Silverback Academy
Chantilly
(40)
Chantilly
(40)
40 customer reviews
Bryan Henry
Sean and the team are literally amazing! I’ve been training here since Sept 2018 and I’ve grown substantially as a person in addition to as a martial artist. The environment is challenging in the best way possible and supportive to the point where I feel like this is my family... Sean has FREE intro classes and Open Mats every week, so there is no excuse not to come see for yourself... My only regret is that I didn’t take advantage sooner in my journey! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Michael Warren
Amazing professor, kind people. Good solid background of experience too!
Reviewed on Facebook
Eugene B.
Kingsley knows his stuff! Really enjoyed my time working with him on Krav. Always growing and passionate about his craft, he is a true professional. I highly recommend booking a session with this man. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
David Herman
If you’re looking for a place to learn Krav Maga, Kickboxing, BJJ or self-defense in general, Silverback Academy is the gym for you. Head instructor Sean Stoopman is as talented and approachable as they come, giving detailed explanations for every technique taught, and always ready to answer questions and offer tips. Assistant instructors, most trained by Sean and all selected by him, are similarly helpful. Classes manage to maintain an intensive focus on skill development, while also pushing folks to stretch their physical boundaries and keep fundamentals sharp. This is accomplished by focusing opening segments of (most) classes on high-volume training of basic movements, before delving into more complex territory. (I should add here that I can vouch for this being true in all classes except BJJ, which I myself have not started seriously training yet. That said, if you’re looking for reassurance that the BJJ program is world class, just read a few of the other reviews here, or come in for an open mat. Though I’ve only seen it second-hand, I am confident you won’t be disappointed.) If you’re a beginner and worried that everything sounds a little too difficult, don’t be. With a few exceptions (clearly labeled as "Adv.," "Int." or "Comp." on the schedule found here: https://www.silverbackacademy.com/schedule-2), classes are for all skill levels, and people are free to set their own pace. Beginning students are also generally paired up with more experienced ones, who can give some basic advice on what is being done, and help keep things at a physically sustainable level. This brings me to the final great thing about Silverback---its community. I’ve been attending classes there for around five years now, first joining as a fresh transplant to the area, and I cannot overstate the welcoming environment that is fostered within its doors. From Sean all the way down, everyone in the gym is always happy (or at least motivated) to be there, glad to see each other (be they new faces or old friends), and more than willing to help a newcomer out with their first steps, or test themselves against more experienced veterans. This comes, as best I can tell, from a shared love of the sport/activity, a communal determination to improve, and a similarly broad understanding that the best way to get better is to help your team do the same. I’d love to say more, but in reality, the only way to understand what I’m talking about is to come in and experience it for yourself. I hope to see you there. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
AJ Trefonas
I stopped by Silverback Academy for open mat while in DC. I’m a purple belt from Colorado. They were very friendly and hospitable. Awesome rolls with high level people!! Definitely highly recommended and will be coming back More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Matt Murphy
Great instruction and facility. But the people at Silverback Academy are even better. Highly recommended!
Reviewed on Facebook
Gerard Cura
I’ve been coming here for five months now, before that I’ve tried a couple of gyms in the area before Silverback. The instruction and instructors here are great and very detailed which helps out tremendously. They tell you the concepts and why of the positions/applications being taught. The environment is very friendly. I did not feel awkward on my first day and the gym is very clean. Training is great and everyone is really good. Gym equipment is awesome and personal training is available for weight lifting and jiu jitsu. Overall, amazing instruction and amazing people. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Kien Do
Truly a family environment. Professor Sean and all the coaches are amazing. Could not have asked for a better group of people to learn and train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with. I enthusiastically recommend Silverback! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Jeremy Morton
Absolutely love the atmosphere. My first time ever visiting a gym like this was yesterday 9/22/18. Had a blast rolling around getting my ass handed to me. Definitely would recommend silverback. Laid back, yet still extremely professional. 5+ More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Michael Nguyen
Awesome place with good people! Coaches here have literally changed my life for the better. There is no certification or weekend course to be this type of instructor. Only time and love for what they do and love for each student will evolve this symbiotic relationship of trust between Coach and student and help deepen the understanding of the craft. Come join our family!! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Rick Sacbibit
Just finished my first 1-on-1 jiu-jitsu lesson with Coach Joe Radcliff. It was exactly what I needed to improve and get my training on the right path. I have a busy schedule, travel for work frequently, and would train here everyday if life didn't get in the way. I asked for private lessons to supplement the classes I can make. Coach Joe was patient, answered every question I had, and put the information in a context that I could easily absorb (and hopefully apply in the near future). I highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve. It gives me one more reason to love this place and the atmosphere Sean and his instructors set up for their students. One last plug, the 6am jits class is awesome! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Tad Merryman
Great people, very open to new comers, you feel amongst friends here. Leg locks and no gi are top notch.
