Conflict Done Well

Appreciation to Ginny Breeland Sensei for this interpretation!

Shu-Ha-Ri
Is the Japanese martial art concept which describes the process or stages of learning to mastery:

Shu - Follow the rules, we obey the rules.
Like an apprentice, we first learn
and follow our Sensei precisely.
Ha - Bend the rules. We begin to break
free and detach. With principles
intact, we innovate.
Ri - Transcend the rules. We go beyond.
‘Liberating principles’ as a life
mind/body/spirit expression.

We move from explicit (clear intellectual) knowledge, to implicit (applied) knowledge, and then tacit (experiential, intuitive) emancipatory knowledge or wisdom.

With the process of Shu-Ha-Ri, we grow and mature with each developmental stage. We acquire the ability to take on multiple perspectives, we possess an increased
capacity for care and compassion for others. We quiet the ego and have a more creative expression.

Obtaining physical martial skill without
development of the self is not Shu-Ha-Ri.

G. Breeland 6th dan