It started off as a way to get fit, but now Tauranga woman Lola Ferber is kicking her way to the top on the world stage.

The 22-year-old is a recognised world champion in kickboxing, and is also competing in muay thai three years after she first stepped into a gym.

Lola also holds three New Zealand kickboxing titles from the World Kickboxing Federation, most recently scoring the muay thai middleweight title in Hamilton.

One of her coaches, Melissa Dykes, has witnessed Lola transform from her first day entering the gym into seeing her get ready to compete in Ireland, representing the WKF and Karate Association. 'She's one of my easiest students. Nothing is ever a problem. She's really a dream student. When she first came to us she was a lot less fit than she is now. Not even three months later I could tell she had a real talent. You can really tell when someone has something special.

'Within the last two years she's just gone from strength to strength. She's got three NZ titles, competed overseas; she's just an amazing girl.”

Melissa says there is now just one hurdle left. 'We've run out of opponents for her in the country. The 72-75kg weight class is quite small here. So unfortunately she's had to fight her opponents quite a few times.”

This to Melissa is a sign it's time for Lola to go overseas, which could land her on the world stage full-time. Lola says the best feeling she gets preparing for a fight is walking out knowing she's 'done everything” she can to prepare herself. 'When you win, it's this overwhelming feeling all the effort you have put in is worth it. There's a whole lot of excitement and emotions.”

The strategy and quick-thinking is almost like a game of chess, according to the rising star. 'It's all about trying to figure out what your opponent is going to do and trying to do something to counter it, almost like outsmarting them.”

Lola moved to Tauranga from Germany in 2015, and joined Tauranga Martial Arts Academy in 2019 after becoming interested in the world of martial arts.

Melissa says Lola's success is part of why she loves to get women involved in the sport. 'I didn't start this sport until 36. It completely changed my life, built my confidence and made me stronger. It's also great for mental and physical health, lots of our members don't fight, and instead train on pads to get fit. It's a real family community sport.”