KB MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: BESS

Our KB Member Spotlight series celebrates the martial arts journeys of our students and the positive impact training has on their lives. This chapter focuses on Bess, who has been training at KB Fitness for five years.

Bess joined the school at just 17 years old, beginning her martial arts journey during lockdown through KB Fitness online classes, before moving into in-person training once lockdown was lifted.

“Before joining KB Fitness I had done no other martial arts – I did horse riding.” Bess explained. “I first started KB online during the last little bit of lockdown and joined in person as soon as the dojo reopened. I don’t think many other places were offering online martial arts training at the time.”

Although martial arts was completely new to her, Bess was drawn to the supportive atmosphere and the structure of the classes.

“I was a bit nervous to start training in martial arts, but KB looked like a very friendly and encouraging environment,” she said. “I kept coming back because I was eager to learn more and I loved that the lesson plan involved new ideas every week.”

As Bess continued training, she found herself wanting something to work towards – something that gave her focus beyond each individual class.

“I started grading because the instructors and my fellow students encouraged me to take the next step in my kickboxing training. I was excited to have a goal so I signed up to take the first belt.” she shared. “At the time I didn’t really have any plans or direction for the future, but as soon as I took my first kickboxing belt, I knew that I wanted to go all the way and get my Black Belt.”

That long-term commitment began to shape other areas of her life.

“Since Black Belt training takes five years as a minimum, it encouraged me to start planning for my future and since then I got into university and graduated,” Bess said.

Throughout her five years at KB Fitness, Bess has trained in every class nearly every week, showing consistent dedication. Her hard work has led her to achieve her KB Kickboxing Brown Belt in the minimum timeframe required at KB, as well as her KB Kung Fu Green Sash. She continues to progress steadily towards her KB Kickboxing Black Belt and KB Kung Fu Yellow Sash.

Reflecting on the biggest change training has brought, Bess said, “I think the main thing that’s changed in my life since starting grading is that I now have purpose and direction in my everyday life, and having a long-term goal has helped me think about and create life goals.”

Bess’s story shows why so many people dedicate themselves to martial arts training at KB Fitness – not just to learn skills and earn belts, but to build confidence, focus and a clear sense of purpose that extends far beyond the dojo.

Has Bess story inspired you to start your own martial arts journey? Take the first step by booking your KB Kickboxing trial class today.