KB SPOTLIGHT: LLOYD

In December 2019, Lloyd achieved KB Black Belt standard in Kickboxing at KB Fitness, marking five years of dedication and perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges, including demanding jobs and health issues, Lloyd’s commitment to his training never wavered. Guided by KB Chief Instructor Kelly, Lloyd’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of martial arts.

“Training at KB has taught me many life skills that go beyond just having a belt,” Lloyd shares. “I feel a lot more confident and mentally prepared to take on challenges. I feel very calm and at ease walking around in London, even having to walk through a dark alley late at night to get home, knowing that I’ve been trained to defend myself if I need to.”

Lloyd’s training at KB Fitness has been a crucial outlet for mental and physical health. “KB has helped me to find an activity that helps me with both my fitness and stress relief. Training in and out of the dojo has certainly helped me to detach from the stresses of life.”

The supportive environment at KB Fitness has also significantly influenced Lloyd’s perspective on achieving goals. “I work in a very ‘dog eat dog’ world, and it’s easy to feel like life is a never-ending battle with others to achieve your goals. But KB has shown me that you can achieve goals in a collaborative way. I’ve had so much help from so many people that I would never have crossed paths with if I had never joined KB.”

Lloyd’s initial reluctance to spar or grade gradually transformed into a passion for advancing through the belt system. “When I joined KB, I never planned on sparring or grading, and I was quite reluctant to grade for each belt until after my green belt. For my first few years, I was not at all motivated by any belts – let alone a black belt. It took a lot of encouragement and help from Dee, who teaches the beginner students, to get me to grade for both of my first belts.”

Witnessing the skill of KB Black Belts and sparring with Kelly sparked Lloyd’s desire to improve and achieve his KB Black Belt. “I remember sparring with the black belts and how quick, sharp, and clean they were – they felt almost unbeatable. But then it was so cool to watch them sparring with Kelly afterwards – how effortlessly she was always able to defend and attack. Seeing that made me really want to be able to get better so that I could eventually be competitive against the other black belts.”

Lloyd’s martial arts journey was not without significant obstacles, including health issues related to his sickle cell condition. “Once I started my black belt journey, I had several health issues because of my blood condition. Despite that, I had a lot of support and feedback from Kelly, so I was sure I could keep trying to get all of my belts. A common rhetoric from sickle cell doctors is not to participate in most sports, but I wanted to prove that there is a way to live life the same as everyone else even if certain people say it’s not possible.”

Achieving the KB Black Belt was a way for Lloyd to demonstrate resilience and inspire others with similar conditions. “I really wanted to prove to my family and others in a similar situation that it’s possible to do something like this. Achievements as significant as kickboxing belts have helped me to demonstrate that.”

Reflecting on his journey, Lloyd emphasises the importance of mental fortitude. “There were a lot of times during the whole process where I could easily have given up, but Kelly and Dee were always so supportive and encouraging. They never once made it feel like it was impossible for me to take any of my belts – even when I may not have been as ready as I should have been.”

For those hesitant about sparring, Lloyd offers encouraging words. “I was extremely reluctant to do any sparring – I didn’t want to get hit or hit anybody at first. But now I love it and would really encourage trying it out. It’s a very useful way to understand how to use the techniques in reality, it really challenges your fitness level, and it is extremely safe and nurturing at KB.”

Lloyd’s advice to anyone embarking on their grading journey is rooted in perseverance and trust in the guidance of KB instructors. “It can be a long journey and sometimes you have to walk to class in pouring rain or pitch dark. But Kelly and Dee, and the whole teaching team, will always put you in the best position to succeed. Even though sometimes things can feel difficult or overwhelming, the teachings we receive throughout the journey are character-building and provide valuable knowledge and experience to use in the real world.”

Lloyd’s story is a compelling reminder of the power of perseverance, community, and the transformative impact of martial arts. His journey to black belt is an inspiration to all members of the KB Fitness community.

Keen to start your martial arts journey too? Book your first KB Kickboxing class today.