The Japanese use the concept of [Shu, ha, ri](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuhari) to indicate progress in development/growth. Straight from its WikiPedia page, Aikido shihan Endou Seishirou said:

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> It is known that, when we learn or train in something, we pass through the stages of shu, ha, and ri. These stages are explained as follows. In shu, we repeat the forms and discipline ourselves so that our bodies absorb the forms that our forbearers created. We remain faithful to the forms with no deviation. Next, in the stage of ha, once we have disciplined ourselves to acquire the forms and movements, we make innovations. In this process the forms may be broken and discarded. Finally, in ri, we completely depart from the forms, open the door to creative technique, and arrive in a place where we act in accordance with what our heart/mind desires, unhindered while not overstepping laws.
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The question I ask is: as a teacher, how do you recognize that a student of yours has finally passed from 'ha' to 'ri' ?