The POMW course series was in full swing and unlike the first module, we were now dealing with the practical handling of small arms. With both of us, Anders and Søren, we had great and excited expectations for the next two days with around 8 hours of concentrated weapon handling and shooting. It was now that the POMW project, which is derived from a hypothesis by Minouchi Sensei (one of Soké Sensei Tonegawa's teachers), regarding the possibility of fast, efficient and optimal learning, had to be put to the test. It had been submitted that Shindenkan expects that the POMW course will provide at least 10 times faster and better learning than in a normal shooting association - which will really be border crossing and push the usual standards for learning.

After a short recap from the introductory module in January, the participants were taken on a typical "Kimu Sensei" journey in shooting theory - i.e. as usual a very thorough and structured learning process with nothing left to the imagination. Kimu Sensei's motto is that the deep plate was invented and everything is served on a silver platter, which is based on more than 1000 years of knowledge and methods.

So there is a normal expectation of that. And would we be able to receive the essence of Kimu Sensei's own very intensive learning. But at this point we started to ask ourselves if it could be true that after these two days we would have the right skills to master a handgun. And what connection was there to our daily training in multi-track karate under Shindenkan auspices? Could we in such a short time become able to handle the firearm, reach a level where we could hit the target. It was really only in our wildest fantasies that we could imagine having to shoot standing and walking. There were discs in different setups so we had an expectation that it would be funny and that the little boyish expectations would probably be challenged. But the motivation was great for both of us. We were looking forward to getting started.

But in the back of my mind I kept wondering what significance it has that we have trained martial arts in a multi-track system and bring this knowledge to a completely new area of expertise – firearms. Prior to the practical part of the module, we had discussed clarity regarding pistols, on an equal footing with previous clarifications about the use of our karate competence, the use of ken, kotachi and yes - all "dangerous" weapons in their respective contexts. "It's not the gun that kills, it's the person behind it". It is a statement we have heard many times during the other weapons training, but now the term took on a completely new meaning, a new taste. Now it was the gun we were dealing with and it was it and its functionality that we had to deal with. We had to deal individually with the use of the weapon and, by extension, our individual inner clarification. Phew, this is not just a bit of boy-ass shooting, but deeply serious and a natural extension of our clarification within the other parts of the multi-track martial arts in Shindenkan.

Since Shindenkan is a multi-track martial arts system that recognizes that the wheel and deep plate have already been invented, we are schooled in learning from history, being good to ourselves, and using the learning of others. Furthermore, it is important to keep up with the times and relate to developments in the surrounding world – including the weapons and aggressiveness a possible opponent on the street had to bring. The "Breivik" case from Norway puts all this into perspective both in relation to oneself and one's family and children. One of the many questions we had discussed in the process was "How do I know if I am settled?" We thus had to go through a process of self-discovery (DO – MICHI which is expressed in the old Densho degrees). And as in all other parts of Shindenkan, it is important to be clear so that you can act. This in turn means clarification about attitudes and skills – and not least targeting. And the answer can be made complex but is in reality very simple - "I'll know when I'm there!"

Then I am clear about the use and handling of firearms, can it perhaps save my own life, that of my family or others - ultimately. But I need to be clear BEFORE I get into that situation.

Initially, we reviewed the four most important areas which are security, security, base and security. It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that safety is observed, which was also taken very seriously. And common sense goes a long way.

Kimu Sensei emphasized that the most important thing in shooting is basic techniques – as it is with other skills in Shindenkan. Kimu Sensei went through the theory of holding a gun, operating the sights and "performing" a correct trigger.

It was now that our airguns CZ75D compact CO2, non-blow back came into use. The shooting sequence was usually very carefully planned (and catered to the individual shooter). There was a great deal of discipline around the implementation in order to get maximum benefit in both the weapon operation and the shooting itself, which took place at different shooting distances and ranges.

Over the two days, shots were fired at different distances, first at short range, then from further away and finally returning to tried and tested distances. The interesting thing was that in this training pattern there was a built-in "self-evaluation" where the individual could immediately deduce whether the technique was correct and what improvement measures were necessary. Throughout the two days, we were able to follow our own development and could see the great improvements that happened continuously across the entire team. As we got used to the guns, the trigger and the initial nervousness subsided, we really enjoyed our learning curve – which was far better and faster than we had dreamed.

As the two days went by, shooting, debugging, optimizing and learning, we got better and better. The danger of this development was, of course, a certain arrogance in relation to one's abilities, but as Shindenkans we know that focus, purposefulness and attitude when it comes down to it have the paramount importance on the result. So, despite fatigue and many hours with the gun in hand, we managed to maintain the attitude towards learning and respect for the weapon.

It was a powerful experience to go through such an intensive learning program, such great concentration and achieve such a good result as we did. Kimu Sensei had shared some experience numbers with us from shooting clubs as well as from his own shooting experience. It looked like we were all on the right track and achieved good results, despite the short learning curve and lack of prerequisites.

Based on the intensive course, Kimu Sensei's feedback (both individually and in groups), it must be confirmed that Minouchi Sensei's hypothesis about the possibility of fast, efficient and optimal learning was correct. Through the use of more than 1000 years of knowledge, the use of basics from our "normal" karate training and with the right attitude, it is possible to achieve really good skills, even in an area where there were no "immediate" prerequisites.

But despite the good progress and the enormous personal development, there was lively discussion in the car on the way home. We tried to create a link between what we had been through, the real world with the firearms and violence, and our own clarification. It is healthy to have this discussion with your son, who in some areas comes from a completely different point of view and relates to the outside world than the older generation, who may have some experience in their baggage. We are sure that this discussion will continue both in relation to POMW, but just as much in relation to other parts of Shindenkan including Shinden-fight, Hsingi etc. We are going to look at learning in a completely different way in the future and not least to relate to setting and clarification.

A very big thank you and acknowledgment to Kimu Sensei for a very exciting and skill-giving series of courses. At Shindenkan, we are uncompromising in terms of quality - and if we do not possess a competence then it must be built up and spread - POMW is a unique example of this.

We were tired when we got home that Saturday afternoon. But even as the lawnmower was running, thoughts drifted back to the last two days and POMW – Project Old Modern Warrior. But now we look forward to the wet training in 2013.