FROM TRAINING TO TROPHY

Lloyd has been part of the KB Fitness family for nearly 12 years. A KB Kickboxing Black Belt, passionate martial artist, and regular tournament competitor, Lloyd achieved a milestone in 2025: winning the KB Kickboxing Champions League for the first time, finishing the year with 43 points overall.

The victory was the result of months of relentless preparation, discipline, and commitment.

Lloyd says: “I was constantly training and preparing throughout the year – spending at least 30 minutes most nights of the week incessantly drilling my blitzes and kicks from both stances.”

That dedication was particularly meaningful given the challenges Lloyd faced along the way. After spending time away from competition, simply stepping back onto the mat was an achievement in itself.

“There were many ups and downs over the year. I was excited just to be competing after many years away. I really loved being in some fun matches, but I also had a lot of nerves before some of the tournaments.”

Rather than seeing nerves as a weakness, Lloyd learned to understand and manage them, which is a natural part of competition fighting. Throughout the year, one constant remained: his close work with KB Chief Instructor Kelly.

“Over the year, I was constantly tapping into Kelly’s knowledge and experience. She gave me so much advice – from specific drills and sets to train at home, to how to address issues with nerves, to how to execute specific techniques properly and how to deal with competing against different styles.”

Lloyd also credits Kelly’s example as a competitor in the martial arts as a key influence on his performance.

“Over the years, she has shown an incredible ability to score at will with her follow-through blitz, and this is something that I’ve tried to pick up from her and replicate during each match.”

When the final results of the 2025 KB Kickboxing Champions League were announced, the moment was deeply emotional for Lloyd.

“It was a very surreal and proud moment to win my first KB league and then to receive the trophy. Kelly’s teachings and advice were an enormous part of winning each match – so this achievement is very much a joint one.”

As a seasoned martial artist, Lloyd is generous with his advice to others who aspire to compete or challenge themselves through sparring.

“For anybody hoping to win the trophy, my advice would be to really pay attention to the details when Kelly gives demos, get really sharp at basic techniques, and you need to really want to score each point. Try to land your shots, and follow up if you get blocked the first time – in a friendly and respectful way.”

And for those still unsure about stepping onto the mats to spar or compete, Lloyd’s message is clear.

“For anybody thinking about sparring or competing in the tournament – I couldn’t advise it more. It’s really fun, safe, and you get to learn so much about the techniques and about yourself.”

Ultimately, Lloyd sees his success as proof of something bigger than a single win.

“Hopefully me winning each match shows that Kelly’s teachings and advice are a winning strategy, and by incessantly drilling and practising what she teaches, it’s entirely possible to be able to improve and win.”

Lloyd’s 2025 Champions League victory is a powerful reminder of what martial arts truly represent – resilience, humility, discipline, and the courage to keep going, even after time away. Congratulations, Lloyd.

Feel like you could benefit from this kind of passion, determination, confidence and support in your life? Start your martial arts journey with KB. Book your KB Kickboxing trial class today.