KB NEWSLETTER

KB MARCH NEWSLETTER


I am often mesmerised by the palpable energy that permeates our dojo. It's a force, a living entity that pulses through the very walls, igniting the spirits of all who enter. This energy is not merely a byproduct of our physical movements; it transcends the realm of the tangible, encompassing the mind, body, and spirit in perfect harmony.

In our dojo, we experience such profound highs. The euphoria of pushing oneself beyond perceived limits, of achieving feats once thought impossible, electrifies the air with an intoxicating fervour. When at its most charged, it's a sensation that sweeps through every fibre of our being, leaving us exhilarated and hungry for more.

When I, with impassioned conviction, rallied my students to give their all at the KB Kung Fu grading, to dig deeper than they ever have before, the response was nothing short of awe-inspiring. It will be one of the most memorable moments of my teaching career - the energy came at me full force! It literally blew me away - a roar that reverberated through the dojo and beyond. My rallying cries call upon my students’ inner strength, determination, and their relentless spirit. How brilliantly they respond every time I tap into this approach to teaching. Literally, like a chorus of warriors united in purpose, they unleash a torrent of energy that propels us to stratospheric levels of achievement.

In those moments, boundaries blur, and limitations dissolve into the ether. We become more than individuals; we become a collective force, bound together by the shared pursuit of excellence. It's a sensation akin to flight, as if we're soaring on wings of sheer willpower.

But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this energy is its infinite nature. It knows no bounds, no limitations. It grows stronger with each passing moment, fuelling our passion, our drive, our unwavering commitment to mastery.

In our dojo, the energy is not merely a phenomenon to be observed; it's a living, breathing entity that guides us, inspires us, and propels us ever forward on our journey of self-discovery. And as the Chief Instructor and Examiner, it fills me with immeasurable pride to witness the transformative power of this energy, as it shapes not only our martial prowess but our very essence as human beings.

Thank you. Your energy, dedication, and passion are what make our dojo truly special. Keep pushing, keep striving, and together, we will reach even greater heights.

RECENT NEWS ITEMS

21/03/2024

WHY GRADE?

It’s often said that there is nothing so satisfying as aiming for a goal and achieving it. It has been an exciting few weeks at KB Fitness, as a group of beginner martial artists embarked on the final preparations to take their very first KB Kickboxing belt on Tuesday 12th March.

READ MORE

15/03/2024

KB BENEFITS

Our social media post from 8th January shows an image of two KB members, Nick Viljoen and Adam Goulding, smiling mid-conversation, along with Nick’s quote: “Training at KB Fitness has made my life better because it has made me more confident, more positive, healthier and happier.”

READ MORE

01/03/2024

UNBREAKABLE LOYALTY

In today’s world, human beings can have virtually anything they want at the push of a button. Various retailers make their goods available to be delivered to your door within just a couple of hours. It is the generation of immediate results. So many pastimes and hobbies are now available, that those who dedicate many years to the same activity are becoming fewer.

READ MORE

INSTRUCTOR COMMENTS

JESS BAKER: KB, KF & SD INSTRUCTOR

Just a quick one to say thanks for another KB month :) I'm sorry I wasn't well enough to attend the Kung Fu Grading but I loved seeing the videos you posted. Thanks also for sharing the email with all the background and history of our Kung Fu style earlier this month. I remember reading some of it many years ago, when I first started Kung Fu. I do really love the lineage of what we're learning, it makes me feel connected to the past, to many other martial artists I'll never meet, living and dead, to the incredible history of what we practice. I hope the newly graded students are feeling very happy and proud! Kung Fu is such a challenge. Kickboxing is too, of course, but in Kung Fu there is a level of detail and complexity that really requires a LOT of time and effort to get right. Not to mention that the syllabus is so much more extensive! It's challenging for the students but also incredibly challenging to teach (no matter how easy you make it look). In truth, all gradings in either discipline take much effort and dedication, from the very first belt or sash up to black level. In some ways, the early grades are as much of a challenge as the higher grades, because you're still in the early stages of your martial arts journey when you are aiming for them. Much of what becomes utterly natural later on, still requires a lot of thought. Flexibility and coordination is usually not as developed. The mindset required is still a work in progress. Muscle memory is still developing.

