Jo Ha Kyū — Begin, Break, Fast 序破急

Jo Ha Kyū 序破急 [pronounced “joe hah key-ooo”] frames one of the rare concepts in karatedō that simultaneously offers insight into basic technique (kihon waza) while also offering perspective on aesthetic and philosophical principles.

It is a tripartite rhythm of "beginning, break, rapid" whose formalization originated in Japanese Noh theater but has become deeply embedded in numerous martial art and artistic disciplines, offering karateka a framework for understanding both technical execution and broader developmental progression.

The Fundamental Principle

Jo Ha Kyū 序破急 describes a natural progression that moves from a measured beginning (Jo 序), through a development or break from the initial state (Ha 破), to a rapid conclusion (Kyū 急). This pattern mirrors natural phenomena—like a wave building, cresting, and crashing—and serves as both a technical framework for individual techniques and a broader philosophical approach to martial development.

In karatedō, this principle manifests across multiple levels of practice, from the execution of single techniques to the structure of kata, and ultimately to the karateka's lifetime journey in karatedō. Understanding these various applications helps deepen one's practice and appreciation of the subtle complexities inherent in so many aspects of martial arts.

Philosophical Dimensions

The philosophical implications of Jo Ha Kyū 序破急 extend far beyond its practical applications in karatedō, touching upon fundamental aspects of thought and human development.

This principle reveals deeper truths about the nature of learning, spiritual growth, and the relationship between karateka and karatedō. Some of these aspects of Jo Ha Kyū 序破急 teach us about ideas as diverse as time and mindfulness, for example.

The Nature of Time and Progress

There are a number of different ways to think about time. We're all familiar with the simple movement of past to present to future, in a relatively straight line at constant acceleration. However, we can also think of time not as a linear progression but as a series of cycles and rhythms. Jo Ha Kyū 序破急 embodies this understanding by suggesting that progress occurs in natural waves rather than steady increments. This contrasts sharply with notions of continuous, linear improvement and offers several insights:

• Progress often appears to plateau before making sudden breakthroughs.
• Periods of apparent stagnation may be necessary incubation phases.
• Development occurs in harmonious cycles rather than forced progression.
• The importance of accepting and working with natural rhythms rather than against them. Like a sailboat positioning itself to take care of the wind, if we align ourselves with these natural or inherent rhythms, we will progress much faster than if we work against them.

Mindfulness and Present-Moment Awareness

Jo Ha Kyū 序破急 teaches profound lessons about mindfulness and presence.

In the Jo 序 phase, we learn to exist fully in the present moment, establishing a foundation of awareness that continues throughout this process. This initial stage emphasizes the importance of beginning with clear intention and full presence, rather than rushing toward future goals.

The Ha 破 phase demonstrates how breakthrough moments often come when we are fully immersed in the present rather than anxiously seeking results. This middle stage teaches the value of maintaining awareness through transitions and changes.

The Kyū 急 phase shows how rapid execution emerges naturally from present-moment awareness rather than future-oriented thinking. This final stage reveals how true speed and power come from being fully present rather than trying to rush toward a conclusion.

The Relationship Between Form and Emptiness, and Training

Jo Ha Kyū 序破急 reflects the process of taking form and emptiness and applying it to practical training in karatedō:

• Jo 序 represents the establishment of form – the necessary structures and patterns that give shape to practice. We study basic technique and we strive to improve it; or perhaps we learn the steps in a new kata, and work to execute the entire kata.
• Ha 破 represents the breaking down of these forms – the recognition that forms are not absolute. We begin to understand bunkai, the application of techniques and kata.
• Kyū 急 represents the emergence of natural movement beyond form – the embodiment of "emptiness." Now we can execute a kata as a continuous whole, with an understanding of bunkai but also with a natural flowing of movement that reflects the kata itself.

(This process is generally mirrored in the concept Shin Gi Tai — Spirit over Technique, Technique over Strength 心技体).

This progression helps karateka understand how formal training eventually leads to spontaneous, natural expression. It suggests that true mastery isn't about perfecting fixed forms but about moving beyond them while still honoring their essence.