Reviewed on Facebook
Christian Begazo
I spent a great amount of time trying to find the right gym… when I first went to Silverback Academy I was treated like Family, the positive environment and wide verity of training offered was what made me pick this as my home. I have trained in other gyms before and none of them offered as much Value as I get here !! Everything from fitness to close quarter combat and weapons. You have to come try a free class, You will fall in Love!! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Chris Neville
I was working in the area for 3 months and looking for a gym to train BJJ. I was lucky enough to find Silverback Academy and Professor Sean Stoopman welcomed me to the gym and allowed me to train on a month to month basis with no contract. The rate was more than fair and the training was excellent! I learned a lot in a short period of time from Professor Stoopman, Coach Andrew, Coach Joe and all of the excellent training partners I had the pleasure to train with. They welcomed me in and treated me like one of their own even though I was only going to be there for a few months. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Carlton Mack
Silverback embodies a family environment that’s foundation is based on integrity, merit, & passion! This starts with the head instructor, Sean Stoopman, and is emulated by all of his other instructors. If you’re looking for a place to learn viable self-defense techniques while also cultivating great relationships with your peers, this is the place to be! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
John Stamper
Professional coaching staff, plenty of mat space, good selection of self defense offerings, and supportive of early morning or evening members. Good people working to improve themselves under expert supervision. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Andrew Stewart
Best spot to train in the DMV, best instructor, best community.
Reviewed on Facebook
Ciera F.
All my life I have wanted to practice a form of self defense, but I never found anywhere to go until I moved down here to Northern Virginia. After looking around at the best forms, I learned about Krav Maga, and through that, I found Silverback.From my first class, I was hooked. It was not only the exact kind of realistic self-defense that I was looking for, but no one here is gimmicky or will teach you things that just aren't plausible in a real-life scenario. Even as a 5'5", 113lb woman, you're taught techniques that are used to overpower individuals that are much stronger than you by targeting weak spots, while keeping yourself as safe as possible. Not only are these classes providing you with a great skillset that could potentially save your or another individual's life, but it's a great workout, as well. The classes are an hour long, but they feel like 15 minutes. You'll find yourself getting addicted and just wanting the classes to be longer and longer so you can practice more.They also hold many other classes, such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (which I also attend), AMOK, MMA, and more.As for the people that both run SBA and attend, there is an incredible sense of camaraderie among everyone. No matter how new or skilled you are, you will always be pushed to do better and encouraged every step of the way. Your weaknesses will be exposed and you will learn from them in a positive and educational way. Everyone here just wants to see you do your best. The owner, Sean, and his wife Alexa are two of the kindest and most down-to-earth people you will ever meet in your life. There are not enough words to properly describe how incredible these two both are. They will help you improve every day, and in a way that doesn't make you feel incompetent or dumb (because let's be honest, we all can get that feeling when trying to learn something new).The entire gym is an incredibly welcoming community of people, regardless of your background, beliefs, or color of your skin. Everyone is so supportive of each other all the time. Speaking from an introverted (and anxiety-ridden) point of view, it's very hard for me to want to be around other people, much less ones I don't know.. However, at Silverback, that feeling tends to disappear very quickly as everyone makes learning with one another so easy. We all make mistakes and we're all growing together. I live nearly an hour away from the gym and I come here as often as I possibly can. It is 100% worth it.There honestly isn't a better place to learn self defense or to better yourself as a person. Sean has created a beautiful gym with beautiful people and I'm honored to be a part of it. I can honestly say that attending Silverback and meeting Sean has changed my life for the better in an immeasurable way. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Ciera Fleming
