Shu Ha Ri
Imitation. Understanding. Emulsion.
Shu Ha Ri is a Japanese martial arts concept that describes the stages of learning on the path to mastery.
It represents a progression through three stages: Shu (Obey/Protect), Ha (Detach/Digress), and Ri (Leave/Transcend).
The concept of Shu Ha Ri originates from Japanese martial arts and has been adopted in various disciplines, including software development and agile methodologies, to describe the process of learning and mastery.
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.
Shu Ha Ri is used to guide learners and practitioners through the stages of mastery, emphasizing the importance of foundational knowledge, innovation, and eventual transcendence. It is applied in contexts where skill acquisition and personal growth are paramount.
Shu Ha Ri can be compared to the Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition, which also describes stages of learning from novice to expert. While the Dreyfus Model focuses on the development of analytical and intuitive capabilities, Shu Ha Ri emphasizes a more holistic progression from strict adherence to creative freedom.
When we apply the four compositional areas (Recollection, Recognition, Decision, Awareness) of the Dreyfus model to the Shu Ha Ri stages, we can see how they align with the progression of learning and mastery. In contrast to the Dreyfus model, practitioners are considered in the base stage of “Shu” for a longer amount of time. This due to the lack of granular subdivisions in the Shu Ha Ri model, which originates from the martial arts tenet: “You are a beginner, until you are no longer so”.
Shu 守: Obey / Protect
Ha 破: Detach / Digress
Ri 離: Leave / Transcend
A junior developer learns by following coding standards and best practices (Shu), starts to explore new frameworks and methodologies and apply them when relevant (Ha). Eventually they develop an understanding that allows them to come up with solutions to tricky problems intuitively (Ri).
“The Karate Kid” (1984) follows the journey of Daniel LaRusso, a teenager who moves to a new town and becomes the target of bullying by a group of boys trained in martial arts. Seeking to defend himself, Daniel meets Mr. Miyagi, a skilled but humble martial artist who agrees to teach him karate. Through unconventional training methods, Daniel learns more than just self-defense—he discovers discipline, respect, and the importance of inner balance.
In the beginning, Daniel knows nothing about karate and is eager to learn. Under Mr. Miyagi’s guidance, he starts with the basics. However, the lessons are unconventional: he is told to perform menial tasks like waxing cars (“wax on, wax off”), painting fences, and sanding floors. Though frustrated, Daniel obeys and follows these instructions diligently, unaware that these tasks are training his muscles and mind in the fundamental movements of karate. At this stage, Daniel is in the Shu phase, where he is learning by strict adherence to Mr. Miyagi’s teachings without deviation.
As Daniel progresses, he begins to understand the principles behind Mr. Miyagi’s teachings. He learns to apply the techniques he has mastered in various situations, both in practice and in real confrontations. Daniel starts to adapt his training to suit the challenges he faces, such as in the karate tournament where he employs his skills to outsmart and defeat opponents. He is no longer just mimicking Mr. Miyagi but is beginning to think for himself, applying and modifying the techniques to fit his needs. This marks his transition into the Ha phase, where he starts to digress from strict tradition and innovate based on his understanding.
Although Daniel makes significant progress throughout the films, he does not fully reach the Ri stage. The Ri stage is where a practitioner transcends formal teachings and acts instinctively, with techniques flowing naturally and effortlessly. While Daniel becomes a competent and confident martial artist, he is still on the path to mastery, learning and evolving with each challenge he faces. His journey toward Ri continues, as he has yet to internalize the techniques to the point where they become second nature and he operates purely on instinct.