For instance, remember how you first learned a basic upper block (Jodan Uke)? You first learned the basic movement, then broke down the form into three basic parts that make up the overall technique, then you learned to put them together into a naturally flowing movement that became not only an effective block, but potentially a powerful strike. And finally, you learned to distill the elements of Jodan Uke so that you can shorten it or make it faster and more effective in a real-world setting.

The Role of the Self

Jo Ha Kyū 序破急 offers important insights about the ego's role in martial arts development:

• The Jo 序 phase requires the ego's engagement in learning and establishing discipline. We begin training, and we identify ourselves for the first time as karateka.
• The Ha 破 phase begins to break down ego-centered thinking through challenges and failures. We begin to accept that we will fail many times, and that we will come up against myriad challenges.
• The Kyū 急 phase transcends ego-driven action in favor of spontaneous, appropriate response as we mature in spirit and in skill. We arrive at the understanding that we must fail to succeed, and we welcome the constant challenge as an avenue towards improving ourselves.

Technical Application on the Dojo Floor

Earlier, we looked at how Jo Ha Kyū 序破急 illuminates the process of learning, improving, and perfecting basic techniques like a Jodan Uke (upper block). However, Jo Ha Kyū 序破急 also governs the actual execution of individual kihon waza (basic technique).

Consider a basic reverse middle punch (chudan gyaku zuki):

• Jo 序 (Beginning): The technique initiates with deliberate preparation, proper alignment, and grounding. The practitioner maintains awareness and composure. The movement begins: the hip begins to move forward, giving the striking fist initial momentum.
• Ha 破 (Break): The movement develops through the rotation of the hips and coordination of multiple body segments, breaking from the initial static position. Now, while the hip remains engaged, and the rest of the body engages, the actual striking arm with its striking weapon (seiken knuckles) moves, adding to the initial momentum.
• Kyū 急 (Rapid): The strike concludes with explosive speed and focused power, delivering maximum effect at the point of impact on the target. We added the initial momentum of the moving hip with the break-out movement of the arm and hand/fist, and the result is the final impact.

This pattern ensures that techniques maintain both power and control, avoiding the common mistake of rushing from the outset, which can lead to weak, ineffective movements. And perhaps more importantly, it means that those basic techniques deliver the maximum possible power that they can.

Application in Kata

In kata, Jo Ha Kyū 序破急 manifests both within individual counts and in the overall structure of the kata itself:

Within specific counts:

• Jo 序: Opening movements establish stance and presence. We are aware of where to look, how to stand, how to establish proper "chamber" for techniques, etc. Basic movements, whether moving with the whole body (forward, as an example) or pivoting, begin.
• Ha 破: Technical combinations develop complexity and intensity. We now add a punch to our moving forward, or a twisting motion of our body towards the adversary as we perform a defensive block.
• Kyū 急: Sequences conclude with decisive, powerful techniques: we deliver a strong focus strike or perform an effective block.

In the complete kata:

• Jo 序: The opening sections establish rhythm and fundamental positions.
• Ha 破: Middle sections explore varied techniques and more complex combinations.
• Kyū 急: Concluding sections demonstrate maximum intensity and resolution.

This structure helps karateka maintain and control pace and energy throughout the kata while building to a meaningful climax, rather than maintaining a monotonous pace. It parallels the explosive nature of fighting, whether in self-defense or another combat setting, and it also follows the evolutionary nature of conflict.

Building Significance and Meaning

Jo Ha Kyū 序破急 represents more than just a pattern of movement or development in karatedō; it embodies a profound understanding of natural progression and human learning.

By consciously applying this principle across all aspects of training—from individual techniques to lifetime development—karateka can achieve more effective and meaningful progress in both their martial arts journey and their life journey.

Understanding and applying Jo Ha Kyū 序破急 helps maintain the depth and sophistication of karatedō in all aspects of our lives. It helps us transcend the empty "instant gratification" way of thinking that can sometimes muddle our focus and our spirit, and it inspires us to build a life of significance and meaning.

Editor's Note: This lecture was delivered by Sensei at the Goju Karate dojo in New York City on 26 February 2025.