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The Renaissance and Beyond: Monument to Victory

In the Renaissance era, a word for "trophy" would likely have been trophaeum or tropaeum, which were Latin and Greek terms respectively, meaning "monument to victory" or "a memorial of an enemy's defeat". These terms referred to displays of captured arms and standards erected to commemorate military victories. In time, the Renaissance period saw a renewed interest in sports and physical competitions, and with this came the creation of more standardized trophies for events like horse racing, archery, and fencing. By the 18th and 19th centuries, trophies had become an integral part of organized sports. Silver cups, medals, and other awards were commonly given to winners of various competitions, from local contests to international events.

During your first RR event, you will receive a Renaissance belt pouch/dice bag to hold your trophies (one per person. Alumni will return to each event with the pouch they received at their first class). The leather drawstring will be threaded through a Tigers Eye gemstone. This gemstone symbolizes "1 year attending". Each year you attend, you will receive another gemstone for that drawstring. You will return with this pouch each year in the hopes to fill it up by earning more and more gemstones.

Each instructor has chosen their own gemstone. I asked each coach what their favorite color was and then I matched the color with the gems. It actually turned out to match them well = happenstance.  Important note, many people find gemstones helpful and we support that positive effect. While crystals hold a place in many cultural and spiritual practices, there is no evidence to support any benefits that I mention below. This is just a fun way to appreciate the Renaissance era and collect small Monuments to Victory. These stones symbolizes recognition and a accomplishment. These little trophies provide tangible evidence of hard work, dedication and success. They are meant to evoke feelings of pride and happiness. Our hope is that it is a reminder of your achievements and to motivate you to continue striving for mastery.

How can you earn a gemstone?
  • Coach's Gemstone: You can earn a stone from each coach by passing their "Showcase Sunday" course of fire at 90% and above.
  • 100% Accuracy: If you score 100% on any ONE coach's "Showcase Sunday" course of fire.
  • Showcase Sunday Mastery: When you receive a passing score on ALL Rifle Renaissance "Showcase Sunday" drills.

Monument to Victory Gemstone Benefits:

Yearly Stone: Tiger's Eye
  • A striped stone named after the powerful tiger and the shine they have in their eyes
  • Perseverance, Self-Confidence and Increased Focus
  • Brings insight into one's inner self
Showcase Sunday Mastery (pass all drills on Showcase Sunday): Dragon Blood Wand Stone:
  • Strength and Courage
  • Helps to overcome obstacles and offer stability
  • Vitality, resilience, and courage in the face of challenges
100% Accuracy (100% on any drill on Showcase Sunday) Black Obsidian Wand Stone:
  • Known as the "Stone of Truth"
  • Known as "Warrior Spirit"
  • Release emotional blockage, stress and past traumas
Adam Winch of Defenders USA chose Sodalite (Blue): Pass with 90% on above on Showcase Sunday
  • Communication and Self-Expression
  • Mental Clarity and Intuition
  • Emotional Balance and Calming
AJ Zito of Practical Performance chose Red Jasper (Red): Pass with 90% on above on Showcase Sunday
  • Enhance Physical Strength and Stamina
  • Protective and Survival Stone
  • Reduces Stress
Brian Hill of The Complete Combatant chose Clear Quartz (Clear): Pass with 90% on above on Showcase Sunday
  • Amplifies positive energy, thoughts and intentions
  • Enhance intuition and fosters a sense of calm
  • Master healer
Shane Kerwin of Personal Survival Solutions chose Green Aventurine (Green): Pass with 90% on above on Showcase Sunday
  • Releases old patterns, habits and disappointments so new growth can take place
  • Increases confidence 
  • It increases "favor" in competitions, war, and games of chance.