Shu-  Protect/Obey:
This initial stage involves learning the basic techniques and forms of a discipline, often through imitation and repetition. The focus is on absorbing and internalizing the foundational knowledge and skills. Think of it as learning the rules of the game before you can even begin to play.
Ha (破) - Detach/Break:
In the Ha stage, the learner begins to deviate from the strict rules and explore variations and adaptations. They might learn from different teachers, experiment with different approaches, and start to develop their own style based on the underlying principles. This is where the learner starts to break free from the constraints of the initial learning.
Ri (離) - Leave/Transcend:
The final stage, Ri, signifies mastery and the ability to act intuitively and creatively. The learner has internalized the fundamentals so deeply that they can adapt and innovate without conscious thought or adherence to rules. They have moved beyond the need for external guidance and can create their own path.
Shuhari is not a linear progression, but rather a cyclical process where the fundamentals of Shu are always present, even as one progresses through Ha and Ri. The concept emphasizes that true mastery involves not just learning the rules, but also understanding their underlying principles and eventually transcending them to develop one's own unique approach.