I've mentioned to a few of the beginners recently how much I respect people who are just starting on their journey - it's not easy! As you know, I'm currently learning to drive (late bloomer!) and being back in a beginner's role is very humbling. Having no muscle memory for the task at hand, still needing constant cues and not feeling in full control of my arms and legs has been a good reminder for me of how beginners feel when they step into the dojo. You really do have to let go of your ego and be willing to be utterly unskilled, and make lots of mistakes, in order to learn anything in life. I feel really lucky to have personal experience of this, through my training with you, so I actually really enjoy the process of learning. I embrace being rubbish when I start something new, and I'm hungry to improve. Each time something new clicks into place, I feel a real sense of satisfaction. Even though you never stop learning in the martial arts, you do reach a stage where you are fine-tuning and maintaining, as opposed to being deep in that initial steep learning curve. Martial arts - and you - really taught me to love that steep learning curve. So, thank you 🙂 Thanks again for all that you do. By the way, I love the new footage you've been putting in the WhatsApp Group lately - you are so tireless in the content you capture, create and share with us all. E.g. the exciting new drone footage!

 

BETH WILLOUGHBY: KB & SD INSTRUCTOR

MAIL 1: Thanks for the update. Exciting that there are so many KB events coming up over the next month. I can’t wait for KF Grading next week - I know how hard each grader has been working to make sure they are at the standard you expect and so they can excel on grading day.  Will be great to celebrate in the pub afterwards - first time in 2024!! I loved being in the dojo again with you on Tuesday - was so special and I went home exhausted but with a massive smile on my face. Thank you for a wonderful evening 🔥🥊🔥🥊


MAIL 2: Just wanted to send a note to say thank you for a wonderful evening on Tuesday. KF Grading nights are always so special and this time was no exception. The nervous buzz in the changing rooms before, the anticipation as 6pm rolls around, the dojo being extra full as everyone makes sure they’re there to support the graders and the extra loud ki’ahs. Then I loved witnessing the Multitasking Masterclass that is KB running multiple KF Grading, a full kickboxing class of multiple levels and this time marketing drone footage. And of course, the last half hour of the grading itself and especially after your passionate reminder to be powerful - POW 💥- that was something else - loved that feeling of collective energy and passion. Congratulations to you and to all the graders on their new sashes. 🤍🤍💙💙🧡 Will look forward to seeing them wear their new colours in class.

FREDERIKE BEYER: KB & SD INSTRUCTOR

Thank you for the February newsletter! A great short course on goal setting :) and useful reminders that mindset and taking care of ourselves inside and outside the Dojo are an important part of training progress, too. Thank you also so much for putting together the Kung Fu information letter! Looking forward to reading through it more properly later and learn more about the fascinating history of the artform. Very timely, too, with Kung Fu grading just around the corner! It's been lovely having more of the newer Tuesday students take up Kung Fu, hopefully many more will follow their example, it's such a beautiful and fun martial art to learn! Looking forward to the grading event very soon :)

RYAN LUCAS-REID: KB & SD INSTRUCTOR

MAIL 1: Thank you so much for this month’s newsletter! Thank you for the full blackbelt list! it is almost unbelievable that I'm part of your KB Black Belt and Black Sash lists out of the thousands of students you have taught over the years!! I was thinking about the diversity between the ages and body types of your blackbelts and how you'd have navigated our own personal differences to get us to your standard. It's such an achievement to be on your list! ❤️ with the dates set for the next White and Blue Belt grading I wonder if any of the newer students will make it to your Black Belt corner. I still remember after the Orange belt grading you saying I could go all the way up to Black Belt if I wanted it enough, and I knew you'd be able to get me there. Congratulations to Jenny for coming in 1st on the first tournament of the year - she came in so strong, and her win was sensational! it's phenomenal having her training on Tuesdays again and I really enjoy getting in sets with her. It's great to have her top-level example to aim for. Missed you on Tuesday, the drone in class looked amazing! Confirming I’ll be at class on the 20th to support the graders - can’t wait to see all of your fine tuning and their hard work pay off and see their sashes awarded. Thank you for the offer of KB guidance and for always being so generous with your time and knowledge - it’s a rarity that people with so much to give are so open to sharing it. I really do value you and I don’t take you for granted.


