How is the Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do Club a Learning Organization?
Peter Senge in “The Fifth Disciple” [1] defines Learning Organizations as “Organizations where people continually expand their capacity to create the results they truly desire, where new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured, where collective aspiration is set free, and where people are continually learning to learn together.”
He goes on in the book to describe five main characteristics that define a learning organization: systems thinking, personal mastery, mental models, shared vision, and team learning. Below I take a look these five characteristics relative to the Club.
1. Systems Thinking
Systems Thinking is an understanding of how all aspects are interconnected. In martial arts at a top level is the connections with the mechanics, force, focus, and energy (or another way to view it is mind-body-spirit). These elements are very much connected and are all required in executing techniques in order to be an effective martial artist.
Mechanics are the foundation for all techniques and must be present in all techniques. When students do not have solid mechanics and add any energy or force, they will not be effective. If students add too much force, they overstress the mechanics and are pulled off-balanced, can burnout quicker and faster, and/or are be more prone to injuries. To be truly effective, one must maintain a balance of force and solid mechanics and project energy with focus and intent.
2. Personal Mastery
Of the five characteristics, this one is probably the most straightforward to define how the Club supports personal mastery. When our founder Mr., Kim was asked about our goals in martial arts, or simply why we should practice, he would simply say “To better ourselves.” This is ingrained in our practice and study of the art form. Everything we do in the Club, all we learn, all we are striving for is simply “To better ourselves.”
3. Mental Models
Mental models are the terms given to ingrained assumptions held by individuals and organizations [1].
In Han Moo Kwan, we do try to change the students’ mental models. Some of the mental models we have seen are:
• I could not possibly be able to break boards
• I will not be able to move like that or do that technique
• I am not strong enough; flexible enough, etc
• My favorite: I do not believe in energy or that it is real (in relation to energy techniques and using energy to enhance techniques)
What we learn in martial arts is our physical body is mostly limited by what our mind thinks. Our mind can actually get in our way. When we break any mental model of our abilities, we are stronger, faster, and more effective.
4. Shared Vision
In our Club, there is a very strong shared vision in regards to the philosophy if the art form. This fighting art is used strictly for self-defense and for improving oneself physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
In regards to the Club itself, we have a shared vision that the art form is to be shared. We are non-profit and instructors donate their time for the love of the art form and to share it with community.
5. Team Learning
Another benefit is students are getting the perspective from other students, from various instructors with different experiences and different primary learning and teaching styles. With the variation, you are more likely to get the information in a way that resonates with you.
In summary, the Club, as envisioned and run to date, is a learning organization that fosters a continual improvement mindset that can help you not only in your martial arts skills, but in your business and personal life as well.
Regards,
Kelly
“Sharing knowledge is not about giving people something, or getting something from them. That is only valid for information sharing. Sharing knowledge occurs when people are genuinely interested in helping one another develop new capacities for action; it is about creating learning processes. “ ~Peter Senge (1947-present), Director of the Center for Organizational Learning at the MIT Sloan School of Management
References:
1. “The Fifth Discipline” by Peter Senge.
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