Shu-ha-ri is about breaking free of the restraints of the traditional original forms of practice. This practice is "shu" and to remain dogmatically adhering to this practice in the name of tradition is restrictive, incomplete and incorrect. Keeping the traditional form in its original practice is necessary to utilize the system for all new practitioners but to require one to remain within "shu" is not productive - it fails to address that the practitioner must "think" for themselves in all conflicts.
It is like the instructor who doesn't allow his student to exceed his ability, capability and proficiency because they feel threatened or feel they may leave the dojo. All fledgling birds must one day fly from the roost and be a bird. They have to fly high in the sky, seek out sustenance and then find a new home, a new dojo of their own to bring about the birth of new fledgling younglings to train, to mentor and to allow the freedom to break free from the bonds and fly high and on their own.
Shu to ha to to become more and then individually reach the level of "ri." Don't just reach for the sky, reach for the stars. Don't just reach for the stars, reach beyond the stars. Be free, fly high and fly far.
A quote from a Xingyiquan master:
ReplyDelete"When you learn this stuff, you try to get the essence of the tradition first, but then later modify your practice so it works for you. You still pass down the tradition because it is a good way of training, but after a certain amount of time, your practice must become your own."
Outstanding Quote Rick, appreciate it.
ReplyDelete"It is like the instructor who doesn't allow his student to exceed his ability, capability and proficiency because they feel threatened or feel they may leave the dojo."
ReplyDeleteOr can we assume that there are those instructors who understand and are aware of the 'shu-ha-ri' path of a student and as such even setting them on the path will know that expertise will arise in the end?
Colin
http://joongdokwan.com