All my life I have wanted to practice a form of self defense, but I never found anywhere to go until I moved down here to Northern Virginia. After looking around at the best forms, I learned about Krav Maga, and through that, I found Silverback. From my first class, I was hooked. It was not only the exact kind of realistic self-defense that I was looking for, but no one here is gimmicky or will teach you things that just aren't plausible in a real-life scenario. Even as a 5'5", 113lb woman, you're taught techniques that are used to overpower individuals that are much stronger than you by targeting weak spots, while keeping yourself as safe as possible. Not only are these classes providing you with a great skillset that could potentially save your or another individual's life, but it's a great workout, as well. The classes are an hour long, but they feel like 15 minutes. You'll find yourself getting addicted and just wanting the classes to be longer and longer so you can practice more. They also hold many other classes, such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (which I also attend), AMOK, MMA, and more. As for the people that both run SBA and attend, there is an incredible sense of camaraderie among everyone. No matter how new or skilled you are, you will always be pushed to do better and encouraged every step of the way. Your weaknesses will be exposed and you will learn from them in a positive and educational way. Everyone here just wants to see you do your best. The owner, Sean, and his wife Alexa are two of the kindest and most down-to-earth people you will ever meet in your life. There are not enough words to properly describe how incredible these two both are. They will help you improve every day, and in a way that doesn't make you feel incompetent or dumb (because let's be honest, we all can get that feeling when trying to learn something new). The entire gym is an incredibly welcoming community of people, regardless of your background, beliefs, or color of your skin. Everyone is so supportive of each other all the time. Speaking from an introverted (and anxiety-ridden) point of view, it's very hard for me to want to be around other people, much less ones I don't know.. However, at Silverback, that feeling tends to disappear very quickly as everyone makes learning with one another so easy. We all make mistakes and we're all growing together. I live nearly an hour away from the gym and I come here as often as I possibly can. It is 100% worth it. There honestly isn't a better place to learn self defense or to better yourself as a person. Sean has created a beautiful gym with beautiful people and I'm honored to be a part of it. I can honestly say that attending Silverback and meeting Sean has changed my life for the better in an immeasurable way. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Madison A.
I absolutely look forward to my Krav Maga classes during the weekWhen I walk out after a session it honestly takes me a second to stop and remember that I'm in Nova because it's so different than sitting on a bike it a spin class or rolling through the punches in a kickboxing class. focusing on the technique, execution and the overall practice... it is as intense as you make itAll the people I've met so far are really nice and the more experienced ones don't make you feel bad when you're just starting outSean is a great instructor and he takes the time to really make sure you're getting each part of a move right before you start speeding it up going through multiple repetitionsI started out shy and not sure if I would go back after the first class but now I'm hooked and look forward to making this part of my regular routine! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Charles Russell
Great atmosphere. Welcoming group. Dropped in short notice for open mat and had a great time. Thanks!
Reviewed on Facebook
Amanda Walter
Love this place. My kids have grown immensely in confidence and skill. Great people who are passionate about what they do!
Reviewed on Facebook
Alex Ivey
I love this place. Although the Teacher's are all men, it is very female friendly and an excellent place to train in a way that prepares you for real world situations while also being fun and safe. Also the best prices for unlimited Krav classes I've been able to find. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Jaqueline Randle
My son attends the M/W kids Brazilian Ju Jitsu class and his dad is in the Krav class so I've gone to visit a few times. The gym is kept in great order, the bathroom and changing rooms are clean, and everyone is very friendly. I decided to take the yoga class they started offering on Saturdays and it was a great class! I'll definitely keep coming back. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Tom DeBlass
Highly recommended! Awesome place with a great Professor!
