Movement as expression
In addition to martial arts, free movement plays an important role in my work. Why is it so important to exercise? Because it is an outlet for the mind. In a safe environment, you can express yourself and move around without restriction. Without the question: "am I doing it right or wrong?" It is precisely in the freedom of dance and play that you discover your own, unique expression. Movement brings you into the here and now, helps you make contact with your body and your inner world. In my workshops, fun, spontaneity and playfulness are central. Through free dance, kickboxing, breathwork, tarot, inner child and rituals, I invite you to explore your strength and self-expression.
Kickboxing, Theatre and dance
Lessons and workshops
KICKBOXING
Kids Kickboxing, Ladies Only and Kickboxing & Creativity
Fitness, Mental Resilience and self-confidence
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kickboxing for kids
Kickboxing for children combines technique with fun, creative theater exercises and mental resilience. In this way, they build self-confidence while learning to move and express themselves in a playful way.
Ladies Only kickboxing
In our special ladies only training sessions, strength, passion, dance movement and fun come together. Here you experience your body in motion, get to know yourself better and discover the power of sisterhood in a safe, supportive environment.
Kickboxing and Creativity
Mental toughness and self-confidence
In my kickboxing classes you not only learn techniques, but especially how to stand firmly in your own power. Kickboxing helps you to feel and push your limits, with attention to presence and self-confidence. I offer regular lessons for young people and adults, in addition to the ladies only training.
Theater & Expressie
Play, imagination and personal growth
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Theatre & Expression
Play, imagination and personal growth
Expression is central to my theater lessons and workshops. Through play, movement and imagination you will discover new forms of self-confidence and connection with yourself and others. My lessons are suitable for children, young people and adults, in regular and special education. Education and resilience are important pillars. With children, the focus is mainly on creativity and fun.
Free Movement is Free Expression
Creativity and inner freedom
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Free dance is free expression
Dance and movement are pure expression for me. In my workshop I invite you to let your body move freely, without judgment or having to. You learn to play, relax and find your own unique language in motion. We set an intention. I work with tarot cards and rituals during this workshop. The first workshop will take place in May 2026, more information will follow soon.
Workshops & Customization
Empowerment, Education and Creativity
I teach at various schools in Amsterdam, especially in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. In addition, I develop tailor-made workshops and trajectories, tailored to your organization, school or target group. Themes that often recur are mental resilience, self-expression, self-confidence, the inner child and breaking patterns — always with a lot of fun and playfulness. My sources of inspiration are systemic rituals, tarot, grounding and movement.
Artistic Work & Collaborations
Performance and Creative Development
As a maker and performer, I combine kickboxing, dance and theatre in my own productions. I am open to collaborations with cultural institutions, schools and social organizations. For example, for guest lectures, workshops or artistic projects.
At Baraka Empowerment, we create a safe, inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves. We treat each other with respect, regardless of who you are, where you come from or what you believe. We believe in the power of connection, self-development and a community in which everyone feels seen and heard.
Confidential advisor: Naima Baraka (naima@baraka-empowerment.com)
Subscriptions & Strip Cards
Class schedule
Kids Creative BE
Monday from 17h - 18h
Thursday from 16h30 - 17h30
The lessons are at the Ottho Heldringstraat 204T, 1066 AZ Amsterdam
Walk-in from 15 minutes before the start
Kids Creative BE
monday 14u15 - 15u15
for children with auditory processing problems and speech problems
Gymnasium of the Professor Burgerschool (stichting viertaal)
Walk-in from 15 minutes before the start
Outdoor Lessons for women in the Rembrandtpark
friday 11u - 12u30
Supplies: gloves and rug/yoga mat
Own contribution: 5€
What can you expect? Fun, music, connection, strength, creativity and sweating!
In case of very bad weather the lesson will not take place
A trial lesson is always free!
Sign up after your trial lesson?
Fill in the contact form or email your details to:
info@baraka-empowerment.com
Sports with Stadspas and Jeugdfonds
sports with Stadspas via Baraka Empowerment
In collaboration with Stadspas and the municipality of Amsterdam, children from 8 to 12 years old can play sports at our club.
Do you have a Stadspas? Then you can become a member for free or with a discount via the Stadspas Sports Allowance.
Contact us at info@baraka-empowerment.com to schedule a trial lesson or have your Stadspas scanned.
Please note: the Sports Allowance via Stadspas can only be used at one sports club per period.
Don't have a Stadspas?
You may be eligible for a contribution through Sport & Cultuur Amsterdam . This fund pays (partly or fully) the costs for sports, creative lessons or swimming lessons. This gives every child the opportunity to participate.
Method
Baraka Empowerment is a multidisciplinary organization where dance, movement theater, kickboxing, education and own artistic productions come together. The goal? Stimulate creativity and help you to stand in your power. The word Baraka means: blessings, divine inspiration and the passing on of pure knowledge. 'Empowerment' is the process of trial and error, navigating a winding road full of obstacles and growth. It is discovering the gold that lies within yourself.
