I've been going to Silverback for a couple of years now and it's the best self defense gym with different class options (Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, & more) multiple times and days. You're definitely going to find something that works for you! The gym is a warehouse with plenty of parking around it. Just make sure you don't park anywhere that says do not block (you would think people know, but you'd be surprised ). The owner, Sean, is very kind and helps walk you through all of the options that you have for classes. You can tell he really cares about all of his students and is easy to talk to. Additionally, everyone else in the gym is extremely welcoming and friendly. They make sure that you feel like you are part of a team even if it's your first class. If you are looking to switch gyms or try something new, this is the best place to try it! read more

I'm very disappointed with my experience with Silver Back Academy. I have been trying to contact them regarding my gym membership because I moved out of state and am no longer able to use the facility. I tried calling the phone number listed on their website, but the number is out of service. I also contacted them through the email address provided on their website and received no response. I even attempted to reach them through social media, but again, I received no response. I understand that memberships may have specific policies, but it is extremely frustrating when there appears to be no reliable way to contact the business to discuss an issue or get guidance--especially when I am continuing to pay for a service I can no longer use. I would strongly recommend that the academy provide customers with a reliable and responsive way to communicate with them, particularly for membership-related issues. read more

signed up for my first Krav maga class on a Saturday morning. Showed up about 10 mins early and no one was there. waited until 1005, and no one showed up or communicated that the gym would not be open and class was cancelled. cool. Went to another gym in Herndon and was able to start immediately. read more

Fantastic crowd at this gym everyone I met was patient and kind enough to help teach new comers instructors were solid and knowledgeable for all levels had to stop going for health reasons but if you're looking to get into jiu jitsu this is the place there's military discounts and the owner Sean is flexible on payments and has no issue if you need to pause or cancel read more

Finding a good school to train at when traveling is always a crap-shoot when it comes to brazilian jiu jitsu, but I really had a great time with the crew at Silverback. Sean was super welcoming, extremely detail oriented, and made me feel right at home. If you're looking for somewhere to train in the Chantilly area, I cannot recommend this place highly enough. Quality jiu-jitsu and a quality team. read more

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. read more

Silverback Academy - Martial Arts Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

Love this space. The instructors are incredible experts who are kind, patient and humble, embody what they teach, are very knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do. I'm learning so much! And it's a beautiful community. Also as a female and BIPOC person I feel super safe here. So grateful to have found this spot! read more

Incredible instruction, inclusive community, and awesome facility. Highly recommend for those of you wanting to try out Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Krav! I cannot recommend this place enough!!! This is the universe telling you to take that first step and try out a class! read more

Silver Back Academy is a great place to train Ju Jit Su. I was looking for a place to train in the mornings. Silver Back Academy was the only place in the area that offered classes in the am. I showed up and could not have been more pleased. The instructor was knowledgeable and professional. The other guys and gals training were welcoming. I instantly felt comfortable and at home. I encourage anyone on the fence about their decision to go give it a try. read more

For anyone interested in self defense classes, especially women, this is your sign. One month ago I was in a dangerous situation where I would have been assaulted had I not known jiu jitsu. I was able to disable my attacker and escape before the situation could escalate. Jiu jitsu literally saved my life. I feel indebted to the incredible teachers at Silverback Academy, specifically Sean, for giving me the tools to protect myself in this worst case scenario. Next, if you are looking for a thriving community that will support you in your journey, Silverback Academy is that community. The first thing I noticed when I began training here is the solidarity amongst the women. The female upper belts took me under their wing within my first week, and I am constantly inspired by their strength and determination to overcome adversity. At the end of every class we line up and shake hands with each person, and it really does build an understanding that although many of us are chasing different goals, we are all here to sweat and work hard together. read more

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. read more

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! read more

Silverback is simply the best place to train - self defense, Krav Maga, jujitsu, kick boxing...need I say more? Of course I must! I have been a member since 2012 and have enjoyed every moment. Everyone is friendly and make the experience valuable. Sean and the trainers know their business and the training results in you getting their business. Also, this is not a belt factory. You have to earn everything and it is rewarding and refreshing. Join up now! You won't recognize your body and what you are capable of until you do so. read more

Do the groupon. It is great self defense training but I don't think you need a year long membership unless you are really into it and if that is the case, you'll probably want to explore alternate forms of MMA. read more

I absolutely look forward to my Krav Maga classes during the week When 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 it All 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 out Sean 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 repetitions I 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! read more

This place is legit!...If you really want to LEARN Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga, Kick Boxing this is the place. Sean Stoopman and his instructors are friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Awesome group of people from beginners to advanced and the advanced students are always willing to help and show you new techniques. This is my home for martial arts. read more

