KB NEWS

Martial arts training has many different aspects, and different methods of delivering the traditional teachings that are passed down from master to student. Of these aspects, one of the most popular amongst KB members is sparring, which is fighting in a controlled manner. Sparring entails kicking, punching and blocking work with a partner, whilst wearing protective equipment.

Martial arts training requires focus, resilience, discipline and patience. Progression takes time, and can at times be challenging. In a world where negative thoughts may be the norm, where it may be easier to give up than persevere, KB Fitness’ martial arts classes London teach KB members to keep fighting and that, with practise, there is nothing they can’t master.

Inspired by one of our YouTube videos, KB members shared what they have gained from their KB Fitness training by completing the sentence “KB has made me…” in the school’s WhatsApp group.

The phrase ‘glass half full vs glass half empty’ is often used to describe one's attitude towards life. While both perspectives are valid, having a ‘glass half full’ mindset generally promotes a more positive and optimistic approach to situations. The glass half empty brigade struggle to see the light, too enshrouded by darkness. For example, they'll get stressed when purchasing property (despite it being a privilege to do so), moan about the day-to-day commitment of parenting (when the parent of a very sick child can only dream of contending solely with the mundane), and so on.

KB members join KB’s London martial arts classes for different reasons, and at different points in their lives. Having students from different backgrounds and cultures, of different ages and abilities, means that their reasons for joining KB’s London Kickboxing classes can be quite different.

This past Tuesday, 19th September 2023, KB Fitness held the first KB Kickboxing White Belt Grading. KB Grading days are always very emotional for everyone involved. For the graders, this is when they show off their hard work and prove that they have earned their KB Kickboxing belts. Their peers who aren’t grading are there to show their support, bringing their energy and their loud ki-ais to the dojo.

It’s a very exciting moment in KB history as we are a few days away from holding our first KB Kickboxing White Belt Grading. The KB Kickboxing White Belt was created by Chief Instructor Kelly KB for the newer KB Fitness members who wish to get started on their grading journey early on.

An instructor’s job is to bring out the best in their students. This is true for any kind of instruction, be it in a classroom, a workplace, or a sports setting.

After 24 years of existence, KB Fitness still successfully helps Londoners to fight for and achieve their goals. Some people might wonder what impact martial arts can have in one’s personal life. Well, our members will tell you how training in the martial arts at KB Fitness has helped not only with their fitness but with their mental health, their confidence, discipline, focus, clarity and with changing their mindset from “I can’t do it” to “I will try until I succeed.”

“The perfect time is now!”, “Just start!” How many times have you searched online for “Kickboxing classes near me”, found the KB Fitness website, browsed, hovered over the “join” button, but hesitated?

Those who choose to train in the martial arts will often say that martial arts is a way of life. This is the case for many KB members, who have embraced the traditional side of their training.

This past June, KB Fitness had a momentous occasion – the KB Kickboxing grading of 3 Black standard students. This event signifies the embodiment of the values Chief Instructor Kelly KB holds dear: humility, respect, and personal growth. In a world where humility is often overshadowed by arrogance, it is wonderful to witness the transformative journey of these students, who exemplify the true spirit of the martial arts.

Injuries are common in the world of sports. Training intensely, often with repetitive as well as explosive movements, is obviously more challenging to the body than sitting on the sofa!

Challenges are a natural part of a martial artist’s life. Some would even say that challenges are what makes the journey interesting. As the quote says: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”

In the UK, over 8 million people will be living with an anxiety disorder at any one time (Mind Health UK). While not all who suffer from an anxiety disorder will experience the same symptoms, there are strategies to cope with anxiety and its impact. Some people have found exercise, within a supportive group environment, can play a big part in helping them to cope with anxiety and its effects.

“KB Sundays are always fantastic but no two are the same, there are always special moments and surprises,” said Jess Baker, KB Senior Instructor.

A fact well known to those who practise martial arts is “when you reach your destination, you find the start of a new path.” Whether you are a Black Belt or complete beginner, the martial arts journey doesn’t end, there is always something to learn. The life of a martial artist is therefore anything but dull or stagnant. It is exciting from the first moment a person steps into the dojo seeking to learn martial arts from the sensei, and remains a stimulating experience, year after year.

