Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing G. J. Harris, an Author, Speaker, and Founder of the Shu Ha Ri Do Martial Arts System. His company name is Shu Ha Ri Do Elite LLC Inc.
Please tell us about your journey.
In 1975 as a 4-year old I saw my first Bruce Lee movie at a drive-in theater. That was the beginning of who I am today. From that moment, I was interested in martial arts. My background in biblical studies led me to a life of celibacy at the age of 19 until I was married at 26. During that time, I practiced martial arts intensely, basically lived in libraries and book stores, consuming books on wisdom and self-mastery. I also copied the dictionary during this time. In 1998 due to the intense amount of knowledge I was consuming about self-mastery and the martial arts and the 10 notepads filled with techniques and concepts, I practically gave birth to my system Shu Ha Ri Do. I began teaching outside and pulled two of my first 3 students out of a gang. Those 3 quickly became 25, and 25 became 70 students. My story is chronicled thoroughly in this song:
Here are two other songs honoring me and my teachings:
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
The strategy that helped me become successful is living the true meaning of Shu Ha Ri Do. I chose the word Shu Ha Ri because it means: The 3 stages one takes in the martial arts, from simple imitation to development of one’s own style and personal development in the martial arts. I imitated, created, and personally developed my own style/way. I did not simply continue to imitate/copy; I used my own mind innovatively.
Looking at my flame symbol, each part represents a part of the process. Light representing thoughts/mind/mental, fire representing passion/spirit/feeling, water representing body/physical/doing. This is the pathway to self-mastery, THINK, FEEL, DO AND BECOME. Righteous/wise knowledge equals righteous/wise “becoming’s” whatever you constantly read, watch, think about, feel, develop passion about, you will eventually do. Once it becomes repetitive/habitual, you will become that.
Basically, I drowned myself in righteous, wise, and powerful knowledge all throughout the 90’s so much that I did not watch tv at all, only an occasional movie, and this is what I became. The process is unmistakable.
Fantastic! So tell us, how can people find out more about you?
You can find me on YouTube channel. My books can be found here. You can also visit my online store Shu Ha Ri Do and check out the merchandise. You can check out my blog and Instagram @shuharido_warriorpath.
Thank you so much for giving us your precious time! We wish you the best for your journey ahead!