By Bertrand Bourgeat, Member until 2022

POMW 3 is now completed and completed and it was a well-structured and professionally completed course with lots of learning. I have already written an article "POMW 1 - again!" where I took hold of some of the learnings and tools that I took with me into my everyday life. Here are a few more experiences from the course.

Any idiot can shoot the bud by himself

During the course we of course learned to shoot with .22 and 9mm and in Sensei's words, "...firearms are designed so that any idiot can learn to shoot!". But despite it being relatively easy, it is safe to say that the course is very intensive and you therefore achieve a healthy routine and safety in handling firearms in a relatively short time. Which is insanely important, because firearms are so easy to use that any idiot can shoot the bud by himself. It was thought-provoking that in the news recently, you could read that a police trainee had shot himself in the thigh. That's why I'm a little proud of what I've learned and that the three basic rules that were instilled in us throughout the course: 1) Safety, 2) Safety, 3) Safety...

Remember to empty the underpants

It's just super cool to be able to shoot with a gun, and especially the 9 mm "bump" gives a pretty loud bang and recoil, which just makes it even more fun and cool. At first you are a little startled by the noise level, but most people quickly get used to it. We shot outside with 9 mm, side by side, at a distance of 7-9-11-15 meters and the next man's hot cartridge casings literally rained down on one and it was also kind of fun and cool. I got a couple of casings down through the collar and into the stomach, but I'm cool so it didn't make a difference, all I have left is laughter – ha ha ha. When I later went to the toilet, three casings rattled out of my underpants – super cool!

We meet you where you are…

One thing that struck me as very characteristic of the course was the positive and friendly attitude of Sensei and the instructors. No matter how good or bad you were at shooting, a positive and constructive angle was always found on the results and all progress was positively highlighted. It was clear that it rubbed off on all the participants and it resulted in an atmosphere of go-go courage, "the glass is half full" and increased self-confidence among many. In Shindenkan you build people up and I could clearly see that this time. Under the right guidance, one can obviously shoot for increased self-esteem.

Thank you to everyone for the good atmosphere and pleasant company!