KB MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: ANNA

In this chapter of the KB Member Spotlight series, we explore Anna’s martial arts journey – her return to training after many years away, and how she went on to achieve her KB Black Belt in December 2025.

At KB Fitness, Anna’s story reflects that once martial arts becomes part of your life, it rarely disappears. Even after long breaks, it remains part of you in some form, waiting for you to return to it.

Anna originally trained at KB Fitness many years ago, reaching KB Brown Belt. She then stepped away from training due to personal reasons. Years later, she received an unexpected message from Chief Instructor Kelly KB. That message reignited a friendship that began even before kickboxing together, when they worked together in France in a time filled with “lots of laughter and adventure.” That reconnection eventually led her back to training.

When she was invited to return, Anna admits she thought reaching KB Black Belt was “a crazy idea” but she decided to try anyway, initially returning to training with curiosity rather than certainty.

What she quickly rediscovered was what had always made training meaningful to her:

“Training at KB has shown me I’m capable of far more than I expected – especially at my age. It’s been a living example of what discipline, focus and self-mastery can produce (alongside a lot of sleep, good nutrition, and the occasional trip to the chiropractor). Achieving my KB Black Belt proved to me what’s possible when you commit your mind and body to something. I’ve gained a real sense of pride and achievement – but just as importantly, I’ve found joy in doing it within a supportive community.”

As she returned to consistency, she also rediscovered what she loved most about the school:

“The friendships, the fun, and the addictive satisfaction of pushing yourself in the right environment.”

What began as a way to test her fitness, and see what her body still remembered, gradually turned into something far deeper. For Anna, the journey became about completion and continuation at the same time. She describes how, as she progressed, she realised Black Belt was not the end goal she once imagined.

“As I got closer to my KB Black Belt, I realised it wasn’t the end – it was just the beginning. There’s still so much to refine: technique, style, fitness and the standards I hold myself to.”

She also reflects on how training has influenced her beyond the dojo, shaping how she approaches life more broadly. It has become about alignment, how she shows up across training, health, work, relationships and self-discipline, rather than separating those parts of herself.

Looking back, she is clear about the impact of returning. What started as a message out of the blue became something that shifted her path entirely:

“It turns out – that message really changed my life.”

Anna’s journey is a reminder that progress in martial arts is not always linear and that stepping away does not erase what went before. Sometimes, what you built in the past simply waits for the moment you are ready to return.

Are you ready to begin your own martial arts journey?