Agile practices: Shuhari

Shuhari is Japanese for protect-detach-leave and describes the learning journey to mastery in martial arts. This concept is often applied to other practices and disciplines such as Agile.

Aikido master Endō Seishirō described it this way:

“It is known that, when we learn or train in something, we pass through the stages of shu, ha, and ri.”

He explains Shuhari as follows:

• In shu (protect), 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 (detach), 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 (leave), 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 and mind desire, unhindered while not overstepping laws.