In order to encourage KB members to be fully engaged with their training, KB Fitness checks in with each student regularly, as well as sending videos encompassing stretching advice, weights training, self-defence, kick and punch tutorials, kick and punch challenges, among many others.

KB’s Corporate Self Defence classes have gone global. Check out this video that shows Specialist Freight Networks’ team building self-defence class at their business conference in Croatia.

There are many different reasons to start training in the martial arts: to get fitter, increase confidence, develop discipline, have fun, meet new people, learn to defend yourself, becoming a Black Belt… The list goes on.

KB members engaged in a lively discussion in the KB WhatsApp group last week. The idea posed was: “one doesn’t attain mastery in the martial arts by practising advanced techniques, but by practising the basics”.

KB Fitness’ Chief Instructor Kelly KB has created a modernised version of martial arts classes at her school in Central London. In passing down the teachings of generations of martial artists before her, she combines the traditional tenets of discipline and respect, with positivity and humour. With such an accessible approach, it’s no wonder that KB Fitness is one of the most popular martial arts schools in London.

KB Fitness’ Chief Instructor Kelly KB posted an announcement on KB Fitness’ WhatsApp group on Monday 27th March: “I am DELIGHTED to announce that KB Fitness has now surpassed the number of memberships that we had before the first nationwide lockdown. Thank you to all my team for helping to make this happen. Thanks to every member for your loyalty.”

What is it like to step into a martial arts dojo for the first time? Many people are fascinated by martial arts and are keen to try, but end up putting it off or even never doing it because they are complete beginners.

How does the grading system work? How much do I have to train to get a belt? How committed do I have to be? How fit do I have to be? These are common questions from beginners at KB Fitness’ Kickboxing classes. The order of Kickboxing Belts is as follows: Blue, Green, Orange, Purple, Brown, Black. The intensity of training will naturally increase the further on a student is in this spectrum, since the level of fitness and technique expected of them increases at each level.

“Another KB Kung Fu grading slam-dunked. Well done to all involved. A wonderful night,” said Chief Instructor Kelly KB in the school’s WhatsApp group after a successful grading last Tuesday evening.

“Strength is often discovered while doing what you thought you couldn’t do.” KB Fitness posted this quote in the school’s WhatsApp group last week, asking its members to share how they felt this applied to their training experience.

The KB Kickboxing Tournament League started with a bang on Tuesday 24th January. In a show of mastery, Lead Referee and Chief Instructor Kelly KB held the event alongside the KB Kickboxing class of her graded students.

What does it mean to be a KB Black Belt? It’s a question that many KB Fitness members think about, especially as they approach their 6th KB Kickboxing or 8th KB Kung Fu gradings, which are for KB Black Belt and KB Black Sash, respectively. Chief Instructor Kelly KB has taught and graded thousands of students in KB Kickboxing and KB Kung Fu over the course of KB Fitness’ history, and among those only a small percentage have reached Black Belt and Black Sash. Those who have are required to contemplate and answer that very question in the form of an essay, as part of the Black standard gradings.

KB Fitness is entering another year in its History - this time the 24th. "Next year KB will have existed for a quarter of a century! It's easy to get carried away, planning future events. For example, I'll be hosting a massive party in 2024, as that is the year I'll be celebrating my 50th birthday, 25 years of my London school along with my and Dal's partnership, 20 years of one of my first networks, plus some other significant anniversaries," said Chief Instructor Kelly KB.

Life is full of choices, and sometimes we have no idea what a far-reaching impact our choices will have on others. In 1985, an eleven-year-old girl walked into Kickboxing World Champion Kevin Brewerton’s dojo and became his student. Little did they know that girl would grow up to become a mentor and inspiration to many aspiring martial artists. That girl would grow up to become KB Fitness’ Chief Instructor, Kelly KB.

As a new year begins, it’s common for people to set goals and make ‘new year’s resolutions’. Many people enjoy having objectives in mind, and a way to keep themselves accountable when working towards what they want.

KB Fitness members showed grit, determination and fire on a highly successful KB Kickboxing Grading Day on 18th December 2022. KB Fitness’ members train hard and commit to their martial arts goals all year round but KB Sundays, which happen in June and December, are when they get the chance to show off the progress they have made under Chief Instructor Kelly KB’s tutelage, and get awarded their new KB Kickboxing belts.

