My 9 year-old daughter took the 3-hour C.O.B.R.A self-defense course. She loved it! The instructor was very informative, and made the course very interactive. The time passed quickly, and the kids absorbed the information like sponges. I feel more comfortable sending my child out into the world with the information and techniques she learned.

I stumbled across Empower Boxing Tampa accidentally, and decided to call on it the next day. When I did, I was fortunate to speak directly with James (Owner and Head Instructor). Having trained competitively in kickboxing in the past in a gym that was hardcore in it's style and in training competitors both amateur and pro, I had list of things that I was looking for as well as not looking for in a boxing/kickboxing gym, and he was gracious enough to take the time to go through my list on the phone. Instead of a high pressured sales pitch, James was honest about what he and his gym could do to meet my desires in a gym, and we also discussed what his gym was all about. The conversation left me pleasantly surprise, thoroughly appreciative, and impressed by James. I was then invited to come in and try a free class. Two days later, I arrived for my trial class somewhat nervous and apprehensive since I had tried a number of other gyms and was disappointed by them. I was greeted by James and his wife, Samantha, who both made me feel very welcome and comfortable. I was given tour of the gym which included heavy bags, weights, and cardio equipment, before the class. The class itself was absolutely AMAZING. It exceeded any and every expectation I had. I couldn't sign up for more fast enough. Since that first class, I have learned that James has over 25 years or more of martial arts training and experience in a variety of different styles. From observing James, it is obvious that he didn't just learn martial arts, he drove himself to perfect the techniques to the best of his ability. I've been fortunate to work with a number of pros in the past, and I still get surprised and impressed by James' very high level of skill which surpasses a number of those pros. He has an extremely deep passion and love for martial arts and it shows. Another area of knowledge that James has a strong foundation in is strength training. I had not done much strength training before coming to Empower Boxing Tampa and never really considered it. However, after taking one of the Strength Training classes regularly offered, I fell in love with it. It's just like having a personal trainer working with you the entire time, and it pairs so well with the Basics/Boxing/Kickboxing classes. I was suprised by how much I enjoyed it. Another of James' passions is teaching C.O.B.R.A.™ (Combat Objective Battle Ready Applications) classes. C.O.B.R.A.™ is a highly effective self-defense system. I have taken Risk Management and RAD classes in the past, and the effective way James teaches this class combined with his use of scenarios makes this one of the best, most useful, and most practical classes out there for anyone wishing to learn self-defense. I highly recommend it. James is an exceptionally skilled teacher. His passions for what he teaches are contagious, his classes are fun, and the atmosphere is motivating. The classes are all well structured but not rigid in its format, which allows James to easily adapt them to fit the individual needs and goals of each student. The format also allows James to give personal attention to each student attending so if you prefer more to work on the techniques or want to focus more on the fitness side, it is available to you in each class. If a group class isn't your thing, or if you wish take advantage of James' vast knowledge that expands beyond what he offers for classes at the gym, he also does private lessons. No matter what class you take or how you choose to workout at the gym, you are always encouraged to work at your own pace so there is no pressure other than to enjoy your workout. James' attitude is both positive and encouraging which naturally transfers to other members to make the gym an overall awesome experience.

I first went into Empower Boxing Tampa with my fiancé to take COBRA Self Defense Academy. It's seven weeks into the 10 week program and she is already more confident in being able to get out of sticky situations and recognize threats before they become more than that. James, one of the instructors and owner of Empower Boxing told us that while we were in the academy we were free to come to any of the Empower Boxing classes and use their gym facilities as well. The next day I tried out one of the MMA classes because I thought I was in pretty good shape. I made it through the class, but barely. Talk about a FUN and INTENSE workout. Empower has heavier bags than the other boxing gyms around, which means way better resistance training. I've now taken each type of class, and my fiancé has even taken a couple kick boxing classes with me. Even she loves the workout. James goes around and gives one on one attention to make sure you have the correct technique, but more importantly so you don't hurt yourself. It been 6 weeks now and I still feel it after every session and I'm already seeing results! I've done p90x, insanity:asylum, and multiple other workouts. This is the best!