The classes I teach and the performances I create are meant to inspire and share parts of my inner world—the things that bring me joy. Everyone has the power to make progress — small or big, progress is progress. Whoever you are, and wherever you are in life. My method is all about unmasking, breaking boundaries (with humor and common sense), and being true to yourself — one of my main mottos.
Girls Keep Moving Project, in cooperation with Sportservice Amsterdam
Sources of inspiration and techniques
My working method is inspired by different disciplines and traditions:
Family Constellations & Systemic Ritual
Since 2019 I have been taking courses with Susanne Hazen. There I learned how we take our place in relation to ourselves and others. The systemic ritual helps to gain insight into these relationships.
Tarot and cards
I use cards as a mirror of the subconscious, to open intuitive knowing. They support dialogue, imagination and storytelling. I have followed many courses with Sabrina Koel for this.
Butoh
Since 2013 I have been practicing Butoh — a Japanese form of theatre, dance and movement. Butoh works from the inside out, without fixed rules, and challenges you to make contact with your inner world. It is a spiritual journey to authenticity and fully experiencing your senses. I have followed intensive training with Ezio Tangini.
Kickboxing
I use kickboxing as a physical and mental tool to feel and push your limits. It helps you embody power and literally take up space — with full presence and breath. I followed my kickboxing training at SKMO recognized sports courses and am a certified trainer for both adults and youth.
About me
I step into the ring and darkness surrounds me. The only enemy I will ever fight is myself. As long as I can see my light, I will not get lost. Even though I don't see the road it leads to. I carry my own torch with a big smile on my face.
Naima Baraka in Rebel
My journey with kickboxing, movement and expression
My love for martial arts started with my father. As a little girl I was already fascinated by martial arts. The strength, the concentration and the rhythm. What started as admiration grew into a lifelong passion. More than 15 years ago I started kickboxing. It gave me grounding, guidance, and helped me to take up my own space. I learned to listen to my body's signals and to trust my own unique strength. Later I discovered that martial arts is much more than physical training. It is a way to channel emotions, develop respect and find inner peace. Even in the middle of the battle.
In 2016 I started teaching. My love for mixed martial arts motivated me to develop myself further. I followed courses to become a kickboxing instructor and youth trainer, and obtained my diplomas (SKMO). Since then, I have been teaching at various schools in Amsterdam, especially in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, to a diverse audience, from young to old, regular and special education. In my classes, I strive to create a safe place to BE. A place where you are challenged, motivated and stimulated to rise above yourself, regardless of your background or level. Progress is progress. Humor, playfulness and creativity are the common thread in my learning style. Because they are simply part of my essence. Kickboxing is not a simple sport for me. It is a ritual. A routine. A spiritual way of life. It brings you closer to yourself and to the other. I would like to share that power with you.
Performer and creative development
Performing has been one of my greatest passions from an early age. Whether I was on stage or dancing in the living room, it was always my way of bringing out my inner world. Along the way I temporarily lost the connection with that expression, but what really belongs to you, you never lose. Fear of being seen, experiencing my sensitivity as a weakness sometimes made it difficult. But through a path of self-development, with trial and error, I have found my inner treasures again. Vulnerability is strength. Imagination is power. Being seen is strength.
As a performer I have been able to play in many productions. In 2020 I made my own solo REBEL, which I played nationally and internationally. I am currently working on my new solo WANDERERS, which will premiere in early 2026. In addition, I teach children and adults. I think the best thing is to stimulate creativity in children, especially if they do not yet realize how much talent and expression they possess. The blossoming and growth of their self-confidence, and the connection with their inner world. With adults, it is special to see how an 'unmasking' can take place. A process that creates space for vulnerability, authenticity and expression. Since 2017 I have been associated with ZID Theater as a maker, performer and teacher. I am currently playing in the performance WATER, and I am touring with this production through the Netherlands, Serbia and Seville.
Guidance and research into performance and group formation within a protest choir, set up by Rosa te Velde. An investigation into what makes a group a group and how connection is created by singing and performing together
Water 2024 - Productie zid theater
LEAVES 2021 - Production Baraka Empowerment
Theaterkamer 2014
REBEL 2020 - production Baraka Empowerment, co-production ZID theater
Novi Sad was the European Capital of Culture in 2021. In honour of this, a theatre performance was made with 150 young people, in which I worked as a choreographer
free dance is free expression
REBEL 2020 - production Baraka Empowerment, co-production ZID theater
Samen leren in de wijk (2025) - I have been involved there since 2017 as a theater teacher and provide lessons for children in and around the neighborhood
training in progress
during the sessions work is being done
Event Sports Centre Ookmeer, in collaboration with the Municipality of Amsterdam
Event Sports Centre Ookmeer, in collaboration with the Municipality of Amsterdam