BENEFITS OF GRADING

At KB Fitness, the martial arts journey is as unique as each member. Some people train to improve their fitness, some for the social connections, others to build confidence or challenge themselves. For those who choose to embark on the grading journey, it adds a new dimension to their training, offering milestones to aim for, opportunities to grow, and memories to cherish.

Grading in kickboxing is not mandatory at KB Fitness, and the instructors value and support each student’s journey, regardless of whether they choose to take belts. What matters most is that everyone enjoys their training, feels a sense of progress, and reaps the benefits of their hard work. However, for members who have started grading, the experience has been transformative, and they strongly encourage others to consider giving it a go.

The grading journey provides structure and motivation. Bess explains: “I started grading because it’s nice to have a goal for your training. Grading has helped me stay consistent and challenges me to keep progressing.” Yasmin shares a similar sentiment: “Setting the goal is great for consistency and giving yourself a target. There’s really nothing quite like the physical and mental test of a kickboxing grading, and you are really able to make yourself proud once you meet that challenge.” For James, grading serves as a way to measure progress: “Grading is a milestone marker, a means of measuring progress quantitatively and qualitatively.”

KB members often describe grading as unlike anything else they’ve experienced. Jess reflects: “There really is nothing else like it. The consistent training gets you ready, and on the day, you get to test yourself and see how far you’ve come. It’s not easy – it’s challenging – but you do it anyway. It gives you a mental touchstone for years to come, because you truly know that even when things are tough, you are strong enough to keep going.” Adam emphasises how grading extends beyond physical achievement: “Gradings aren’t easy, but you learn how to push yourself during moments of self-doubt or when you think there’s nothing left in the tank, which is a pretty handy skill to have in life.”

For many, the experience is life-changing. Beth describes her grading journey as transformative: “It changed me inside and out and made me into the person I am today. I learnt about respect, grit, determination, self-discipline, and the glass-half-full mindset. It’s a wonderful experience, and to anyone who hasn’t experienced it yet, I’d say just give it a go! You won’t regret it.”

One of the most cherished aspects of grading at KB Fitness is the sense of community it fosters. Yasmin recalls: “What’s really special is that you’re in a room with peers who are there to support and want you to succeed, and instructors who know you can do it and believe in you. Getting close to other graders in your group is super special – you’re in it together.” Frederike agrees: “What got me hooked on the grading journey early on was the friendship it built with the other graders in my group as we were all preparing together. The support from everyone when preparing for the big day is truly unique.”

Encouragement from KB instructors and peers plays a key role in many KB members’ decision to take their KB Kickboxing belts. Neil recalls: “Dee encouraged me to start grading, and I’m very glad she did. It gave a real structure to my martial arts training and goals to aim for. Once you’ve earned one belt, it really inspires you to work towards earning more and gives you a journey to go on, hopefully all the way to Black Belt.” Ruth adds: “There’s no way I would have successfully finished my purple belt grading without the encouragement of everyone, which definitely boosts confidence. That’s been the case for every belt from the beginning.” Phoebe highlights the sense of accomplishment that comes with grading: “The encouragement, sense of achievement, and feeling of ‘I can do this!’ are amazing.”

Grading is a personal choice, and at KB Fitness, the focus remains on helping every KB member achieve their individual goals. For those who choose to grade, it offers not just a marker of progress, but a transformative journey filled with challenges, achievements, and lifelong memories. As Adam puts it: “Perhaps what might surprise people is that you grow as a person, becoming both physically and mentally stronger. The more I’ve graded, the more I’ve come to understand the benefits – it’s a journey I’m so glad I took.”

Whatever your goals may be, KB Fitness instructors are here to support you every step of the way, helping you to enjoy your training and reap all the benefits martial arts have to offer. Have you found this article by searching for ‘kickboxing classes near me’? Look no further, take the first step into your martial arts journey by booking your KB Kickboxing trial class today.