Shuhari

Shuhari is a Japanese martial art concept that describes stages of learning toward mastery. The article says it is sometimes applied to other Japanese disciplines, including Go.

Reading notes

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• The term is explained as “first learn, then detach, and finally transcend.”
• Shu means protect or obey, and is tied to learning fundamentals, techniques, heuristics, and proverbs.
• Ha means detach or digress, and is described as breaking with tradition and with illusions of self.
• Ri means leave or separate, and is linked to transcendence, natural movement, and not clinging to forms.
• Endō Seishirō says shu is repeating forms faithfully, ha is making innovations after discipline, and ri is departing from forms and acting in accordance with what the heart or mind desires.
• The history section says the concept was first presented by Fuhaku Kawakami as Jo-ha-kyū in Tao of Tea.
• It then says Zeami Motokiyo extended the concept to dance as Shuhari, which later became part of Aikido philosophy.
• The article also says Shuhari is part of Shorinji Kempo philosophy.
• Shuhari is compared to concentric circles, with Shu within Ha and both within Ri.
• During the Shu phase, the student should loyally follow one teacher and is not yet ready to explore or compare different paths.
• The related concept section lists a similar three-stage model in some Chinese martial arts: di, ren, and tian.