Coaches
Coach Dallas Manspile
Combative grappling
With over 24 years of wrestling experience and a career spanning multiple combat sports, Dallas Manspile brings unmatched expertise and passion to the mats. Dallas is a two-time VHSL Wrestling State Qualifier and Placer. He’s a D1 Collegiate Wrestler, 2x Amateur Featherweight MMA Champion (VA, TN), and a seasoned professional athlete competing in MMA, boxing, (combat) jiu jitsu, kickboxing, (combat) sambo, and wrestling.
Beyond competing, Dallas has spent more than 16 years coaching youth wrestling, 10+ years as a VHSL wrestling referee, and 8 years as a private training coach. His leadership extends outside the gym as well, with over 8 years managing fight teams and co-owning a successful company.
In his Combat Grappling classes, Dallas blends high-level wrestling fundamentals with proven techniques from multiple martial arts, creating a powerful, well-rounded system for fighters of all skill levels. His mission is to develop not just better athletes, but stronger, more confident individuals ready to face any challenge on or off the mat.
Coach Aaron Blackford
Founder
Aaron Blackford is the founder, owner, and head strength & conditioning coach of Blackford Barbell Strength & Combat.
Aaron’s athletic journey began in freestyle acrobatics and climbing, before stepping into competitive powerlifting in 2014. In 2017, he transitioned to strongman, competing in the 90 kg class. His rise was fast and fierce. By 2020, he was ranked the 9th pound-for-pound strongest man in the world by Strongman Corp.
The next two years were a whirlwind of record-breaking performances:
* 2021: Broke a world record in the Block Press for his weight class.
* 2022: Tied the American Strongman deadlift record, pulling 4x his bodyweight live on ESPN before an audience of 3 million.
* That same year, shattered the USS National grip hold record, which still stands today.
Aaron’s final strongman competition was the Official Strongman Games (Worlds), where he placed 13th in the world among 45 elite international competitors. He retired from the sport, rejecting the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs, choosing instead to prove that world-class strength can be built naturally- without sacrificing health for a trophy.
Today, Aaron channels his expertise into coaching athletes and everyday people alike, helping them become stronger, healthier, and more capable. He’s also an active MMA and Combat Sambo competitor, viewing martial arts as both a personal challenge and a way to deepen his coaching for fighters.
Known for his unique “field research” approach, Aaron immersed himself in the local martial arts community- sparring with pro fighters, learning their craft, and in return, making them stronger and more athletic.
His mission is simple but ambitious: to produce the best athletes in the state, and to transform the lives of anyone ready to build strength, resilience, and confidence both inside and outside of the gym.
Coach Jake Kaufmann
Kickboxing
Coach Jake Kaufmann is the kickboxing instructor and has been teaching at Blackford Barbell since its beginning in 2022. He’s a striking specialist with over 20 years of martial arts experience, having practiced a variety of disciplines including kickboxing, boxing, and Judo with a core focus in Shotokan karate. Coach Jake received his 3rd degree black belt in Shotokan under Sensei Jinjer Covert and has competitive experience in ISJA sport JuJitsu, combat sambo, kickboxing, and is still an active competitor.
His teaching methods emphasize the balance between physical fitness, the mental focus and mastery of technique, and the need to realistically test what is practiced in order to become a disciplined and well-rounded martial artist.
About Us
Founded by athletes, built for everyone. At Blackford Barbell, we specialize in results-driven training that fuses science, experience, and intensity. Our team of certified strength coaches, personal trainers, and combat sport professionals is dedicated to helping you hit your goals—whether that means lifting heavier, cutting fat, or learning to throw a punch with power and precision.
We believe in hard work, smart programming, and a supportive environment where everyone—from beginners to elite athletes—can thrive.
Training Programs
Strength & Conditioning
Train Like an Athlete, Feel Like a Machine
Our strength and conditioning programs are designed to build explosive power, lean muscle, and overall physical performance. Perfect for athletes, weekend warriors, or anyone who wants to push their physical limits.
● Progressive strength training programs
● Metabolic conditioning & performance drills
● Mobility, injury prevention, and recovery strategies
● Tailored to your sport, goal, or experience level
Build a stronger foundation—inside and out.
Personal Training for Body Composition
Change the Way You Look—and Feel
Whether your goal is to lose fat, build muscle, or completely transform your physique, our personal trainers will build a customized plan just for you. We focus on sustainable, evidence-based approaches for body recomposition and long-term success.
● Personalized training & nutrition guidance
● Body fat analysis and tracking
● Lifestyle & habit coaching
● One-on-one accountability and motivation
This isn’t just about looking good—it’s about living better.
Kickboxing
Real Kickboxing. Real Skills. Real Sweat.
Step into the ring and learn the art of kickboxing from experienced coaches who’ve competed and trained at a high level. Whether you’re training to fight or just want to get in killer shape, our kickboxing program delivers technical skill, intensity, and serious conditioning.
● Technical striking & pad work
● Conditioning circuits for fighters
● Sparring (optional & controlled)
● Classes for all levels—no experience required
Empower yourself with real combat skills while torching calories.
Grappling
Our Combative Grappling program blends practical ground-fighting skills with real-world self-defense applications. Students will develop strength, control, and confidence through a combination of wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and submission-based techniques designed for both sport and combative scenarios.
moments with customer
I had a great time working on this month's "Work Space" feature for VB Front magazine. The athletes at Blackford Barbell Strength and Combat were incredibly impressive. The magazine typically features just one photo, but I wanted to share a few more favorites from the shoot.
Olivia Marone
Photography
"I've never felt stronger or more confident. The coaches here are top-notch and genuinely care about your progress."
Sarah M.,
client for 8 months
"The mix of lifting, conditioning, and kickboxing keeps me excited to train every week. This gym changed my life."
James R.,
member for 2 yearsNeed any help? Feel free to contact us.
Phone:
Email:
Address:
3806 Brambleton Ave, Cave Spring, VA 24018