When ballroom dancer Kelly Broerse decided to swap her sequinned dresses and fake tan for a pair of shiny shorts – and yes, facial bruising – to become a champion Muay Thai kickboxer, her mother was initially “devastated”.
But after her parents saw her win her first fights, the 33-year-old laughs her mum has evolved from being heartbroken to passionately shouting, “Kill her, Kelly!” during her bouts.
“She just needed to know I’d be okay because it’s quite an intimidating thing to watch your daughter do,” says Kelly, a forensic scientist, who is mum to 10-month-old son Noah.
“She used to do my make-up for ballroom dancing and Dad used to come to the shows and fuss with the music. They were really involved. Now they come to all my fights and love it.”
Christchurch-born Kelly discovered combat sports after watching mixed martial arts (MMA) movie Never Back Down when she was 21.
“I was bored with Latin American dance, but when I saw that movie, I thought, ‘I can do that!’ and joined the Academy of Combat. I was hooked from day one on Muay Thai and kickboxing.
"It might have surprised my parents, but it didn't surprise my three older brothers as I was a bit of a tomboy, always play-fighting with them.”
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 08, 2024-Ausgabe von New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 08, 2024-Ausgabe von New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK