JOURNEY TO KB BLACK BELT

Last June, Bess and Zuzanna (far left in the picture) achieved one of the most demanding milestones in the KB Kickboxing grading system, earning their KB Black Belts and marking a proud moment for the entire KB Fitness community.

Bess achieved her KB Black Belt in the minimum possible time of five years, while Zuzanna reached the same milestone after seven years of consistent training. Although their journeys to this point were different, the final months before their grading shared the same qualities: discipline and an unwavering focus on preparation.

Bess trained in class four nights a week for multiple hours at a time, adding extra training after classes and at weekends. As the grading approached, she became more deliberate in how she trained.

“The intensity and direction of my training changed. I would say I was more focused on making every hour count.”

She also adjusted her nutrition to support the increased training load.

“I shifted my diet to include more protein and whole foods so I would have more energy for training. I also added electrolytes on hot nights.”

Zuzanna’s preparation looked slightly different because of her working hours. She trained five times a week, combining KB Kickboxing with strength training and stretching. When she couldn’t attend class in person, she continued practising at home using combinations from class and our online class archive.

One area they both focused on was building the stamina needed for grading. Rather than relying on traditional cardio sessions, they developed their endurance through KB Kickboxing-specific training.

Zuzanna clarified:

“Bess and I did some special sets to push our cardio and endurance – we’d do long sets of speed uppercuts (and other punches) as well as long sets of aerial kicks – and I could really tell that it paid off when the long sets came around during the grading.”

Preparing together also became an important part of their success. Every Tuesday they stayed behind after class to train together, encouraging each other through the toughest part of the process.

As Bess explained:

“I think that having a grading partner made the process easier, it was fantastic to have someone to do the extra work with, and I think seeing someone else push as hard as I was made me work even harder.”

Their achievement is a reminder that earning a KB Black Belt isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistently showing up and making steady improvements over time. The months leading up to grading demand commitment, but they also build confidence, resilience and skills that last long after the grading itself.

Congratulations once again to Bess and Zuzanna on becoming the latest KB Black Belts at KB Fitness.

They are no. 33 and no. 34 of 10,000+ students. That’s fewer than 0.35% of everyone who has trained with us. KB Owner and Chief Instructor, Kelly (KB) added:

“I have always believed that a Black Belt should never be given lightly. I have always maintained high standards, hence why so few students ever achieve this milestone. That makes Bess and Zuzanna’s success even more special. Earning a KB Black Belt is a remarkable accomplishment; they should be immensely proud of what they have achieved.”

If you’re thinking about starting Kickboxing training in London, remember that every Black Belt began as a complete beginner. Book a free KB Kickboxing trial class today and take the first step on your own KB Black Belt journey.