BEYOND THE BELT

A KB Kickboxing black belt isn’t earned through luck or natural talent. According to Kelly KB, Chief Instructor at KB Fitness, “It’s the result of consistently showing up, putting in the work, and refusing to give up, especially when things get tough. It symbolises dedication, discipline, and steady progress over time.”

But being a black belt is very different from merely having one. Kelly explains:

“The belt itself is just a piece of cloth. What truly matters are the mountains you climb on your journey, the early struggles, the failures, the moments of growth, the breakthroughs in both technique and mindset. These are the things that shape who you are.”

Martial arts, she says, is a continuous path of learning. “And the more you learn, the more you realise how much more there is to learn.”

At KB Fitness, the grading system isn’t just about achieving belts. “It’s a structured path that teaches perseverance, humility, respect, and inner strength. The belt isn’t the destination; it’s a milestone. The journey is what truly counts.”

The numbers tell a story. Out of every 10,000 people who begin martial arts, most will stop within six months. Fewer make it to a year, and even fewer earn a black belt. Of those, only a rare few continue to teach, grow, and live out the black belt spirit every day. Kelly adds:

“Interestingly, 10,000 students have joined KB Fitness over its 27-year history. Fewer than 0.3% have earned one of my KB Kickboxing Black Belts; that’s just 30! In KB Kung Fu, the number is even smaller: only 9 students have reached the level of KB Kung Fu Black Sash, representing less than 0.1%. These figures reflect the high standards I maintain and the level of excellence required to achieve them.”

She emphasises that focusing solely on the belt misses the point:

“If you’re doing martial arts just to ‘get’ a black belt, you’re missing the point. The rank itself is temporary. Who you become through the process, that’s lasting.”

It’s not uncommon, Kelly notes, for students to stop training after achieving a black belt, as if the journey is over. “But in reality, the black belt is where the real learning begins. It’s not the finish line. It’s the starting point of deeper understanding.”

For those who grasp the true meaning of martial arts, it is a lifelong journey. “Keep training. Keep growing. Keep walking the path,” she says.

Inspired to start your own martial arts journey? Take the first step by booking your KB Kickboxing trial class in London today.