The muffs are good, but they’re not good enough to stifle the sound of your heart pounding inside your chest.
You’re on your stomach. You’re focused – your eyes are trained onto a target 50 feet away. A rifle is in your hands and one round is in the chamber. You’ve analyzed your five shots of “zeroing,” and adjusted your sights accordingly.
Your shooting jacket clings to your body and beads of perspiration begin to populate your forehead. Not only are you holding the gun, you’re attached to it – a sling runs from your arm to the hand-rest of the rifle and keeps you from moving.
None of this matters to you, of course. You’ve entered the realm of “mind-no-mind,” that sacred state where there is no thinking, only purpose and action.
The Japanese call this “mushin.” You don’t think about that either. You’re focused. You let out a final breath before shooting.
However, in that moment before you squeeze (not pull) the trigger, your mind betrays a single thought.
Lying on the ground has never been so much fun.
On Oct. 13, at 5 p.m. in the Dome Rifle Range, an informational meeting will be held for anyone interested in starting a marksmanship club. Students who enjoy shooting in any position, not just the “prone” position from the situation above, are encouraged to attend, as well novices and those who have never tried the sport. The club will be sponsored by marksmanship instructor Aaron Henley.
Henley, who has served eight years in the military and qualified on nearly every firearm they have to offer, wants his involvement on the leadership side of the club to be limited.
“I will not be starting the marksmanship club,” said Henley, “The club will be started by and ran by students. I will be ensuring that it is done safely.”
Henley is certified by the NRA to teach basic handgun and handgun carry permit courses, and has done so for seven years. In addition to teaching the marksmanship course at ETSU, he also teaches classes at Unaka Rod and Gun Club.
ETSU once had an impressive rifle team, but that team was disbanded in 1986. While a new team is not Henley’s ultimate goal, he wouldn’t mind if one was put together from members of the club.
“Our range is filled with trophies and awards that were one by the team,” he said. “I would like to see a competitive team at ETSU again.”
Henley believes that forming a marksmanship club would entice shooting enthusiasts to become friends. He also thinks that such a club could shed light on a sport that many people don’t truly understand.
“The marksmanship club would give students a venue to practice what they have learned in my class,” said Henley, “For students that have not taken a formal firearm class, it would allow them to learn about firearms in a safe and controlled situation. It would also allow students who like to shoot to network wit each other.”
Regardless of who attends the meeting on Wednesday, the marksmanship club will soon be realized. Henley has seen great interest so far, from students who took his class last year to students who want to be involved this year. None of this surprises Henley, of course. He’s been in love with shooting for years.
Why wouldn’t students want to be involved?
It’s mushin, baby.
“I think the shooting sports encourage responsibility and self sufficiency in people,” said Henley. “I want to be a part of that.”

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