KB MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: SHREYA

In this chapter of the KB Member Spotlight series, we explore Shreya’s martial arts journey at KB Fitness in London. Shreya, in the centre of the picture, joined the school around a year and a half ago after attending a self-defence trial class, and since then she has already achieved two Kickboxing belts. What started as curiosity quickly became something much bigger.

“After chatting to Dee and watching everyone do some amazing kicks, I was so mesmerised that I couldn’t wait to learn more,” she said.

Like many students at KB, Shreya originally came through the doors looking to try something new, but found much more than just a workout. Training soon became a regular part of her life and something she now sees as a positive source of balance during busy or stressful times.

“Training at KB has become a grounding anchor for me, not just from an exercise perspective but in many aspects of my life,” she explained. “Although sometimes the various stresses of our lives can be quite challenging, coming to a class anytime in the week makes me feel so accomplished.”

One of the things Shreya values most is the atmosphere within the school and the encouragement students receive from both instructors and fellow members.

“It’s one of the most positive environments I have been in where every single person is so encouraging,” she said. “Kelly has built an exceptional school and makes every one of us feel that we can achieve whatever we set our goals to.”

Her Kickboxing grading journey began simply as a way to measure progress, but it quickly became something deeply rewarding.

“After getting my KB White Belt, I felt this immense sense of pride and achievement,” she said. “Despite how nervous I still am, nothing beats the post-grading high.”

Shreya also reflected on how martial arts changed the way she sees herself. In a message to Kelly KB after a recent Black Belt grading, she shared how emotional it was to watch students achieve such a major milestone.

“I was that kid who never played any sports and never thought of myself as someone who could be athletic or good at things,” she wrote. “Watching the Black Belts achieve their belts was so emotional for me. The work they put in and the encouragement they had for everyone around them despite completing the hardest task themselves was just beautiful.”

She reflected on her experience at KB Fitness, saying:

“I am so proud and feel very privileged to take part in all of this,” she said. “I look forward to continuing my grading journey in kickboxing alongside now having the opportunity to also learn Kung Fu! It doesn’t get better than this.”

Did Shreya’s journey inspire you to start your own? Why not take the first step? Shreya began with a trial class – you can too.