As another year draws to a close, Chief Instructor Kelly KB reflects on 2022. "The first thing to note is that in the absence of government interference, we were able to have an uninterrupted year of 'proper' classes," says Kelly.

In addition to exhilarating London Kickboxing and Self Defence classes where members build confidence and learn martial arts, KB Fitness provides many extra resources to assist members in their training.

Crimerate.co.uk reports that violent crime is on the rise in London, with anti-social behaviour, and violence and sexual offences on the increase. It may be surprising to some that the most dangerous boroughs are Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea.

Lives were changed last week at the most anticipated London Kickboxing class of the year. “Martial arts is a gift,” said Kevin Brewerton (also known as The Jedi), 5-times World Kickboxing Champion, at the masterclass he taught at KB Fitness on Wednesday night.

Convincing potential members of the safe ethos Chief Instructor Kelly Bunyan instilled in her school is an ongoing challenge. It's no surprise, considering it's UFC and Boxing that grabs the headlines, not KB Fitness’ London Martial Arts classes.

How many times in your life have you had the chance to be taught by a World Champion? For most people reading this article, the answer would be zero. For KB Fitness’ members, however, it’s different.

For people who spend most of their time punching and kicking one another at London Kickboxing classes, KB Fitness members are very supportive of one another. It is now a tradition for members to wake up on a KB Grading morning and wish the KB Kickboxing or KB Kung Fu graders good luck, in the school’s WhatsApp group.

In anticipation of December’s KB London Kickboxing Grading, Chief Instructor Kelly KB welcomed the newest generation of soon-to-be Blue Belts to her Tuesday London Kickboxing classes.

KB Fitness members find their energy source at KB Fitness’ London Kickboxing classes. Working or studying full-time can be draining and stressful. How many times a week do you get home from work, and you feel like you do not have energy to spend time with your family, or play with your child?

“Touch gloves. Fight!,” says Chief Instructor and Lead Referee Kelly KB at the start of each tournament match. If you are curious about what a Kickboxing tournament looks like, KB Fitness’ London Kickboxing classes are a great place to experience it.

In its 23 years of existence, KB Fitness has transformed the lives of over 8 thousand people. Then the pandemic hit. A martial arts school that was solely dependent upon the presence of students inside the sacred dojo could no longer offer London Kickboxing classes.

Upon the first time walking into the KB Fitness dojo in central London, one may think : “How peculiar to walk into a room where people are punching and kicking the air. Even more so when they shout a funny, somewhat indistinct word when they are done.”

“Black Belts, to the corner!” calls Chief Instructor, Kelly (KB), at the start of her kickboxing class. Black Belt corner is a spot where most KB Fitness members aspire to stand.

There’s nothing they can’t weather. Pun intended. KB Fitness members spent the hottest night of the year training in the hottest London Kickboxing classes last night. Double meaning also intended.

As we head into the second half of the year, the KB Fitness dojo is buzzing. The teaching team are thoroughly enjoying seeing all KB members progress. It’s especially wonderful to know that some of members have started sparring for the first time – well done, new sparrers! They will soon have experienced that satisfying moment, when they score their first point. Sparring is of paramount importance in reaching the next level as a martial artist.

It is disgraceful that in 2022 people are still subjected to racism and prejudice. Sera Singh, one of KB Fitness’ members, suffered verbal abuse when walking home after a KB Self Defence class last Monday.

People often ask what is the best martial art. Some instructors will proudly tell you that their style is best. Kelly Bunyan (KB), Chief Instructor at our London Kickboxing classes, Kung Fu and Self Defence classes London would never claim anything of the sort. Instead, she would state the following:

Fitness studio KB Fitness is showing businesses the benefits of self defence for their employees. Employers have been taking advantage of the studio's Self Defence Team Building and Corporate Self Defence Lessons to build employee wellness and are seeing positive results.

Another slam dunk! KB Kickboxing Graders set a goal and achieved it on KB Sunday. So many new kickboxing beginners, bored of the same routine, found our kickboxing class, got hooked and strived for greater heights in life. With Chief Instructor, Kelly KB's guidance, they excelled and soared on the day.

