Like the Hsing'i course, I had really looked forward to the POMW courses. I was curious to find out what it would contain and my expectations were also that we would learn how to handle a firearm. The day started with a theory part, which dealt with information about different firearms, as well as an introduction to basic gun technique. It turned out that there was a great similarity between our karate base and this, for example how the posture is in certain positions and when shooting. At the end of the intro course, videos of some very skilled IPSC shooters were shown and to that there is only one thing to say: "you're crazy how fast it goes" my thought at the time was that Lucky Luke could well go home and pack up.
After we had received a thorough introduction, it was time to test it in practice. It took place in that we had to shoot with Honbu Dojo's airguns at a target which was respectively 3, 5 and 8 meters away. I quickly learned that shooting looked easier than it actually was. And what do you do when it doesn't work, because you remember everything that is written in the shooting manual. Both eyes open, correct leg position, hand position, recoil control, use of aiming device, breathing and exhaust. In addition, you have to concentrate only on what you are doing, NOTHING else, both before during and after the shot - partly for a proper shot and last but not least safety! The rest of the day was spent shooting and getting a handle on the shooting technique and although it went well, it was as if something was missing. Finally, Kimu Sensei rounded off asking us to practice for half an hour every day until part 2 in 3 weeks. Since I had no airgun I had to go out and buy a toy gun.
3 weeks later…
It had now been 3 weeks and I had trained a lot. Therefore, it was with excitement in my body that I arrived at Tjørnelyskolen in Greve, where POMW C.1 was to run. This course continued where POMW B left off. First, Kimu Sensei asked how much we had practiced and we were divided into teams according to this. It turned out that what I had missed and that I felt was lacking, in terms of shooting well, was practice. Simply a bit of routine. The shooting went well and it was great that what you had practiced paid off. Like POMW B, we shot at different distances and within a certain time limit. It is incredible that after only three weeks of training, and with a toy gun on top of that, you can feel a significant improvement in your shooting. As the evening progressed, the shooting went well and I felt that I was becoming more and more familiar with the airgun.
Then it was time for us to shoot for 2 goals. That is, we had to shoot at one target and then turn the body and shoot at target number 2. Here, the movement for how to move was the same as in Shiho level 1 – that is, look first and then turn. It was really good training because there were several goals and at the same time you were pressed for time. This also got better as time went on and I actually felt that the day went beyond all expectations, maybe because I had never thought that a toy gun could give such a big improvement. All that can be said about that is that you have to be careful before underestimating the toys from cousin BR. I was happy when Kimu Sensei praised all the participants and said that we had pleasantly surprised him. When the day ended, it was with a good feeling, but also a tiredness, which is probably due to the concentration during the entire course. Even though I was tired when I got home, I still couldn't resist training with my cousin's BR pistol, I have to admit that I'm a boy's ass.
Early the next morning it was off again, so we could help get ready for a day where my expectations were suddenly high, as the previous day went fantastically. I expected that my shots would be as good as the day before and that there would be more pace like at the end of the day before. I was not disappointed. My shots were also fine on Saturday and it should turn out that full speed came on. We were allowed to shoot at multiple targets and with movement. The other days we had stood still and shot for the targets.
I thought the movement while firing shots was very difficult, but there is also a lot of learning hidden here. I learned that our base is very crucial and that it is all connected. In addition, I became aware that I have to train a lot more with my Jo, as it can help me in this context. We did several different movement exercises on the last day. First where we moved straight forward and straight back while firing shots. Then we did shooting exercises where we walked/ran sideways while shooting. We were also introduced to laser guns which we used to shoot at longer distances.
In the end, we had to run through a shopping course, very similar to some of the ones we used in the defense when I was in and serving my military service. The course had to be completed as quickly as possible and, of course, with as many hits as possible. There were 26 discs set up that sat both high and low, along the way there was also a magazine change, so everything was trained under pressure. It was a lot of fun to try and for a brief moment I felt a bit like Agent 007.
It was, seen through my eyes, a different, but fun and educational course. It's mind-boggling how one's karate basics can be used for virtually anything and how much you can learn in such a short time when you learn from the best, with the right attitude.
