ShuHaRi

Kirisuto Kyoto-ha, is the "Christian interpretation of" ShuHaRi Shito-Ryu Karate-Do.

ShuHaRi, means the cycle of learning, or perhaps more properly, the cycle of progress of a student in a martial art. The concept of Shu Ha Ri is not confined to the study of a martial art, but can also serve as a model of any sort of learning.

? Shu, means to learn from tradition (Biblical, Genesis - Malachi). During the Shu phase, the student builds the technical foundation of the art. Shu also implies a loyalty or persistence in a single Ryu or, in the modern interpretation, a single instructor. In Shu, the student should work to copy the techniques as taught without modification and without yet attempting to make any effort to understand the rationale of the techniques of the teacher. In this way, a lasting technical foundation is built on which the deeper understanding of the art can be based.

The point of Shu, is that a sound technical foundation can be built most efficiently by following only a single route to that goal. Mixing in other schools, prior to an understanding of what you're really up to is an invitation to go down a wrong path. A path where the techniques developed will not have sound theoretical or practical value. In the traditional interpretation of the Shu stage, it is the instructor that decides when the student moves on from Shu to Ha, not the student. It's up to the student to follow the instructor's teaching as an empty vessel to be filled up.

? Ha, is to break from, to detach from tradition (Biblical, Matthew - John). This means that the student breaks free from the chains of tradition of the Ryu to some extent. In Ha, the student must reflect on the meaning and purpose of everything that one has learned and thus, come to a deeper understanding of the art than pure repetitive practice can allow. At this stage, since each technique is thoroughly learned and absorbed into the muscle memory, the student is prepared to reason about the background behind these techniques. In academic learning, the Ha stage can be likened to the stage where enough basic information is available to the student that research papers of a survey nature could be expected.

? Ri, is to transcend (Biblical, Acts - Revelation). This is to go beyond traditional learning. In this stage, the student is no longer a student, in the normal sense, but rather, a "pioneering practitioner." One must now think originally and develop from ones own background knowledge, using original thoughts about the art and test them against the reality of his or her knowledge of everyday life. In Ri, the art or Ryu truly becomes the practitioner's own and to some extent, his or her own creation. This stage is similar in academic learning to someone with a Ph.D.

Kirisuto Kyoto-ha ShuHaRi Shito-Ryu, unlike its parent systems, contain much of the same techniques but differ in its philosophy and principles. Moreover, the distinguishing feature of Kirisuto Kyuto-ha is that of Christian principles, the belief in God, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and that of non-violence. Its Kihon (basics), principles, and the message behind it, make it a treasured Shito-Ryu style faction - in the Christian sense.

Like Kuniba-ha Shito-Ryu and ShuHaRi Shito-Ryu, which are magnetic and powerful systems and too, very demanding in their study. Kirisuto Kyoto-ha ShuHaRi Shito-Ryu demands a life-long dedication to its practice and study as well.
 

1. Seisho: (the Holy Bible). The Word of God, is our core value of training in Christian-ha ShuHaRi Shito-Ryu Karate-Do. We are to meditate on it (Psalm 119:97).
   
   Teni: (Body movement). Essentially avoiding your opponents attack using body movement. Stepping in all directions to confuse your attacker and facilitate your Hangeki.

2. Kushin: (Bending, elasticity, flexibility). The control of an attack by using body movement originating in the knees. Keeping the spine straight and using the knees to control ones height, giving one balance and the strength of ones legs, so that little effort is required to control the attack.

3. Ryusui: (Like Flowing Water). One should flow with the attackers movements, using them against him to aid ones defense, responding to the attacker using fluid movement (motion).

4. Rakka: (Like a Falling Flower). One should block with such force that, if it were applied to the trunk of a tree, it would lose all its flowers. Ones block should be applied so decisively that it not only halts the attack but too, defeat it with a single technique.  

5. Hangeki: (Counterattack). When the need arises, respond to the attacker with a decisive and powerful counter-attack. By utilizing the first four principles, one may never need to implement this fifth, but if required (need be) - one should apply their whole being (body and mind) to the counter.
   
   
                                                      Defining The Six Principles
6.  

7. Seisho: (God’s Holy Word).It is the Divine Inspired Word of God. Reading the Word of God, helps us to gain wisdom, to apply his wisdom in our everyday lives. Wisdom comes from allowing what God’s Word teaches to guide us.
   
   Teni: (Footwork). Shifting or turning quickly out of the attacker's way. This is also known as, "Tai-no-henka", body-turn, or pivoting.  

8. Kushin: (Springing). A reflexive, darting "in and out", shifting ones body from any angle. This is also known as "Irimi-tenkan", to (enter and turn). 

9. Ryusui: (Soft flowing Blocks). Redirecting a strong attack with a circular movement or deflecting block. This is also known as, "kounryusui." (metaphorically) floating with the tide, or going with the flow. 

10. Rakka: (Hard blocks or strikes). Striking off-center. An indirect attack with sudden maximum power. This is also known as "Shomen" or (Te-gatana) [Hand-sword] or fist. 

11. Hangeki: (Self-Defense) Blocks are strikes and Strikes are blocks. When needed, strike (block or punch) to deliver a devastating blow to the attacker. This is, "Goshin-Budo" and "Bujutsu", meaning the application and execution of martial techniques (counterattack, counteroffensive, and counter-block).