MAIL 2: Thank you so much for yet another Kung Fu grading. My absolute highlight of the evening was you pushing the graders to deliver more power towards the end and seeing the whole room respond! I honestly believe that it absolutely could not be replicated anywhere else, it was a mini masterclass in motion and an absolute pleasure to be part of it. Congratulations to the dedicated Kung Fu graders for putting the work in and earning their sashes. I enjoyed celebrating their achievements and also seeing bond with you. Ruth pushing through her injuries and seeing you read the situation and guide her through the horse stance was incredible to witness. Kim for her dedication to putting in the time to learn her syllabus and constantly. It’s been great to see Ruth and Kim as a grading pair. Bess for getting such a high accolade from you and you pushing her to deliver more power in the grading. And Yas and Kailash taking their first sash - I cannot wait to see how far they go - hoping it’s all the way! Loved getting time in with you at the pub! Thank you for everything that you do, for being who you are and for getting us to our goals.

OTHER MEMBER COMMENTS

Thank you for the newsletter. As someone who loves lists and descriptions, that is very satisfying to have to hand and to check frequently and make sure I am improving. 🙂 Thank you for sharing the Black Belt + Black Sash list. I was emotional seeing my name on the Black Belt list, along with people who have inspired me and motivated me to keep going over the years. ❤️ It's very exciting to see that so many new members are deciding to start sparring and grading. I can't wait to see them progress and to help guide them in any way I can. 🙂 To everyone who is starting now, it may seem like an unsurmountable goal to aim for Black Belt, but it is not. It will take time, dedication, focus, commitment, and the most important ingredient in this recipe: Kelly. But if you really want to get there, you can and you will. Just remember to savour each moment of the journey, because what matters in the end is not the colour of the belt around your waist, but everything you learn, how much you change and the person you become along the way. Look forward to supporting the Kung Fu graders next week, and to welcoming the new group of White Belts to your classes the week after. 🙂 Kelly Fiestas Navas, KB Administrator, KB Black Belt, KF Purple Sash


Thank you for all of the time you have spent preparing me for my orange sash grading. I appreciate all the evenings you stayed late to give the graders more training and advice. Thank you so much for all you have poured into your school and students. Bess Cupo, KB Orange Belt, KF Orange Sash


Thanks for the update and newsletter. I really appreciate the list as it serves as a good summary of all the things we've learned from attending your school. 'Embracing the Learning Process' is one that stands out for me. I try to remind myself that at no point do you know it all, and the moment you think you do, you are no longer a martial artist in every sense of the word. Whilst the key wisdom and guidance comes from the instructors, I also believe that you can learn something from every single person who enters the room, and I've always tried to avoid the mindset that someone with a lower-ranked belt or less experience than me is unable to teach me something new. Sharing knowledge is a big part of the school for me, and thankfully something that occurs regularly as people are always happy to part with their pearls of wisdom. This is particularly welcoming from the active Black Belts, as it means they weren't just focused on their own achievements, but also in helping others achieve theirs too. When I'm assisting, I can sometimes get a feel for who might embark further into the journey as they tend to ask questions, listen, and then make efforts to improve. You can see that they have a hunger to learn, and without this mindset it would be very difficult to progress. It's very fulfilling to see this, so I can only imagine how satisfying it is for you. Adam Goulding, KB Brown Belt, KF Purple Sash


Thank you for the email. Amazing list of black belts! Alice Delarue, KB Green Belt


