Christy Knopp
Instructor # 2154096 |
Certified with the USCCA since 12/3/2020
Certification Renewal Date 11/30/2025
USCCA Certifications
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense
- Defensive Shooting
- Women's Handgun & Self-Defense
- AR-15 Fundamentals
- Children's Firearms & Safety Fundamentals
My Biography
I was born and raised in Staunton, Virginia. I was raised with five brothers and sisters on the venison that my dad hunted, and the vegetables that we grew. I live and breathed horses growing up, and I spent every minute possible at my grandparents farm in Waynesboro. Horses, a pool, a pond, a river and 28 acres, everything a young girl could dream of.
At 13, I joined the local Pony Club to begin competing in Tetrathlon, which is comprised of Running, Swimming, Riding Horses and Shooting (air pistols). I had done 5Ks and Triathlons with my parents at a young age and my dad had taught me to shoot, so this was perfect for me. I competed through my teen years through the national level and was invited to join the International Pentathlon team when I was 18. Unfortunately, circumstances did not allow me to go at that point.
I also spent my teen years teaching horseback riding and training horses/ponies. I had my first son and started a business with my mom, training and selling horses. After fixing and re-homing many “problem horses” (although we always said the people were the problem), I ended up breeding and raising my own for a few years.
After having my second son, I changed my career to Personal Training. I also taught swim lessons at the local YMCA, where my mom ran the program.
I always enjoyed shooting, but didn’t get into shooting handguns much until into my adult life. Andrea and I met at the gym where I worked, struck up a friendship and started shooting together, taking classes. That evolved into becoming instructors, bringing our passion to life by starting a chapter of Armed Women of America (formerly The Well Armed Woman) and creating C-BAR Firearms Training together.
I am now working as a CrossFit Coach and personal trainer in Staunton, and a co-owner with C-BAR Firearms, training people to be safe and comfortable with their firearms, with a focus on the defensive.
Last year I was able to put both of my professions together and compete in The Tactical Games, on a team with my oldest son. We had a blast, although it was the toughest physical challenge we have been through to date. We will definitely be back for more!
As a single working mom, I love both of my jobs, but enjoy spending time with my kids and being outdoors.
