On the continuing path towards solid competence in POMW – Project Old Modern Warrior – shooting, the 2019 team has now, two weeks after IB, reached POMW IC: Range Shooting and IPSC.
As last time, all the participants have dry trained daily at home - "Living POMW" - and as last time the course starts at 08:00 Sunday morning. BUT since the course participants this time have to build the shooting range themselves, everyone is present at 07:00 so we are ready for the start of the course at 08:00. We really were too, as everyone was efficient, and collaborated towards the common goal – a pure pleasure.

The course started (again) with a collection and repetition. We use the schooled approach, where we refresh the knowledge already acquired, and build on top of it and further.
Safety, DQ rules, POMW basic shooting technique, range commands and POMW basic shooting technique from various distances, and with "Shoot and reset" everything was refreshed and further polished during the first few hours. Here we should be able to see the result of the intervening 2 weeks of dry training. Despite the fact that no one had followed the 100% training plan, there was still clear progress to be seen and we instructors were able to do targeted training to raise the technical level and safety. Here, a special effort was made to raise the understanding of safety, and the safety procedures which are supported by a constant attitude to exercise and signal the best possible safety to the surroundings at all times.

The transition to movement

With the rehearsal well completed, it was time to begin the transition from range shooting to IPSC. And here it is essential that you have done the correct technique from the beginning, so as not to make mistakes when you have to move.

The first discipline was transitions, shooting from the same position at up to several targets, at different angles.

Here it is important that you are focused and use the same methodology as in shiho, namely "see and do", so here we draw on the movement pattern from our martial arts. Paradoxically, transitions are more difficult the closer you are to the target, as the angle, and thus also the movement, is greater. After a round where everyone did look and turn, the improved version from the schooled approach was introduced, using weight shift instead of turn. This happens by, also here on POMW courses, using Shindenkan's successful and unique OBC concept, where the course participants maintain and upgrade their skills, in a constant improvement spiral towards the essence.

It was a struggle to get the movement into the body correctly, but within a few hours, and with the introduction of 2-3 methodologies, the movement pattern had started to feel natural - at least that's how it looked 🙂

After that it was time for lunch, and most people could tell that it was now almost 6 hours since they arrived to prepare. This time too, a brain reset was planned, where everyone lay down for 20 minutes with their eyes closed to regain focus and calmness. This time too, some quickly managed to find so much calm that the other course participants were helped not to fall too far, due to their deep breathing.

Movement and shooting – the road to IPSC

After the reset, it was time to go full throttle with IPSC; trading lane and shooting in motion.

First there was a set-up with different stations where you had to shoot at IPSC targets, poppers (targets that topple over when the target zone is hit), and plates – metal plates that light up when hit correctly. It was clear to see how much energy all the students had received, and it was probably more from the lively setup than the refreshing lunch break. Everyone got through the 3 stations, and you could sense a Lucky Luke or Calamity Jane in the eyes of most of them.

After that there was shooting going back and forth, and here the tongue came out in the corner of the mouth, because it is not easy to hit a target while walking. The technique and the timing were reviewed and practiced with a lot of concentration and also a little frustration, because it requires full presence and attention.

Then it was immediately more manageable with the next discipline, where you had to run forward and only then shoot, but of course you move your finger away from the trigger if you don't want to be DQ'ed!

Shooting going to the side was next, with fluid movement and timing in relation to footwork.

Last in this cavalcade of movement tools was shooting around, between and under barricades, where safety had to be observed so that one did not touch anything with one's gun or otherwise be in danger while the shooting was being carried out.

Movement and shooting – IPSC test

And then the highlight of the day for many was reached – the IPSC track test, where the previously tested stations and barricades had to be combined with the learned forms of movement, and not least the learned safety in a competition. And of course a competition where the result was announced, so there was something at stake, and you had to deal with your nerves and any uncertainty at the same time - that is, under maximum pressure.

Here it becomes very visible if you have done correct technique from the start, with both eyes open, because otherwise you cannot judge distance.

The course was reviewed and all safety requirements came out, and it was not so little: 100% Safe weapon handling at all times, finger away from the trigger during all movement, only point the gun within the approved pointing and safety angles, Only shoot from marked shooting booths, turn a random card, and based on that bring the correct colored ball to the finish line, even stop time – all in full control. If control is lost such as the gun is pointed at oneself, the wrong ball is taken or the ball is dropped, the finger is on the trigger while moving, or one trips, then one is DQ and disqualified from that round. There are many things to keep an eye on at the same time as the competitive gene screams in one's ear that you must do everything you can.

In addition to the actual time to complete the course, there was also a time penalty if you did not hit the IPSC discs optimally, did not knock over poppers, did not hit plates, etc., etc.

With all this explained, Søren Renshi conducted a test ride with pistol hand (hands forward like a gun) and said bang with each shot, in order to get to know the course and tasks as realistically as possible. All participants got a turn in this way, and already there, several participants were triggered by DQ, which is the whole point of it. All mistakes must be made at the dress rehearsal, so that the premiere can be error-free and optimal.

Søren Renshi also carried out a trial run with an airgun loaded with CO2 and bio bullets, in exemplary style and reviewed the course afterwards and counted points and spot shots or passes.

And then it was finally time for the participants to imitate Jason Bourne themselves, and all eyes were on them. Søren Renshi ran along and checked safety and rules during the implementation, and it went smoothly. It was crystal clear that preparation ER 80% of a good result, as only half of the participants in the first round completed without DQ, and this despite the fact that everyone kept an eye on what the previous participants were doing and what pitfalls they fell into, precisely because to repeat the same mistake. It is very simple to see what needs to be done while you are waiting for your turn. But when you shout "Shoot" and the adrenaline rushes through your body, at the same time as you think about which angle presents itself best for the camera, it's not quite as easy.

But in the second round it was much better and the speed had adjusted to the reality and experience of the first round and only one was DQed. Everyone managed to complete a valid course, and what was the result?

1) There was a very good understanding of safety, and a good adherence to safety not least!

2) They could seriously hit! Yes, it shouldn't be surprising, but there were a lot of spot shots and Double Alpha on the discs.

3) The men actually did quite well.

But let's see how it goes when we get to the shooting range...

Of course, POMW basic shooting techniques had to be trained before we finished, to correct any last minor mistakes while we were in top form and focus was back.

The last point of the day was the clean-up. There was still energy to get it over with quickly, despite the approx. 9,000 bioplastic shots, and a lot of equipment that had to be cleared away.

And that was the last part of POMW I, here at 18:30, after 11½ hours. Next week POMW II starts, and it's with wet training - that is, live ammunition. And then it will be seen if training has been done correctly and if this team will show the previous teams where David bought the beer, or if we will need the reserve training day to get up to par. But until then, there is another week of dry training and "Living POMW". Have fun everyone.

Shindenkan POMW Instructor Team