Lilia Shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year at the Thames Valley Business Awards
We are incredibly proud to share that Lilia was shortlisted to the final three — and on the night progressed to the final two — for Apprentice of the Year at the Thames Valley Business Awards.
To stand on that stage among the very best apprentices across all industries in the region was a huge achievement. To make it through to the final two was a moment none of us will forget.
But this recognition is about far more than a trophy. It represents years of dedication, growth, service and leadership.
From Shy 9-Year-Old to Full-Time Instructor
Lilia joined Storm Family Martial Arts in 2018 as a shy white belt at just nine years old. She was one of our founding members.
Since then, she has progressed through every level of our structured leadership pathway:
- A-Team Assistant (helping 4–6 year olds)
- First ever A-Team Captain
- Assistant Coach
- Coach (1:2:1 support for new students)
- Assistant Instructor
- Full Instructor
- 2nd Dan Black Belt
Her journey is not accidental. It is the result of consistent effort, humility, coachability and an extraordinary work ethic.
As the Headmaster of ACS International School Egham wrote in his testimonial:
“In 30 years in education… Lilia stands out as someone with rare potential.”
He praised her structured lessons, authentic teaching style, high expectations, warmth and professionalism — qualities many educators take decades to develop.
More Than an Apprentice
Lilia’s contribution to Storm goes far beyond her apprenticeship job description.
Over the past year alone she has:
- Chaired a board meeting with directors at Nest Management
- Organised a seminar with Olympic Champion rower Gillian Lindsay on Goal Setting
- Helped run charity self-defence seminars supporting DASH
- Contributed to fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support
- Created and documented operational systems to strengthen our office processes
- Organised guest seminars with some of the UK’s most respected martial arts instructors
- Led a full personal development away day for 25 junior coaches at a five-star venue
She is also Head of our Dragons programme (ages 4–6), with responsibility for recruitment, retention, lesson planning, marketing and profitability — all under mentorship as part of her entrepreneurial development.
The Impact You Can’t Measure on a Spreadsheet
The awards judges saw the numbers.
But what truly sets Lilia apart is the human impact.
Parent testimonials consistently use words like:
- Kind
- Patient
- Inspiring
- Professional
- Wise beyond her years
One parent described her as “the heartbeat” of Storm.
Another shared how their son, struggling in sparring against a bigger opponent, received calm, tactical advice from Lilia that changed his confidence instantly.
Children don’t just improve their technique under her guidance. They grow in resilience, self-belief and leadership.
Every week, Lilia presents Storm Community Awards to children who perform random acts of kindness — reinforcing our culture that martial arts excellence must be matched by character.
Quietly, without publicity, she donates part of her own salary to WaterAid and ActionAid — something we only discovered by chance.
That tells you everything about her character.
International Recognition
Lilia recently completed a gruelling four-hour grading to earn her 2nd Dan Black Belt.
She has also been selected to represent Team GB at the Kickboxing World Championships in Spain — a remarkable achievement at her age and stage of development.
Her journey from white belt to international competitor, full-time instructor and regional awards finalist is extraordinary.
Why This Matters
At Storm, we believe martial arts should develop champions for life — not just on the mats, but in classrooms, workplaces and communities.
Lilia is living proof that structured mentorship, high standards and long-term personal development can transform a young person into a leader of real substance.
Making the final two at the Thames Valley Business Awards is recognition of that journey.
We couldn’t be prouder.
And the best part?
She’s only just getting started.