With world events and the stress of rising living costs weighing down on people's shoulders, the office environment can become gloomy and uninspiring. That's where self defence team building comes in.

Strategies for Overcoming Exercise Anxiety Regular exercise can reduce anxiety by 20%, reports a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. However, what if the cause of your anxiety is exercise itself? What if you freeze at the thought of having to don a pair of lycra shorts and join a class for an aerobics, CrossFit, or yoga session? If you would love to lead a healthier, fitter lifestyle but you feel unconfident about exercising in a public place, know that you are not alone. Also be aware that there are many natural means of battling anxiety so you can discover the unique experience of exercising alongside others who value fitness and the active lifestyle.

The possibility of suffering any kind of attack is a huge concern nowadays. Adding into the mix the likelihood of the attacker being armed with a knife, or any kind of weapon, for that matter, and that concern and anxiety can double in intensity.

With almost a quarter of a century's history, many students and instructors have been part of KB Fitness’ journey, teaching Kickboxing classes, Self Defence classes and Kung Fu to thousands of Londoners.

It is common to ask someone why they joined our martial arts school in London. The answers will be varied: fitness, discipline, confidence, fun, want to become a black belt, and so on. But the real question to be asked is why do they stay?

The healing nature of training in the martial arts is often overlooked. Keeping fit and having fun seem to be the main motivators for signing up to martial arts classes, but there are so many more benefits to be derived from training in such an ancient art form, particularly at KB Fitness.

“Swish, swish” go the colourful KB Kung Fu sashes in the corridor. When there is passion and addiction to train, a martial artist will train anywhere. That’s the spirit of KB Fitness’ Chief Instructor, Kelly (KB) and her students on Tuesday evenings.

The energy at KB Fitness’ Central London dojo was buzzing last Tuesday as the school’s higher grades welcomed the KB Blue Belts-to-be to our Chief Instructor, Kelly (KB)’s, Kickboxing classes in London.

Training in a martial arts school such as KB Fitness provides a safe haven from the pressures of life. It is a gift to be able to enter an environment where you are able to escape from all that's going on in your world.

Over the years there have been many special moments at KB Fitness. Tournaments, gradings, Kickboxing classes and Kung Fu classes in London live feeds, end of year celebrations, and countless far-from-ordinary classes.

One year after the Sarah Everard case, My London talked to KB Fitness’ senior instructor, Dee Terret and a few of KB Fitness’ members about KB Self Defence classes in London and how they can help in feeling safer.

The 'Cupo Family' are so enamoured with KB Fitness that practically the whole family joined! Training alongside one another on a weekly basis in KB Kickboxing classes and KB Self Defence classes in London, they collectively feel empowered and uplifted.

During the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, figure skating was the third most popular sport on UK TV. You might be more likely to associate ice skating with gracefulness and whimsy before fitness and strength, but in reality, this sport is one of the hardest disciplines to master. Fortunately, you needn’t be a professional skater to reap the many health and fitness benefits offered by this elegant sport – in fact, you’ll start experiencing improvements in strength, balance, and coordination after just one session on the ice.

It’s KB Fitness Fashion Week. You may be thinking, how is it that a martial arts school in London could have anything to do with fashion? Well, twice a year, at the KB social after the Kung Fu grading, KB Kung Fu members are allowed to break with convention.

KB members work hard. They are committed to their training and know what is required for them to reach the next level. They are enthusiastic and upbeat in their training so it’s no surprise that, when it’s time to celebrate, they are also unstoppable!

KB Members returned to classes last week, full of fire, ready to get rid of the extra holiday calories and achieve amazing goals in 2022. We have been back for one week and already many new members have joined our Kickboxing classes in London

Nothing can tear us apart or abate KB members’ excitement about training together in KB Fitness’ Central London dojos. “Morning all! I've been waiting for this message all morning! With the urge to say 'helloooo new KB year!!!

It is no secret, exercise is super important for both our mental and physical health. Leading a sedentary life is nothing short of reckless. Considering you are reading this page, it is safe to say that you have a good understanding of this and do not

Several new KB members started sparring at our Kickboxing classes in London last month. One of them, Nick, recently shared his thoughts regarding the experience:

The thought of punching or kicking somebody to score a point is admittedly, quite ominous! During our martial arts' school's rich 22+ year history, 100s of people have signed up to do just that!