Hope you’re well. Just realised I hadn’t replied to the newsletter last week, so apologies for my tardiness. Thanks so much for putting together the newsletter for us - it was great to read as always. It was good to read about the principles guiding our journey, the importance of monthly inspirations and a reminder that the dojo is such a sanctuary for all of us. I loved seeing the list of all the Black Belts and Black Sashes from through the years. I remember almost all of the others from my time in the school :) Looking forward to the KF grading in a couple of weeks and seeing the graders with their shiny new sashes and seeing how they wear them in the pub afterwards! It’s been good to see them all preparing for the big day. Great to read too the email about the history of Lau Gar that got sent today - it’s good to know the roots of what we do. Funnily enough I happened across an interview with Master Yau online the other day, and that was really interesting to watch and hear what he had to say. Looking forward to the rest of the KB week! :) Neil Edwards, KB Black Belt, KF Purple Sash


Thanks for the newsletter, Kel.  Wow what a list! Brings back memories :)) xx Jane Hamilton, KB Black Belt, KF Black Sash


Thank you for the update and newsletter! All the principles you describe feed into and reinforce each other. Consistency and commitment require discipline. Embracing the learning process depends on respect and humility. When we show up every week (consistency) we improve our skill but also feel the warmth of our school's community. It's a wonderful, challenging virtuous cycle! Absolutely loved reading more about the history of our KF! I'd previously read a little about Lau Gar but some of the detail and information you've given is totally new to me and so interesting. Thank you! I've seen a few of Master Yau's interviews and read about him before, but I especially didn't know that Kevin Brewerton was taught by Master Yau! Cool to learn about our lineage. Even cooler that it goes back quite literally thousands of years! I'm honoured to be following in the footsteps of such an ancient tradition. Have a lovely week and see you tomorrow! Nick Viljoen, KB Orange Belt, KF Orange Sash


Thank you for this month’s newsletter. I can't believe we are in February already - where did January go?! I love your thoughts and principles on achieving success in martial arts. The world would be such a better place if everyone followed some of these. I am really looking forward to training this evening. Chris Taylor, KB Purple Belt, KF Orange Sash


Thank you for the newsletter - it’s a nice reminder about the many different aspects of training that come into play in martial arts. I’ve looked over the list of Black Belts and Black Sashes to see how many names belong to people that I know - all but one on the Black Sash list, but so many people I’ve never met on the Black Belt list. With the Black Belts I know from my years of training it almost feels like they are 'permanent fixtures' at the school and it’s hard to imagine that they might stop training at some point. I remember you saying that you just had to accept that people come and go, but seeing a list of names of people who had completed the long journey of training from beginner to the highest grade and who are not training anymore puts into perspective how long the history of the school is - and how many generations of Black Belts there have been. Zuzanna Slonina, KB Purple Belt, KF Yellow Sash


Thank you as always for taking the time to write the newsletter. It's a welcomed reminder of the pillars of the martial arts. I also read and liked the members' comments (especially Sonya's one which seems quite emotional). Khoi Truong, KB Brown Belt, KF Brown Sash


Thank you for the newsletter this month! I really love how you've phrased all of that wonderful advice, especially about realistic goal setting. It's so easy to feel a bit discouraged when there's a setback of some kind, but you're so right about the small victories that pave the way and that's sometimes what we need to focus on (as well as the opportunities for new belts and sashes!). There are so many opportunities with KB to learn new things and to keep growing as a martial artist. I also love the community engagement aspect, the KB family is one of the things that keeps me coming back every week and I think it's a rare and special thing. I'm very grateful for it! I absolutely loved reading all the comments this month, especially from Jess, Sonya and Sue reflecting on twenty years with KB.. We all learn so much from them, and really benefit from the time that all of the senior students give us in class - Sonya especially gives so much of her training time to helping us all! It's a very special part of KB and I really appreciate the ethos you've instilled in the school that makes it happen. Ruth MacLeod, KB Orange Belt, KF Blue Sash


Thank you for your patient teaching and refinement during this grading cycle (and always). I’m so grateful for your investment in my training and in my life. Kim Cupo, KB Green Belt, KF Blue Sash


