Shu Ha Ri

Learned an interesting concept today... Shu Ha Ria which is a Japanese martial arts concept related to learning.

Shu describes the beginner (and teacher) initially learning the fundamentals and basic techniques of a new concept - the initial rules of the road. 

Ha is mastery of the basics and the beginnings of learning the boundaries and limits of Shu (understanding the limits of rote learning) ... beginning to internalize understanding and stretch what has been learned. This stage reveals insight into how to really apply understanding.

RI is the concept of transcendence, to so understand the principles of the subject that your a true master. The mastery leads to connection to other masteries and profound insight.

 

An interesting aspect of this is in training and writing.. learning to address each audience - the Shu with the basics, the Ha with insights on how level II learners can see the limits of any approach and apply them creative to solutions and finally RI who understand the principles/concepts. In your daily experience you'll encounter people at each level and a good communicator will understand this and address each audiences need. Great training materials will address all three - the rote with clear, precise patterns to learn for the Shu, lessons to help the Ha grow and insight to share with the Ri to expand the boundaries of understanding.