Empower Academy

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Empower Academy

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~ Instructor Tara Ruff: 1st Dan Blackbelt in the Martial Art kickboxing
~ Kickboxing and self safety training/coaching
~ Group training sessions
~ One-on-one tutoring
~ All levels of fitness + experience welcome

21/06/2026

Actions speak louder than words... and these students are speaking volumes.

Some of our students may be a little camera shy, but they're certainly not shy when it comes to hard work, commitment, and giving their best every time they step onto the floor.

I don't need to tell you what Empower Academy is all about—our students have already done that for me.

If you're looking for a supportive environment where confidence, fitness, resilience, and real kickboxing skills are developed, send me a message to find out more. 👊🔥

16/06/2026

📣 Exciting Changes Coming Next Term! 📣

As many of you know, Empower Academy has been growing rapidly, and I am incredibly grateful for the support of our amazing students and families.

One thing that has always been important to me is maintaining the quality of the experience for every student. Smaller class sizes allow me to provide more individual coaching, better feedback, and ensure every student gets the attention they deserve.

Because of the Academy's continued growth, there will be some changes to our timetable next term to accommodate additional classes and create more space across our programmes.

I believe this will help us continue delivering the high-quality training environment that makes Empower Academy special.

I'll be sharing full details very soon, so keep an eye on your emails, WhatsApp groups, and social media channels for updates.

Thank you for being part of the Empower Academy whānau. The future is looking exciting! 👊🔥

Tara Ma'am

13/06/2026

# # Our First Empower Academy Junior Black Belt

There are moments as an instructor that remind you exactly why you do what you do. Watching **Alexander Roehricht** achieve his Junior Black Belt is one of those moments.

Alexander has trained at Empower Academy for over three years, and throughout that journey he has consistently demonstrated what it truly means to be a martial artist. While he possesses natural athletic ability and impressive technical skill, it is his character that sets him apart.

From the day he first stepped onto the mats, Alexander has shown unwavering determination, resilience, respect, and integrity. He has embraced every challenge, pushed through every obstacle, and continued to grow not only as a kickboxer but as a young leader.

A Black Belt is never just about punches, kicks, or grading results. It represents years of commitment, discipline, and personal growth. Alexander has earned every bit of this achievement through hard work, consistency, and a willingness to learn.

What makes me most proud is the way he supports those around him. Whether encouraging a nervous beginner, helping a teammate improve their technique, or leading by example through his attitude and work ethic, Alexander embodies the values we strive to teach at Empower Academy.

As our **first Empower Academy-born Junior Black Belt**, Alexander has created a piece of Academy history. He has set the standard for those who follow and shown our younger students what is possible when effort, perseverance, and belief in yourself come together.

Alexander, this Black Belt is not the end of your journey—it is the beginning of the next chapter. I could not be prouder of the young man you have become, and I am honoured to have been part of your journey.

**Congratulations, Master Alexander Roehricht. Your Empower Academy family is incredibly proud of you. 🥋👊**

07/06/2026

🥋 GRADING SUCCESS 🥋

What a day! 👊

I had the privilege of watching so many Empower Academy students step onto the floor, give it their all, and achieve their next belt.

As an instructor, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the hard work, commitment and determination that has been put in over the past few months come together on grading day.

Every belt earned today represents hours of training, countless repetitions, perseverance through challenges, and the courage to keep showing up and improving.

I am incredibly proud of every single student who graded. Not just because of the belts they achieved, but because of the effort, attitude and resilience they demonstrated along the way.

The standard of kickboxing on display was outstanding, but even more impressive was the respect, support and encouragement shown towards one another throughout the day.

I was also incredibly humbled by the support shown throughout the day by students who aren't actively training at the moment but are still very much part of the Empower Academy whānau.

It was equally inspiring to see students who had already completed their grading stay on to support, encourage and help their peers. Nobody was told to do it—they simply chose to.

That speaks volumes about the culture we are building together.

Empower Academy, you make me incredibly proud. It's not just the kickboxing standards that impress me, it's the respect, kindness, teamwork and support you show one another every step of the way. 👊❤️

Congratulations to everyone who achieved their next belt. Enjoy the moment, celebrate your success, and then get ready...

The journey continues. 💥

Ngā mihi

Tara 👊

01/06/2026

Great kickboxers aren't born — they're built. 👊

At Empower Academy, excellence comes from showing up, putting in the work, and striving to improve every single session.

Through consistent training, discipline, focus and resilience, our students are developing into skilled kickboxers and confident individuals both on and off the floor.

We're incredibly proud of the standards our students continue to set and the progress they make every week.

One session at a time. One belt at a time. One goal at a time. 💥

23/05/2026

GRADING DAY IS HERE

SUNDAY 24th MAY 2026

This is your chance to step up, trust your training, and show how far you’ve come 👊

Remember — grading isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about courage, effort, discipline, and heart.

Every session you showed up to…
every drill and combo you repeated…
every time you pushed through when it got tough…

THAT is what got you here.

Now it’s time to back yourself.

I believe in every single one of you and I’m incredibly proud of the mahi that’s been put in leading up to this grading.

Take a deep breath.
Trust your training.
GO FOR IT.

You’ve got this.

THIS IS GOING TO BE EPIC

Ngā mihi
Ms Ruff 👊

10/05/2026

🔥 Want to get fit… but don’t want it to feel like a slog?

Come and try our Fun Fitness Kickboxing Class 👊

A high-energy, supportive class where you’ll learn real kickboxing skills, move your body, de-stress and actually enjoy your workout.

No pressure. No ego. No need to already be fit.

Just good people, good energy and a fun way to get moving 🙌

The best part?
You’re so busy having fun and learning something new… getting fitter becomes the by-product 🔥

✔ All fitness levels welcome
✔ Beginner friendly
✔ Great stress release
✔ Build fitness, confidence & strength

Led by 2nd Degree Master Tara Ruff

📍 Gulf Harbour
🗓 Thursdays
⏰ 7–8pm

💥 FIRST CLASS FREE

✨ You’re here, you’re moving, you’re winning! ✨

Message to book your spot 👊

08/05/2026

Kia ora team 👊

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”

Every training session leading into grading is a choice.
A choice to improve.
A choice to keep showing up.
A choice to back yourself even when it feels hard.

I believe in every single one of you and I’m incredibly proud of the work being put in.

If you believe you can do it, I’ll back you all the way.
Now is the time to trust your training, keep practicing, and give it your best.

YOU CAN DO IT 👊

Ngā mihi
Ms Ruff 👊

04/05/2026

Grading Day is here — Sunday 24th May

This is where the hard work shows.
Every session, every rep, every bit of effort… it all builds to this moment.

Grading isn’t just about belts —
it’s about confidence, discipline, and stepping up when it counts.

⏰Arrive 15 minutes early
⚫️ Full uniform required (Yellow belts and above)
📣 Stay and support your team — this matters just as much as your own grading
⚫️Remember your etiquette

Whether it’s your first grading or your next step up…
◼️give it your best
◼️back yourself
◼️enjoy the process

We’re proud of every single one of you

Let’s go team

29/04/2026

You can also follow on Instagram to see more.

Address

Otara

Telephone

+64212355431

Website

http://www.empoweracademy.nz/

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