Thank you for the encouraging words! This week's lesson plan was perfect for demonstrating that shuffling is not necessary for a KB class to be an absolute cardio blast 😁I also wanted to thank you for writing the note about the history of Kung Fu and the KB Kung Fu style - great to have all this information in one place. I didn't know about the specific characteristics that distinguish the different styles of Kung Fu and really enjoyed reading about that. Zuzanna Slonina, KB Purple Belt, KF Yellow Sash


Thanks for the KB Update. I will certainly try my best to be there to support the KF Graders on the 20th. Sue Pindar, KB Purple Belt, KF Orange Sash


Why train if you’re not getting a black belt? I am sorry I did not respond to your message. I don’t really read the group chat, but I will prioritise reading at least your messages to I can contribute for the lower grades. I definitely do want to become a black belt, it has been a goal for me since I started taking belts and I am eager to do all I can to achieve that goal. But if I could no longer take belts or if I could no longer attend in person classes I would still want to be a part of your school. To me KB is so much more than the belts we can achieve with your help, it’s taught me so much about attitude, endurance, fortitude, and confidence, even if taking belts was no longer possible for me training would always be a priority for me the energy your school gives is so vital, I cannot imagine life without kb. KB has always been such a positive influence on my life even without belts I would never want to lose that. I am so grateful for everything you do for us students and the environment you have created in your school. Bess Cupo, KB Orange Belt, KF Orange Sash


I've had a great past year in kickboxing and I'm so glad and thankful to have achieved my green belt. My training in the past year has been amazing and I have learned so much and I'm looking forward to learning and training more. Martha Sheldon, KB Green Belt


Thank you for the February newsletter and Kung Fu supplement. You give wise words for crafting a life that surpasses surviving to thriving. There are so many practical elements that one can implement for improvement in every area of life. Thank you for caring so much about the all around wellbeing of your students and community. Reading about the history and symbolism of the Kung Fu lineage we are a part of was really timely for me as I train to earn my next sash. Punch Blocks, walking techniques and my form are never far from my mind right now and it was a perfect time to appreciate the beauty of this martial art from a different perspective.  Thank you for taking the time to illuminate the form in so much depth. Kim Cupo, KB Green Belt, KF Blue Sash


Hope you’re well. Meant to reply yesterday and say thanks for the update email. Great to see the grading list for June - lovely to see Bess and Zuzanna are going for Purple and Brown, I know they’ll both smash it. Great to see Sue will be there too mocking Brown - it’s always lovely to have her in the dojo. Looking forward to it. Have a great weekend, and see you next week :) Neil Edwards, KB Black Belt, KF Purple Sash


Thank you for this month’s newsletter! 10,000 students through the course of KB history is so impressive, it’s really awe-inspiring to see how many of your students have made the commitment to go for black! I’m looking forward to the March white belt grading and the next tournament, so many exciting things this year! Thank you for sharing the history of Kung Fu! Really interesting especially as we head to grading next week! It’s really helpful to have all the Kung fu terminology listed here to brush up on before grading! Bess Cupo, KB Orange Belt, KF Orange Sash


Thank you for all your time and patience to get us up to standard. I’m really grateful. Ruth MacLeod, KB Orange Belt, KF Blue Sash

Thank you for taking the time to send out the newsletter and update. It’s very exciting that’s it’s Kung Fu grading day, all the graders have worked hard and tuned into your teaching and refining of their technique and are going to be super sharp. The way your students are able to excel in their gradings is a testament to the respect for martial arts and care to detail and accuracy that you instil in them and speaks to how passionate you are about KB Fitness. Unfortunately, I have lectures until 5pm tonight and won’t be able to make it into London in time to be there in person, but I will be joining on Facebook and look forward to virtually being a part of the grading Dojo. I am looking forward to being in class in person next week. Pearl Cupo, KB Green Belt, KF Blue Sash


