Shuhari
Shuhari (Kanji: 守破離 Hiragana: しゅはり) is a Japanese martial art concept which describes the stages of learning to mastery. It is sometimes applied to other disciplines, such as Go. Etymology. "Shuhari" roughly translates to "to keep, to fall, to break away". Definition. Aikido master Endō Seishirō "shihan" stated: "It is known that, 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." History. The "Shuhari" concept was first presented by Fuhaku Kawakami as Jo-ha-kyū in The Way of Tea, "Sado 茶道". Then, Zeami Motokiyo, the master of Noh, extended  this concept to his dance as "Shuhari", which then became a part of the philosophy of Aikido. "Shuhari" can be considered as concentric circles, with Shu within Ha, and both Shu and Ha within Ri. The fundamental techniques and knowledge do not change. During the Shu phase the student should loyally follow the instruction of a single teacher; the student is not yet ready to explore and compare different paths.