“When I think of kickboxing,” trainer Barbie Miller said, “I think of a lot of things. I think about my life. I think about my challenges. I think about things I’ve been defeated at.”

More than a dozen women arrayed on yoga mats at LINC’s women’s self-defense and kickboxing program at Morning Star Youth and Family Life Center in Kansas City were listening as Miller continued:

“But I’ll never be defeated if I never give up,” she said. “You only lose when you quit trying.”

Watch the video

The three week course in October is just the start of programming LINC wants to add to the health and wellness activities it provides its community, said LINC Athletic Director Jason Ervin.

Miller, who teamed with co-trainers Kevin Morgan and Marion Petty III, talked before the session about the spirit of what they are trying to bring, the message they want to send and the strength in the collaboration with women who are joining the program through LINC.

Miller herself has overcome poor health — she once weighed 460 pounds — and been in a traumatic situation where she wished she had learned some of the self-defense and strength training she is doing now.

“It’s become very important to me to get my health back and to really encourage women,” Miller said. “It’s never too late to start. “You never know what you’re capable of until you try.”