My first review was back in december when I first joined the SBA (silverback academy). Initially, and as my first review suggested, this place was exactly what I was looking for in pursuing my training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. A few months later, I have come to a realization that this place is actually the BEST place to not only train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but a complete variety of self-defense courses that are offered, such as Krav Maga, AMOK, boxing, MMA, etc. Also, highly efficient and fantastic trainers offer personal training and weight loss. I am absolutely in love with this academy. I highly recommend anyone who is interested in bettering themselves, physically, mentally, emotionally, and technically, to try this place out. Professor Sean Stoopman does not cease to amaze me on a regular basis! Thank you! sincerely, Dr. Alexander read more

This place is amazing. Instructors are super nice, very informative classes and you always get the attention you need. Everyone is super nice. There are alot of classes to take... Kickboxing, Brazlian Jiu Jitsu, Krav maga, Krav fit, etc. There's a class everyday. It varies from beginners to advanced. I learn so much and definitely get a great work out. I recommend this school for anybody who wants to learn marital arts and self defense. read more

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what started off as a curiosity & interest in krav maga turned into a *love* of training at silverback academy. :) it began with attending 2-3 krav maga classes per week and has evolved into staying for 2-3 classes every night! one night it's krav fit then women's brazilian jiu jitsu (bjj) followed by more bjj, the next evening it's kickboxing and (even more!) bjj!! xD every now and then i even get in some wrestling training, or make it in time for 5:30 krav maga (the self-defense class that started it all). :D truly awesome classes!!! the instructors are fantastic and the other gym-goers are enthusiastic, nice, supportive, and fun!!! i never imagined that my workout routine would be anything more than running a couple of miles, hopping on the elliptical, doing some resistance training, or popping in a workout video. i couldn't be happier (or more fit!) to be a silverback student!!! i heart silverback academy!!!! come check us out!!! read more

I was really excited about starting up BJJ and this is one of the only schools that had an early morning and mid day class so it is really convenient. This review is only based solely on that initial trial class. I filled out a waiver and scheduled an appointment online. Showed up for training morning of and there was a purple belt running the training that seemed nice enough but I didn't get any guidance on what to do. I filled out the waiver again and then sort of cluelessly made my way to the matte, where the students were seated in a circle. First thing they did was a drill. The blue belt I was assigned to pair with first was open kind enough to teach me the point of the drill, but I didn't really know what I was doing ... After a couple minutes, we rotated pairs. After a few rotations, the students gathered back around the instructor for observations and some Q&A. We finished off the hour with a few rounds of free rolling. Once again, each student I was paired with was a great partner in that they surely could have dominated me but they rolled with it and practiced different spots. The biggest issue I had as a new student was I had really no idea what I was doing. I had done some wrestling informally in my life but it was really just a matter of my rolling around clueless for a couple minutes each time. I had confidence the students had learned techniques because a few of them submitted me with relative ease when they wanted to - but I didn't understand at what point in the class did they learn the techniques since I didn't partake in any parts of class where there was a technique demonstrated. I'm not sure if I was just there the wrong day, wrong time, or if it was because the class was more advanced students. Aside from just feeling like a fish out of water, what I didn't like was when one of the blue belts asked a question during the q&a session, the purple belt didn't quite answer it so the blue belt said "well not exactly what I mean can I show you (moved in to demonstrate on another student while instructor observed)." Instructor purple belt said, " by all means blue belt, show me something ..." It was said in sort of a sarcastic tone. Maybe these guys have a solid relationship and it was probably just me - but it didn't make me feel like this was the sort of person you could ask "stupid" questions of ... It just seemed like there was some ego involved , which I'm not a fan of in a training environment. Anyway - the students all seemed friendly enough, but I won't be back. I liked being out of my comfort zone but it just wasn't the most welcoming place for someone during their first session. I think it's just a matter of finding the right fit for me ... read more

Pretty cool people. I learned a lot in my first Krav Maga class. It was a good class size & good leaders, a nice variety of skill levels.

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 read more

Where to start. I had no idea what to expect and no experience in martial arts when I first attended. I had done a significant amount of research and found the instructors to be quite knowledgeable. I started out with just the Krav Maga but now do a great deal of other things. I probably spend 15 hours a week there and do any seminar that they offer. Sean's teaching style is very easy to follow. read more

I can't say enough good things about Silverback Academy. If you are looking for a place to train in the Northern Virginia area, then look no further than Silverback. The instructors are so nice, knowledgeable, and want to ensure you get the best training possible. I came in because of a groupon and was instantly hooked. As a woman coming in alone, Sean and the other instructors made sure I was comfortable in the classes and understood all the techniques we were drilling. Check out Silverback! I am confident there is no better place in the area to train! You WILL learn how to defend yourself and have a great time in the process! read more

I found the SIlverback Academy through a Groupon and I fell in love with Krav Maga. The instructors are serious ball busters but they are friendly and truly interested in seeing you do better. Everyone- and I mean EVERYONE- there is friendly, willing to help if you ask and are just a good group of people. They make me look forward to getting my ass kicked, repeatedly, every time I go. read more