The following is a basic translation for the Kanji charachter Ri: Separate, detach, dis join, and scatter.
The same Kanji character may be read as Hanareru, and translates to: Go away, separate, be (a long time or distance) away, and leave.
SHU
The practitioner will begin their journey into Karate requiring the guidance of a Sensei. Assuming the role of a compass the instructor will navigate their protege along the Karate path. Without this type of teacher / student relationship the practitioners endeavour with be hopeless. This is the developmental stage known as Shu.
HA
As the practitioner matures, they acquire their own individualistic philosophy. This is a natural progression for the student, and should be nurtured by the instructor. We express our own unique character and body structure through the techniques of Karate. Understanding this is paramount in the developmental stage known as Ha.
RI
“Sensei” is a term that is far to often corrupted for the monetary gain of those that are guilty of this charge. Of these accused many have no understanding or desire for their students to develop themselves along the Shu Ha Ri course. At the final stage of our development, we need to step away from the shadow of our instructors guidance. This stage is known as Ri. When is it time to move out and leave home? There is no answer to this question, because every journey is unique.
In conclusion to the abstract topic of Shu Ha Ri, is a cautionary word and possibly the reason why many fail to understand “the life line of a Karate-ka“. Shu Ha Ri is rarely ever spoken of, or even thought about. This statement may come as quite the surprise to those “Sensei“, that enjoy nothing more than to talk about themselves. Others will recognize the “stages” that we have achieved, through our practice of Karate.
Doryoku,
Scott