Reviewed on Facebook
Adam J. Wise
One of my favorite places in the world! Excellent training and attitude! A "No quit, can do" spirit! Great people too! I highly recommend Silverback Academy!
Reviewed on Facebook
Joshua J.
Pretty cool people. I learned a lot in my first Krav Maga class. Â It was a good class size & good leaders, a nice variety of skill levels.
Reviewed on Yelp
Scott Stone
Simply The Best. I am so proud that I got to train at Silverback Academy with Sean. The trouble now is finding somewhere near where I currently live that even comes close. Whether you are interested in learning martial arts for the discipline and physical demands, or you truly want to be prepared to protect yourself in a last-resort, real-life situation, this is the place. No exceptions. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Charles Wheeler
An excellent gym for martial artists of all levels.
Reviewed on Facebook
Vincent N.
When I joined into SilverBack Academy, Sean and the instructors helped me get started with my journey into self defense. The environment feels like family since everyone is there to help you, feel free to ask questions to help others learn too! They've got many programs like BJJ, MMA, Kali, AMOK(knife fighting system), Krav Maga, and even an Olympic training course to increase your abilities during training . All of the classes have sparring and a technique session, so you'll be able to test them out in real time, and sparring is the best way to build reactions in a real fight. I've been to most of the programs and can say that I enjoyed them all. Their schedules are very flexible to all students, there's classes for BJJ, Kali, AMOK, MMA, Wrestling, and lifting. Ones in the noon AND evening. So, you won't miss out on anything. Sean's always updating the academy with quality instructors and equipment for the best training you can get in the area. I also liked that they included famous instructors to stop by like Roy Harris and others to give additional seminars!Definitely stop by this academy if you're up to learn self defense and gain the edge in the streets. Join the academy and we'll welcome you in! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
David Jordan
Moved to the area from Oklahoma about a year and a half ago. I wish I would have found this place much sooner. My 12 year old son and I are now doing the BJJ class and the Krav class. The instruction is phenomenal and it is good to start to feel like an athlete again! If you come ready to work then everybody can get something out of it. And if you're military there is even a discount! There are seasoned practitioners and newbies like me. You will not feel like an outsider at all. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Stephanie Stack
Best applied martial arts training in the area for experienced and beginners alike! Instructors are skilled across many disciplines and excel at passing that knowledge on to their students. They have flexible fee schedules and offer noon classes during the week which set them apart from your typical martial arts schools. Silverback is great about helping each student discover which techniques work best for them. Instructors then guide you through the progression of applying techniques in controlled/stress/sparring situations. You will be more effective at defending yourself after training for six months at Silverback Academy than you would be with years of training at traditional schools. Good luck on your journey and hope to see you at Silverback! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Freddy Amaya
Best place to teach kids Krav Maga in the area...
Reviewed on Facebook
Gwen Doran Wheeler
I love being able to take all 3 kids to one place, at one time, knowing that they'll get a full hour of physical activity & love every minute of it, as well as learning useful self defense!
Reviewed on Facebook
Alexander Thomas Austin
Been thru a few programs. They all seemed to teach from a checklist. Almost like you could buy your belts.
Reviewed on Facebook
Scott Tripp
Great variety of martial arts. Good workout. Excellent instructors! Can't recommend enough.
Reviewed on Facebook
Elliott M. Francis
Amazing environment! Amazing instructors! Amazing training! I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to learn how to defend themselves effectively and get fit in the process. Big up to Sean Stoopman!
Reviewed on Facebook
Ronan Keane
This is a great place to learn Krav Maga. Sean is a very knowledgeable and skilled instructor. I highly recommend Silverback Academy.
Reviewed on Facebook
Mikey Ramirez
I love Roy Dean and his instructional videos. I like to think of him as a mentor even though we've never met. And the fact that he trains at your dojo speaks highly in my book. You have my upmost respect from down south Texas in Laredo More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Daniel Herbstreith
The instructors are very knowledgeable, patient, and hands on when it comes to helping you get things right. There are also many students at many different skill levels to provide plenty of opportunities to learn at any comfort level.
Reviewed on Facebook
