The Ringil Philosophy
In The Silmarillion, a prequel for the legendary story of The Lord of the Rings, an Elf named Fingolfin ruled as High King of his people. After a brutal battle with the forces of darkness that left much of his armies scattered and defeated, the High-King grew despondent. In a righteous fury, he abandoned his throne and rode to confront this darkness head-on. With bravery unmatched, Fingolfin challenged the Dark Lord Morgoth--a literal God--to single combat. As the battle commenced, it is written that Fingolfin's chosen weapon was a special one, one that was perhaps effective enough to equalize the fight for the High-King, despite facing down a God. The account describes this weapon as a sword that glittered like ice, and each strike cut its victim deep with an intense, indescribable cold. The suffering endured by the Dark Lord was immense, and although Morgoth was undoubtedly the most powerful being to ever exist, he failed to evade all of Fingolfin's attacks. Morgoth was wounded a total of seven times--seven times the King's sword bit into his enemy with an icy chill, made the fallen deity bleed profusely, and eventually left the Dark Lord with a permanent limp for the rest of his life.
The name of this weapon was Ringil.
Ringil proved to be a weapon that gave one who otherwise would have had little hope against his opponent the ability to go on the offensive, to resist, and to bring the fight to evil rather than merely endure it. It is highly unlikely Fingolfin would have lasted as long as he did without his sword; Ringil was the instrument through which his incredible prowess was made manifest. One could carry the knowledge and skill of a legendary warrior, but without the proper tools to bring them to the fight itself, that power remains dormant. The absence of the tools necessary leaves the warrior dangerous in spirit, yet nearly useless in action. Conversely, Ringil cannot claim the High King's deeds as its own, for without Fingolfin, it would be nothing more than a piece of finely wrought metal. A weapon requires one to wield it, to understand how to utilize it, and allow it to fulfill its intended purpose. One could carry Ringil and indeed attack fiercely, but without the mastery of the wielder, the blade is unlikely to find its mark; and a sword that never makes contact cannot leave freezing wounds. The AR-15 is a citizen’s Ringil. It can deter those who are normally aggressive, equalize one-sided fights, and complement the holder’s maximum potential.
Ringil Training is about fostering your knowledge to fight like Fingolfin while teaching the skills to use your Ringil.
About Ringil Training LLC
Ringil Training was founded on a simple observation: most people do not truly know what they are doing until they have been properly trained.
In many areas of life, a lack of knowledge is relatively harmless. Being unfamiliar with a spreadsheet program, for example, is unlikely to place anyone in danger. When potentially dangerous tools are involved, however, proper instruction becomes essential. Operating a vehicle requires training, supervised practice, and formal testing because an unprepared driver can endanger both themselves and those around them.
That raises an important question: If potentially dangerous tools require training to be used safely and responsibly, why should ownership of an AR-platform rifle be treated differently?
Supporting the Second Amendment does not automatically make someone competent with an AR-15. Watching movies, playing video games, or purchasing expensive equipment also does not create proficiency. Competence is built through consistent, deliberate training. Recognizing that is the first step toward becoming a safer, more capable, and more responsible firearm owner.
Ringil Training exists to help responsible individuals transform uncertainty into competence. Whether you are a first-time AR owner or an experienced shooter looking to strengthen your fundamentals, my goal is to help you develop safe habits, sound judgment, practical proficiency, and lasting confidence.I want every student to leave my courses with a clearer understanding of their firearm and the ability to continue developing their skills independently. I cannot provide the motivation, discipline, or initiative required to continue training after a course ends, but I can give the foundation needed to put you on the right track.
My commitment to firearms education comes from years of experience in professional environments where safety, accountability, and proficiency were not optional.
I served for nearly seven years as a U.S. Army infantryman, where I gained extensive experience in small-unit operations and modern tactical theory. My military education included MOUT training, armed security training, and specialized firearms instruction through the Army’s Squad Designated Marksman School. My military service also included a deployment to Qatar in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where I contributed to regional security operations supporting U.S. military objectives in the Middle East.
Following my military service, I continued working in high-stress roles as a government contractor with Fluor in Bagram, Afghanistan. This experience further developed my ability to operate responsibly and effectively in difficult and hostile environments.
Today, I combine those operational experiences with nationally recognized certifications from the National Rifle Association. Through this training, I have continued expanding my knowledge of the AR platform while developing the instructional skills necessary to teach firearm safety, responsibility, and proficiency effectively.
My approach is not built around intimidation, ego, or expensive equipment. It is built around meeting students where they are, identifying areas for improvement, and providing practical instruction that helps them become safer and more confident firearm owners.
Below is a comprehensive list of my service history, professional education, certifications, and awards.
Service History and Duty Stations
U.S. Army Infantryman
Overseas deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Qatar)
Overseas government contracting (Bagram, Afghanistan)
Military and Professional Education
Basic Combat Training
Army Infantry School
Combat Lifesaver Course
Tactical Combat Casualty Care Course
Squad Designated Marksman School
State-Certified Armed Security Specialist
Military Awards and Decorations
Army Achievement Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal
Virginia Army National Guard Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Multiple Expert Marksmanship Qualifications
NRA Certifications
NRA Certified Rifle Instructor
NRA Certified Range Safety Officer
NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer
If you are ready to move beyond simple firearm ownership, Ringil Training can help you gain the knowledge and foster the habits necessary to turn the uncertainty around firearm use into autonomous competency.