Shu Ha Ri: Three Phases of Understanding in Iaido

Philosophy

The Japanese term Shu Ha Ri (守破離) describes how knowledge matures in martial arts. Not as a rigid system of rules, but as a growing process.

1. Shu (守): Building Fundamentals

  • What happens? Techniques such as Nukitsuke (drawing the sword) or Tenouchi (hand grip) are internalized through constant repetition.
  • Observation: Some remain in the stage of imitation here – focused on external correctness.
  • Function of the Shu phase: A solid foundation is formed, without which subsequent development remains uncertain. If a cut is performed without correct Tenouchi, it becomes a strike: the body participates little in the process, the sword becomes a mere tool.

2. Ha (破): Recognizing Principles

  • What happens? An analysis of the why emerges: Why this angle? Why this movement in this situation? The Kata becomes an object of investigation.
  • Observation: Instead of ‘perfect’ external appearances, the focus is now on effective working principles (flow of force, balance).
  • Function of the Ha phase: Transition from ‘how’-learning to ‘why’ = understanding. An example of deepened vertical learning: compare the different executions of the form Nukiuchi across different schools.

3. Ri (離): Independent Action

  • What happens? Techniques arise from situation and understanding – not from memory of form specifications.
  • Observation: Here, the beginner’s mind often returns: curious, unbiased. Why not look at other schools to see how a movement is understood there? Very insightful! How, then, are the executions of Okudenkata to be deciphered? A wide field opens up.
  • Function of Ri: Knowledge becomes actionable – beyond fixed patterns, full responsibility for the execution is taken.
On the Beginner's Mind (Shoshin)

»In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s mind there are few.« (Shunryū Suzuki)

Challenges in the Learning Process

  1. Focus on Appearances
    When exact angles (e.g., sword posture and movement) become more important than understanding their function, practice loses its depth because the true meaning remains misunderstood.
  2. Unquestioned Tradition
    Historical forms are touchstones for learning — not unchangeable truths. Those who practice Okuden or other martial arts will realize that the forms represent only a small fraction of what is possible. Variation and change are natural and desirable; stagnation and codification are bureaucratic and Confucian.

Challenges in the Learning Process

  1. Whoever only reproduces sees fewer possibilities. Limitation by instruction serves for description, but constricts development. Iaido is not a dance, no folklore, not competitive sports but a technically advanced, functioning martial art.
  2. Whoever understands discovers new questions. Whoever questions their own achievements leaves the comfort zone of imitation and praise. They experience freedom, but also take responsibility for their actions.

The Cycle

  • Each phase nurtures the next.
  • If development stagnates, practice becomes routine without growth.

Conclusion

Iaido development takes place in three dynamic phases:

  1. Learning forms (Shu).
  2. Understanding how they function (Ha).
  3. Acting from this understanding (Ri).

Whether this process succeeds is shown by whether the practice changes the practitioner – or just their techniques. A ‘look beyond one’s own horizon’, by observing or practicing with other Ryu (sword schools), is very helpful.

Like this

Related Posts

Scroll to Top