Tai Chi = Supreme Ultimate
Shu Ha Ri = Follow, break and transcend the rules

Both are philosophies that predate martial arts and are regularly applied to them. The problem is that they are usually only understood transliterally and not in the way the originators meant.

Tai Chi explains the structure and balance of the universe and is expressed in the tai chi (yin/yang) symbol and is also a state of enlightenment, when internalised, its analogous to the transcendence of ‘ri’ in ‘shu ha ri’.

Any traditional martial art will be layered with meditation, exercises and techniques for the student to learn about their body, energetics, attention and intention and how they harmonise to stimulate, store, release and discharge energy for health and combat.

They have to be taught in layers with structure and words and a good teacher will also teach by direct transmission using unworded sounds, zenic statements, physical adjustments, touch and demonstration to overcome the limitations.

As the art becomes internalised the structure dissipates as it’s far too limiting and an alchemical process takes place, the student’s perception widens until it has no limitation and consciousness observes and listens to the universal language of the body, instincts and energy as they all have a natural intelligence of their own. Insight and wisdom toward their art and their environment will naturally arise as a result.

This is the transcendence and true meaning of ‘Tai Chi’ and the ‘ri’ of ‘shu ha ri’.