KB SPOTLIGHT: RUTH

In this chapter of the KB member spotlight, we follow Ruth’s journey. Ruth has been training in the martial arts at KB Fitness for 15 years, a journey that has seen her progress to KB Kickboxing Purple Belt and KB Kung Fu Blue Sash — a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and love of martial arts.

For Ruth, KB stood out as an exercise she actually enjoyed. “I’ve always been a bit of a reluctant exerciser — I’m not naturally sporty and never found that ‘one thing’ which gripped me and made me see it as anything more than a chore, until I tried KB,” she explains. “It’s made me much fitter! It’s also made me feel part of a community, which is something I really value when my family and friends are spread all over. Also, now I can do spinning kicks, which will never not make me feel cool.”

Ruth’s introduction to KB was far from tentative. “I joined so long ago that the introduction was different then: I didn’t sign up for a single trial class — I signed up for six weeks of them!” she laughs. “But I loved my first class. Everyone was friendly and helpful and made me feel welcome, not like the uncoordinated, unfit one hiding at the back, or singled out as new. I knew someone who had tried kickboxing outside London and loved it, so when I Googled looking for somewhere to try it and found a martial arts school run by women, with lots of classes to choose from, I was keen to give it a go.”

Her grading journey reflects the personal growth and resilience that KB encourages in all its members. “I don’t really remember why I decided to start grading,” Ruth admits, “I just remember how happy I was when I passed that first belt! From there I knew I wanted to try for the next one. I had a very long gap between my green and my orange belts, and at one point I wasn’t sure I’d grade again, but the encouragement from everyone around me to push harder and see what I could do was definitely a major factor in getting to the next level.”

Training at KB has had a profound impact on Ruth’s life, both inside and outside the dojo. “There have been lots of changes! Some of which meant I wasn’t always able to train as much as I could have done, although I did still make it to class the week I got married. Leaving my job the day after my purple belt grading was a slightly surreal experience too!” she recalls. “But overall, I’ve noticed how much KB helps me to deal with all the harder things that have happened over the years. It gives me a space where I can’t stress over life because I’m focused on training, which clears my head. And when class is over, I’ve benefitted not just from the space and the endorphins but also from my wonderful training peers and the brilliant teaching team.”

Ruth’s story highlights what makes KB Fitness so special: the journey itself, the lessons learned along the way, and the transformation that goes beyond belts and sashes. Every member’s path is unique, and Ruth’s dedication shows how martial arts training can shape confidence, resilience, and a sense of community, making each moment of training as valuable as the achievements themselves.

Ready to start your own martial arts journey? Join KB Fitness and discover how martial arts training can transform your confidence, fitness, and mindset.