06/10/2026
As a team, we learn from each other’s successes and setbacks. We support one another, keep moving forward and celebrate every milestone. Today, it’s time to celebrate Ruby’s incredible achievement.
Would 10-year-old Ruby, holding her award after her first grading, have known what a world championship was? Could she have imagined one day becoming a World Cup champion?
Ruby’s journey has taken 6 years of hard work. She kept training when friends moved on, earned her black belt in just over three years and made the Scotland team at her first attempt. But dispite these success, like every student, she faced setbacks along the way.
At her first three major international tournaments, Ruby was beaten in the very first round of individual sparring. But she kept going. On her fourth attempt, she won gold in individual sparring at the largest ITF World Cup on record, and also claimed her first silver medal in special technique.
This message isn’t only for students who dream of winning medals. Every journey is different. Some people take longer to reach black belt. Some are still working towards their first grading, while others measure progress in the confidence to keep showing up. Every step forward counts.
A black belt is a white belt who never gave up. A champion is a competitor who never gave up.
Whatever your goal, keep working, keep learning and trust the process. Your journey is your own, and every step matters. 🥋🏆
