The SCFC Ōpōtiki Kickboxing and Boxing Club is full of vibes, incredible people and has a fantastic environment.

Numbers are strong and members love being part of the club whether it’s just training or competing.

Head coach Tairongo Hudson opened the door hoping to create a real sense of community and a family feel. Six years later – the club will celebrate its sixth birthday this month – he is proud of what has been achieved.

It’s been a roller coaster ride at times.

“Since our opening, the gym has seen numbers skyrocket and dwindle due to the different seasonal commitments in the community,” he said.

“The highest number the club has reached is 72 students – and there have been times when it’s been like a ghost town.”

Hudson has enjoyed seeing people in the community give the sport a go.

“The highlight for this year’s season has been hosting our club’s first major sanctioned show back in June and one of our fighters being selected to represent the WMF New Zealand Muay Thai team in Thailand in March 2027.”

Internally, he has received a lot of satisfaction from watching students of all ages grow through the seasons, be it with discipline, skill or fitness.”

Three-quarters of the year may have passed but there’s still plenty lined up for the club’s fighters and Hudson is hoping to generate some community support.

“The club has about another six events this year to attend all over the North Island. So, a lot more travelling is required,” he said.

“If anyone would love to help support us getting to these events by making a donation, we’d really appreciate it; these events are what the kids look forward to.”

He welcomes anyone to the club, whether they want to fight or just improve their fitness.

“The club is a place where people from all walks of life come in and strive to become better than they were yesterday.

“Yes, it’s hard gruelling work, but once you understand what your goals are, it becomes a part of your life.”

Hudson said they planned to continue working hard in hope of seeing future New Zealand titles make their way to Ōpōtiki.

“Moving forward, the goal would be to bring national titles home to Ōpōtiki. To have champions that train and fight out of Ōpōtiki is the major goal.”

Anyone wanting to join is welcome to come along one of the evenings and see if they enjoy it. Adult boxing classes are Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5.30pm. There is kickboxing at 5.30pm on Tuesday and Thursday.

The club also has early morning sessions at 5.30am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The classes are suitable for adults and teenagers.

A grassroots inhouse show is planned for October 10 at the Ōpōtiki College Hall.

Hudson invites people to come along and enjoy some action.

The entry fee is $15 for adults and teens, $5 for children with under-fives, free.

“Timmie Thai will be joining us at our event to share her authentic Thai food.”