POMW is an absolutely hugely comprehensive course. Most people know that. It requires a huge set up with lots of equipment and dedicated participants and instructors. Most people would think that it is so extensive because we use sharp-edged firearms that can have life-threatening consequences for ourselves and others. But I would think that they are actually wrong and that what makes it so comprehensive and why that course is only for 1. Dan is that you have to have the attitude with you. That is the most important thing. And in my view, that's what the whole essence is made of.
One's own mentality must contain a few things that are not quite easy to understand, but which are super essential, all something that Kimu Sensei has said and taught us, repeatedly.
Imagination very important.
One shot one kill.
The greater the risk / danger, the greater the distance.
And that it is the person behind the weapon that is decisive and not the weapon itself. As Minouchi Sensei's thesis said, which is the basis of the entire POMW course, which I think was mega exciting. Because it's a different kind of mindset you have to have when you think like that.
POMW shooting technique, which is the way we have all been instructed, is a well-planned process. Which for me at some point became completely meditative. Even though I had been at it for many hours, and I could feel the self-pity at times, I could still find some kind of peace while shooting. But it was only after I clarified with myself that I had to put all expectations of myself and my shooting aside that I could start geeking out with the process and actually enjoy it.
And the feeling I had in my body was just as relevant to take home. Because at home it was on dry training every day. Dry training is when you have no ammunition in the magazine, but still practice POMW shooting technique 100% optimally. Dry training is as much a part of POMW as wet training. It might seem pointless to stand at home and practice without any shots coming out the other end. But there was a great feeling of success from the first time to the second. With the help of dry training. That's probably my best advice I can give. Don't waste the dry training at home.
Trust in the process was one of the things that was repeated many times. And one of the things I had really big challenges with at the beginning. It's like meeting a completely new person, and then having to have blind faith and trust in them. I found that enormously challenging at certain times.
Don't focus on results. It is absolutely a no go in relation to POMW. It didn't really matter where you hit the disc, even if it goes against everything that seems logical. You would think that it was always about hitting the black field, but it is not. But what you could learn from looking at your results on the target was to see if your shooting was consistent and concentrated in one area and not scattered across the target. The purpose was to be constant in his shooting. Aiming at the same point every time and not constantly moving it around to achieve the result you wanted. But if you could instead make some clusters of your shots in the same area, you could suddenly learn from it. Instead of making a bad shot and then following up with another bad shot. Which I ended up doing more than once.
Being humble enough to learn. It all comes on a golden platter. Those were words of wisdom that Kimu Sensei said before we went to the course, and it was true enough. I had already learned that in previous SB-BB sessions, because it is no use coming with the attitude that ''I know better and won't listen''. Then you get nowhere. And might as well go home.
To be clear with oneself. (will you pick up the gun and use it against another human to hurt or kill to protect yourself or others you care about). It was a phrase we were all introduced to by Kimu Sensei. It was a real stomach-churner, for me. I didn't see that coming. For a long time before the POMW course, I have been very keen on the idea and plan of becoming a soldier, and eventually being deployed. But right up to the course and also during it, I have started to think about whether this is really the path I want to take and whether it is the right one for me. That's why that sentence hit so hard. I did not think that at that time I was in any way clear enough to possibly have to take another person's life.
Everyone can figure out how to shoot. So it's not difficult to pull the trigger, the gun should probably ensure that something comes out at the other end. The purpose is therefore to train POMW shooting technique 100% optimally. It was also a sentence I was confronted with on the course, this time by our main instructor Kjeld Renshi who was assisted by Pia Shidoin as the number 2 course instructor.
You can tell that they are experienced instructors who have tried it before, and are not afraid to spend time and effort to ensure that we, the new shooters, have as safe and good an experience and training as possible. Huge thanks and respect for that!!
On our 2nd course day, we all came with a big smile, there was a good atmosphere. We now knew a little more about what it means to shoot on the POMW course with an Airgun, or at least we thought so. The day would turn out to offer much more than we had imagined.
We had to complete new and fun and exciting challenges still with a huge focus on safety. Throughout the course of the day, we had to do range shooting from different distances, just like last time. Now new elements were added, such as running from a long distance towards the target, after which you had to find your sights and shoot with your heart in your throat. We had to shoot at several targets while standing and moving from side to side. We also had to shoot on the IPSC range where we had to avoid obstacles, shoot under obstacles and avoid hitting hostages. Plus a little game to trick our brains. Which in retrospect was actually a lot of fun. And very creative.
Challenges such as range shooting, IPSC range shooting, and a little cheating game all got the adrenaline going and made for a day full of learning and fun, together with an absolutely fantastic team.
We even set aside time during our lunch break to watch Crown Prince Frederik's coronation. It was extremely cozy and made us feel completely normal again for a little while.
But it was pure boy's ass - and a lot of fun. Our inner Lucky Luke and Clint Eastwood came out in all of us. We all felt unstoppable for a while.
Attending the POMW course is not just learning to shoot, it is embracing a mentality that builds character and creates an understanding of safety and responsibility. It is a journey that goes beyond the shooting range and into the essence of personal growth.
Joining the POMW course is like stepping into a world of dedication, security and personal development. On the surface it may look like an intensive shooting course, but it is much more than that – it is a journey into a mentality that shapes not only your ability to shoot, but also your approach to life.
This article encapsulates the dedication, learning and enjoyment that is at the heart of the POMW course.