Self defence can be hugely beneficial for people living with disability. Generally speaking, British society cares and looks after disabled members of the community.

This grading day photo captures so much - the joy and elation to be experienced after years of dedication and commitment. So much more than that though, it also reveals the camaraderie that exists within our school. For the two decades Kelly KB has awarded belts and sashes, the same physical response has surfaced time and again.

Brands such as Waitrose are recognising the importance of introducing the concept of learning self-defence to their customers. As a direct result, KB Fitness recently featured in Waitrose's magazine, 'Weekend.' When Waitrose publishes an article about self-defence, it is clearly becoming a pressing subject matter.

Londoners all seem to agree - KB Fitness has got it going on! Offering Kickboxing classes in London, along with self-defence classes and Kung Fu, our school is carving a positive, unique training space for people to feel alive and thrive.

Sensing the uneasiness amongst their million-strong following, Neverfullydressed reached out to KB Fitness, asking for an introduction to self-defence to be livestreamed on their Instagram page.

There are many 'unhealthy' ways to relieve stress, so it's good to invest in Kickboxing classes in order to balance those with a healthier option. It is proven that pent up stress can lead to serious illness.

The KB Fitness dojo was on fire this week! Our KB Members’ combined energy in our KB Kickboxing classes, KB Self Defence classes and KB Kung Fu classes set the room alight! Every member's face lights up when they walk into our sacred training space.

“We must strive for excellence!” are words that Chief Instructor Kelly Bunyan periodically roars at the front of her dojo. Considering that excellence refers to the quality of being outstanding or extremely good, that is a bold, rallying statement to make.

Lineage is often referenced in the martial arts. Some would go so far as to say that a school which fails to reference their lineage lacks credibility. Kelly Bunyan, KB Fitness’ Chief Instructor, is not inclined to believe that as she always says: “The quality of instruction reigns supreme.”

Gradings engender an effluence of emotions and gratitude. It is during a grading at KB Fitness that the spiritual KB connection is most palpable. Aside from the final calls of each grading level, a traditional silence encapsulates the emotion brewing within.

Throughout the lockdowns, KB Fitness held socials online, to maintain the familial bond that our London Kickboxing school is renowned for. A picnic or two were even held outside.

The drought is over! After 17+ months without any sparring, let alone a competition, we held our first Kickboxing tournament last night and it did not disappoint! Everybody involved was elated to be present at our al fresco event.

Everyone at KB Fitness is excited to be at our kickboxing classes in London next week as we'll finally be reunited with the focus mitts! KB Chief Instructor, Kelly Bunyan, likes to refer to hitting the pads as 'smackage!' The unifying sound of a room full of focused martial arts striking the pads is spectacular!

KB Fitness, along with most other companies in the fitness industry, has just been through several rounds with government policy. Thankfully, although roughed up, we have fought back, coming out of the onslaught relatively unscathed.

After such a long time, we were ecstatic to be able to return to sparring this week in our London martial arts school! WHAT A TREAT to be able to make contact again. COVID restrictions deprived us of one of the best aspects of our training experience and now we're delighted to be reunited with it! It will be an event to remember.

You wouldn't think that punching and kicking your team members would help you bond with them would you?! It sounds too ominous.

Martial arts training changes your life on a spiritual level. It makes you more disciplined for sure, but humility comes from our hearts humility that inspires loyalty and passion for nurturing the next generation.

It is a common misconception that training in a martial arts school is for macho types. Many of our members revealed that they thought the same thing, before finding our school.

The lockdowns got in the way of our usual self-defence classes in London. However, now that we are able to do pad work again, we are delighted to announce the return of our physical KB Self Defence classes on Mondays at 7pm. Self Defence in an integral part of martial arts training. Kelly Bunyan, our Chief Instructor, often says:

The June grading, true to form, did not disappoint. KB Sunday is renowned at KB Fitness for being a day full of emotion. It's when our members take their belts, a 'grading.'

Quite true, training at KB Fitness is far from a typical workout. Instead, there are kicks, punches, blocks, smiles, footwork, staffs, laughter, swords and knives!

