take Musu Ai Ki: “the martial creativity of harmonious energy”. This should manifest itself in one’s daily life as someone who is strong, steady, cooperative, and compassionate.
- Learn the Techniques
- Master the Techniques
- Transcend the Techniques