Thank you very much for the update. I'm looking forward to the KF grading on Tuesday and to celebrating the graders afterwards! Thanks for sending the grading list for June - I’m really excited for it! It’s fantastic to see that so many of the current Blues are going for Green (and also to see myself going for Brown of course 😁) Zuzanna Slonina, KB Purple Belt, KF Yellow Sash


Thank you for tonight’s grading. I find Kung Fu gradings really mentally challenging as well as physically demanding. Your intuition about how far we could be pushed and your preparing us beforehand made all the difference. I am definitely inspired to build on what I’ve accomplished and refine my white and blue syllabus. I definitely need more practice shadow boxing and sparring in my Kung Fu training. I also need to work on hearing instructions with minimal time before acting. Thank you for sharing this beautiful martial arts form with us. Kim Cupo, KB Green Belt, KF Blue Sash


Thank you for collating the Newsletter this month. It was lovely reading everyone's thoughts and feelings regarding you, Dee, the school and training. Also, thank you for the Kung Fu Information, it was really informative and a great summary. Sonya Lynch, KB Black Belt, KF Black Sash


I wanted to message and say thank for Tuesday's grading! I'm really grateful for the time and effort you put into preparing us for it and for responding to how I was faring on the night. I'm very aware that it was not my finest grading - it's frustrating to say the least to have your body give out on you when you're really striving to do something. I am delighted to have passed, and also to feel like aspects of Kung Fu are starting to come together in my head, it felt like it took a long time for that to happen! Your patience and passion for teaching make such a difference to knowing we can all progress, I feel that many other schools wouldn't have that, and it's one of the reasons I love KB so much.I also wanted to mention a couple of the things about the school in general which always make grading a special time - firstly, the willingness of all the senior grades to give us their time and advice. Sonya, Jess, Beth and Fredi all answered questions (most of which were just over-thinking), corrected us, reassured us and gave us advice! The second thing is that the whole school pulls together to encourage, from wishing people luck to incredibly loud ki-ais when graders need that collective boost. I know that stems from the ethos you've instilled across the whole school, and I'm so grateful for it. I'm looking forward to getting to wear my new sash next week! Ruth MacLeod, KB Orange Belt, KF Blue Sash


Thank you so much for grading yesterday! Getting a new belt or sash is always such a high! I cannot wait to start learning all of my new orange sash things! Thank you for all of the effort you put into every grading, and for always pushing us to do our best. Bess Cupo, KB Orange Belt, KF Orange Sash

KB SELF DEFENCE

If you were grabbed, pinned to a wall, bent over, or dragged to the floor, would you actually know what to do to escape? If you don't, why not make sure you do know, by attending our KB Self Defence Classes. Unfortunately, all too often, we are teaching victims of crime. I would like to think that you are forward thinking: better to know it and not to need it, than to need to it and not to know it. If you've not attended a KB Self Defence class before, you really should. We'd hate for you to be subjected to an attack, without ever having attended our classes. Make sure you have done all you can to help protect yourself; bring your loved ones too. Classes are on Monday at 7pm and Thursday at 6pm, or available online 24/7.
  

KB TOURNAMENT LEAGUE

All levels are welcome to compete - sign up for this year's events. Or just come and watch it; it's such a great opportunity to see the school's fighters in action and for you to see what the lesson plans are gearing towards. A KB Member's comments about competing:

"I wanted to mention anyway for your feedback section what a wonderful atmosphere it was in particular this Sunday at the tournament. I love competing so I always sign up whenever I can make it. I was encouraged to sign up for my first one as a blue belt after I went to watch and thought how amazing it was, and even though I was unbelievably nervous the first time, the wonderful encouraging cheer everybody gave me really made my day. Since then I haven't looked back. So I'd encourage anyone else who hasn't competed to give it a try as well, even if you think it wouldn't usually be your thing :)"

2024 KB LEAGUE DATES: 19 Mar | 9 Jun | 20 Aug | 15 Oct | 15 Dec

NEW ADDRESS/MOBILE NUMBER?

It is important that we have your accurate details on file, for insurance purposes. Please inform Kelly FN if you have a new address or phone number.

Take care and enjoy your classes.

Kelly (KB)