Reflections on 2024

As the year draws to a close, it feels incredible to reflect on how quickly 2024 has passed. Maybe it’s an age thing—my parents used to say it, and now I find myself agreeing. But the truth is, time flies when you’re busy, love what you’re doing and surrounded by a great community.

This year marked a monumental milestone for the club with our 20th Anniversary Celebrations. It’s a significant achievement, and one that fills me with pride and gratitude. This time of year provides a welcome pause, and a chance to reflect not just on the milestones but also on the incredible people that make our club so special.

Growth and Opportunity in 2024
A core value of our club is growth, and this year we’ve embraced that wholeheartedly by adding new opportunities for our members. The introduction of Junior Warriors, Beginner Kids, Teens, and Ladies classes has brought fresh energy to the timetable. While we experimented with evening fitness classes, attendance was inconsistent, leading us to focus instead on what we do best: kickboxing. Trying new things, learning, and pivoting is all part of our growth mindset. We remain committed to evolving and creating the best possible environment for our members.

Gradings have continued to serve as powerful milestones in our students’ martial arts journeys. These achievements go beyond belts—they represent dedication, perseverance, and self-belief. This year, we held 40 gradings and implemented a clear calendar for 2024 to help students and families plan their progression. Next year, we’ll introduce even more resources to support student development, including visual tools to map out grading progress and goals. Growth isn’t just about what happens on the mats—it’s about building life skills and confidence.

An early highlight of 2024 was our Ladies Beginner Course in January. This group brought so much enthusiasm and positivity to the classes, and many of them are still training with us today. It’s a reminder of how taking the first step can lead to transformative growth, both physically and mentally. We look forward to offering this course again and welcoming more people into our community.

Celebrating Excellence and Commitment
Our students continue to inspire us with their achievements. In June, Ruby, Sam, and Malcolm competed at the WKA World Championships, marking their largest tournament yet. These three have spent years training at the club, demonstrating a level of hard work, grit, and determination that embodies our values. Their performances were inspiring, earning 2 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze medals. They fought with the hearts of lions, and we couldn’t be prouder.

In September, we celebrated another significant milestone as Callum and Malcolm joined the Black Belt Club. Their journeys are proof of how martial arts instils lifelong qualities. It’s not just about the belt—it’s about the person you become along the way. It’s been a privilege to coach them and watch them grow into fine young men.

Celebration and Giving Back
Our 20th anniversary celebrations were a testament to the strength of our community. We hosted two unforgettable events, each reflecting different aspects of what makes Fife Kickboxing special.
The Family Fun Day in September was filled with joy, laughter, and connection. From stocks and stalls to bouncy castles and dinosaur races, the day was about bringing people together and giving back. Thanks to everyone who participated, we raised £618.24 for CHAS and Fife Gingerbread.

In November, we stepped into the spotlight with our Celebration Ball. Held at the Forrester Park Resort, this glamorous evening was a wonderful celebration of two decades of the club. With music from Bahookie and an amazing crowd, it was truly a night to remember. We’re also proud to have raised £1,200 for Andy’s Man Club and the Scottish Men’s Shed Association, supporting men’s mental health in our community.

The Power of Community
“It takes a village” has never felt more true. Our club thrives because of the incredible people who bring their energy to everything we do. With 29 staff members and volunteers, our team is the backbone of Fife Kickboxing. From the smiling faces at reception to the dedicated instructors on the mats, every person plays a crucial role in creating a welcoming, empowering space for our members.

I’d like to thank all the staff and volunteers for their warmth and positivity. You have been unwavering pillars of support on the mats and behind the scenes. It’s through collective effort—our instructors, coaches, customer service assistants and, most importantly, our members—that we’ve built a club that truly a great place to work and train.

Looking Ahead to 2025
As we step into 2025, we’re filled with excitement and optimism, but we’re also mindful of the challenges that come with growth. The club is larger than it has ever been, and with that comes the need for stronger communication and organisation. We’re committed to improving how we connect with our members, including adding a members-only area on our website to host resources like syllabuses and grading information. We’ll also continue to share updates through our weekly email newsletter and Facebook group.

Economic pressures remain a reality, and we’ll be reviewing our pricing structure in April to ensure the sustainability of the club while continuing to provide excellent value. At the same time, we’re exploring new timetabling and pricing models to better meet the needs of our diverse membership base.

I leave you with a wish for the year ahead: May 2025 bring you good health, vitality, and joy. May you achieve your goals and continue to grow into the best version of yourself.

And from the wisdom of old Scotland, I say: “Lang May Yer Lum Reek”—a warm blessing for a long, happy life filled with prosperity and purpose. Here’s to us!