BY FRANCESCA RAPISARDA
When Kelly Bunyan founded KB Fitness in 1999, her vision went beyond fitness. “My goal was to offer a place where people could feel safer, more confident, and more empowered,” she explains. “It is better to know something rather than nothing. I wanted to build an environment where people do not just get fit, but learn skills that make them walk taller and believe in their ability to protect themselves.”
Today, that mission feels more urgent than ever.
Self-Defence as a Rising Trend
Recent statistics show why these classes are no longer a niche. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), for the year ending March 2025, about one in eight women in England and Wales (around 3.2 million) experienced at least one of sexual assault, stalking, or domestic abuse in a 12-month period.
Domestic abuse remains widespread: The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimates that 9.5% of women (about 2.3 million) experienced domestic abuse in the last year. Over their lifetimes, nearly 30% of women (around 7.4 million) report having experienced domestic abuse since age 16.
Worryingly, younger women are seeing especially alarming trends. According to Reuters, a report by abuse charity Refuge found a rise in violent threats, including strangulation and suffocation, among girls and young women aged 16-25.
On top of this, there’s a growing sense of personal vulnerability in everyday life. A recent poll in London found that more than half of women report they do not feel safe on the streets, with many having experienced verbal harassment, strange following, or worse.
KB Fitness: Building More Than Just Strength
Darling Magazine spoke with Kelly Bunyan, founder of KB Fitness, to understand how she’s seen this shift firsthand.
“Yes, demand is definitely growing. Rising awareness of personal safety in London, along with stories in the media, have made more women think about preparing themselves. Many want the reassurance that they are not helpless if confronted,” said Bunyan.
For many women, the hardest step is walking into the first class.
“Most women arrive with similar worries,” Bunyan admits. “Many feel nervous about physical contact, especially if they have never trained in this way before. Some worry they are not strong enough, not fit enough, or that they will not pick things up quickly. Others are anxious about looking out of place as beginners.”
To counter this, KB Fitness is built on inclusivity. “We welcome everyone regardless of age, fitness level, or previous experience. There is no pressure to be perfect. The atmosphere is supportive and designed to help people feel safe while learning.”
The Human Impact
Some of the most powerful proof of KB Fitness’s impact comes from the stories students share.
Bunyan recalls one in particular: “One student came to us after a violent attack and shared that she felt broken and worthless at the time. Through training she regained her confidence and described herself as an empowered version of who she had been before. Not feeling fractured, and having some tools we can draw upon if the worst happened, is a great place to start from.”
Beyond the Techniques
For Bunyan, the true power of self-defence lies beyond physical techniques: “We blend practical techniques with teaching awareness, street safety, and mindset. Students learn about the law and how to make safe choices, not just how to block or strike. Progress is gradual and encouraging, helping students celebrate each step and strengthen belief in themselves.”
Ultimately, she hopes women take away more than skills: “I want women to leave feeling confident, capable, and connected. The techniques are important, but the biggest gift is the sense of empowerment and inner strength. I hope every woman who trains with us realises that she is stronger than she thought, that she deserves to take up space, and that she is not alone.”
Misconceptions, Resilience & Real Impact
Bunyan says one big misconception is that self-defence equates with aggression or violence. Instead, she emphasises awareness, mental resilience, and mindset are what matter most, and that physical techniques are always the last resort.
“Another misconception is that strength or size are what matter most. In truth, the techniques we teach can be applied by anyone, regardless of their build,” said Bunyan.
Another myth: that you must be strong, fit, or already experienced. In KB Fitness’s experience, 99.9% of students start as complete beginners; what’s more meaningful is willingness, consistency, and courage.
“Finally, some assume that self-defence guarantees safety, when in fact awareness and avoidance remain the most important tools,” she concludes.
Looking Ahead: Why Demand Is Growing
Bunyan confirms demand is rising in London. Media coverage of assault, harassment, and vulnerabilities, both in public space and private, has made many women reflect: What if something happens? Am I prepared?
More people are no longer willing to feel helpless. They want to walk alone without fear, go out at night and feel safe, have personal space, and know at least they are doing something rather than nothing.
Beyond physical techniques, Bunyan hopes women take away something deeper: confidence, capability, connection. Feeling that they deserve to take up space, that they are not alone, and that they are stronger than they thought.
KB Fitness: A Movement, Not Just a Class
In Bunyan’s words: “It’s better to know something rather than nothing.” KB Fitness is proof that learning self-defence isn’t just about preparing for worst-case scenarios, it’s about living with a stronger heart, clearer boundaries, and a belief in one’s capacity to protect oneself.
With rising concerns about women’s safety, self-defence training is no longer just an option; it feels essential. As Bunyan says: “Nobody, including our instructors, is safe or immune from danger. But having some tools we can draw upon if the worst happened, is a great place to start from.”
If you walk out of a class with a sharper eye, a steadier heart, or just knowing you might be able to act if needed, that in itself is powerful.
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