'Trying before buying' has become increasingly common in our world. At KB Fitness, we realise this and have consequently made the martial arts accessible for people who might otherwise not have joined, had they not had the opportunity to try.

Not everybody has a martial artist within them, but unless you give a free class a go, you might not ever know! Training in the martial arts becomes a way of life because it changes every aspect of your life for the better.

With 22 years under its metaphorical belt, KB Fitness' all-female teaching team has taught well over 8000 members! Over the years, a large number of instructors have assisted Kelly Bunyan (KB), our martial arts school's Chief Instructor.

For a second time, IT IS TIME TO RETURN TO OUR LONDON KICKBOXING DOJO!!!! The excitement is literally off the scale. Particularly as we are allowed to hit the pads again - a great stress-reliever.

"This moment marks the end of an era”, said Chief Instructor, Kelly Bunyan, at the end of her last online-only class last night. “Despite not being of our choosing, it was a special part of our school’s history. Thank you for your support through this phase. Onwards and upwards. Much love to you all.”

At class this week, our members were drilling 10 kicks to every call - that is a tremendous amounts of kicks in one session! Everybody's legs were feeling it afterwards!

Our next grading is 6 weeks away. That might sound like a while, but for the two KB members hoping to take the coveted Black Belt, it is imminent!

Recently, when out shopping, one of our members, Ryan, found himself at the scene of a robbery. Thankfully, he was not the victim.

This week, KB members were reunited with Bob! Bob is a valued member of our school, who does not visit very often, but leaves lasting memories every time he makes an appearance.

This week, KB members have come together to support Sushil, one of our newer members, in her fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

It is KB Fitness's owner and Chief Instructor's view that there is a sense of family at KB Fitness. More importantly, our members agree, often referring to the #kbfamily in the

What with lockdowns stopping people gathering, the vast majority of instructors in the fitness industry transferred their skill to the virtual realm. Previously, most professionals were only offering their classes in person.

Locked down or not, the grading journey continues at KB Fitness. We have two grading systems: KB Kung Fu and KB Kickboxing.

Being fired up about something can be both a negative and positive experience. At KB Fitness, it is all about the positive aspect. Our Chief Instructor, Kelly Bunyan, has been training in the martial arts for 35+ years!

Last night, KB Members gathered for a KB Zoom Social. KB Fitness has always had a rich social scene running alongside the martial arts training. From the pub crawls

Last night, our members were using all kinds of items to participate in their martial arts classes. At KB Fitness, we offer classes in three different disciplines: KB Kickboxing,

Well, despite the third lockdown in London, we head into 2021, with the usual enthusiasm and positivity - the school's WhatsApp group was awash with happy comments.

What a treat! After multiple online gradings in 2020, it was an absolute joy to be able to gather in the dojo in person, for December's KB Kickboxing grading.

We're back in our dojo after the 2nd lockdown. Hoorah! The safety of our members and teaching team is of paramount importance. As a result, we are keeping up to date

2020 has presented KB Chief Instructor with plenty of new challenges. From finding the best way to teach online, then working out how to grade KB Members in Kickboxing in June

KB Chief Instructor, Kelly Bunyan, was naturally disappointed to learn that the UK is set to head into a 2nd lockdown. Despite the disappointment, she was determined to ensure that the last classes in her dojo were memorable.

KB Chief Instructor, Kelly Bunyan, started training in the martial arts in 1985. Partner work has always been integral to the the training regime.

Many KB Members love to share their feelings after class in the school's WhatsApp group. People from all over the world, USA, Germany and beyond connect in this positive way.

Due to popular demand, we are expanding our weekly schedule. Starting back tentatively in August with 4 classes, we’ve since introduced a 5th and now a 6th class.

Considering we’ve been established since 1999, this isn’t the first time we’ve launched a new website. This is probably our 4th or 5th ‘new’ website.

Yes, you read it right, a ‘virtual’ tournament! Sounds impossible really, but actually, despite the social distancing, it worked very well.

After 5.5 months of training online without physical classes, we are delighted to announce that we’re running group classes again

To reward our loyal members who have stayed with us throughout this challenging time, we gifted them a free training session, followed by a picnic on Saturday.