We recently welcomed one of our company ambassadors, double Olympic bronze medalist in taekwondo, Bianca Cook (formally Walkden). Since retiring from GB taekwondo, Bianca has branched into er new venture called Strike Fitness Events, focused on empowering women through fitness, self-defence, and related training.
Bianca is a three-time World Champion, four-time European Champion, five-time Grand Prix Champion, double Olympic medalist, and a former world number one for seven years. Bianca has also worked as a sports commentator and pundit for BBC Sport, Sky Sports Boxing, and Total Kombat.
It was a fantastic opportunity to welcome Bianca along with two further high performing Taekwondo athletes (Stephanie and Aaron) to our Kent offices to deliver one of her sessions to part of our team. Her new venture, Strike Fitness, Bianca delivers these women focused group fitness events which incorporates:
- Dynamic striking or kick-based movement (derived from taekwondo)
- Self-defense fundamentals
- Fitness conditioning (cardio, strength, agility)
- Possibly motivational or empowering messaging, drawing from Bianca’s elite-athlete journey
Personal Safety & Self-Reliance = power!
Self-defence training gives women practical tools to protect themselves in threatening situations. Sessions like these are structured around increasing confidence, preparedness, and situational awareness. Bianca is keen for her sessions to help women to know how to respond in moments of danger.
Building Confidence & Mental Strength
Confidence in the body translates to confidence in life, at work or in public spaces. Furthermore, physical fitness and self-defence both help build inner resilience. Whether it’s learning how to throw a punch or completing a tough workout, women gain:
- A sense of achievement
- Increased confidence in their physical and emotional strength
- A mindset that says: “I can handle myself.”
Community & Solidarity
Taking part in sessions like Bianca Cook’s Strike Fitness Events don’t just offer training, they create safe, supportive environments where women can:
- Share experiences
- Uplift one another
- Learn without judgment
- Empower each other
Challenging Gender Norms
For too long, martial arts, combat sports, and strength training were seen as “male domains.” Women taking up space in these arenas challenge those outdated ideas. Every woman who trains is making a quiet statement: “We belong here too.”
Ripple Effect on Society
When women feel strong and safe, it affects everything:
- They’re more likely to speak up
- More likely to lead
- More likely to help others feel safe and strong too
Bianca won Olympic bronze medals in both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. Despite recovering from multiple knee surgeries, she continued competing in major events, including the World Grand Prix Final and the European Championships.
Why Bianca Cook’s Approach Matters
As a former GB Taekwondo champion, Bianca isn’t just teaching techniques; she’s living proof that women can dominate in strength, strategy, and sport. She truly brought her passion for this project to our offices, and her energy rippled through our entire building. Her initiative is about passing that torch on to others, especially those who might never have thought of themselves as “fighters.” Bianca says, “It’s not just about fighting. It’s about being fearless.”
Her presence sparked conversations about confidence, resilience, and the importance of empowering every individual to see their own potential. Sessions with Bianca offered far more than a workout, they created a sense of community and inspiration that will stay with our team long after the gloves are off.
If you’re considering joining or supporting a program like Strike Fitness Events, you’re not just learning moves, you’re stepping into a movement.
Click here to watch the videos of our sessions and find information of how to sign up for your own company session. Bianca would love your support!
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