The first few months of the year are already behind us, and a lot has happened at Taus Gym during that time. From events and training sessions to new developments at the gym and plans for the coming months. With the arrival of spring, there’s always a period when there’s a flurry of activity and many members are working towards new goals, exams and training sessions.
In this newsletter, we’ll take you on a journey looking back at the past few months, whilst also looking ahead to what’s coming up. We’ll be focusing on topics such as FIT Champions, the Taus Gym socks, the To Good To Go box and practical matters such as holidays and days off. You can also read more about the WhatsApp groups, the first aid training and the Night Against Sexual Violence.
We’re also sharing information about the new Women Only course, the curriculum, the pre-tests and exams, and further on in the newsletter you’ll find another piece by Merel.
In short, there are plenty of developments and activities to catch up on in this newsletter. So do read on to keep up to date with everything that’s going on at Taus Gym.
A look back at the winter
The winter of 2026 was once again a time of dedication, development and excellent results at Taus Gym. Over the past few months, there have been several special moments, both in terms of sport and within the wider practice and training programme. In this review, we look back, amongst other things, at FIT Champions and those who passed their exams.
Below is an overview of the key moments from this winter.
FIT CHAMPIONS
VEVA and sport & exercise
Passed!
Taus Gym socks
The Taus Gym socks are now available. They’re comfortable to wear during training, but are also great for wearing outside of classes. You can now regularly spot them at the gym.
The socks are available in black and white, with white, red or blue print. In the video on the right, you can see what they look like during a training session.
Too Good To Go box
The Too Good To Go box is still at our main site in Tilburg. Do you have any sports kit at home that you no longer use, but which is still in good condition? If so, you can put it in the box so that someone else can make good use of it. This could include sportswear, protective gear, water bottles or other training equipment.
Of course, you’re also welcome to take something if you could do with it yourself. That way, we help each other out and give things a lovely new lease of life.
We also have a lost property box. Water bottles, gloves, shirts, towels and other items that are left behind after training regularly end up there. Have you lost something? Be sure to have a look in there – there’s a good chance your belongings are still waiting for you.
That way, we can all help keep the gym tidy and make sure that things don’t go missing unnecessarily.
Timetable change in Tilburg
From 4 May, the Krav Maga classes for children and teenagers on Mondays in Tilburg will start a little later than usual. The classes will be brought forward by 15 minutes, so please check the new times carefully.
Kids’ Krav Maga
18:45 – 19:30
Krav Maga for Young People
19:30 – 20:15
Make a note of it in your diary straight away, so you’ll be there on time on Monday.
First aid course
We’re organising a first-aid course again this year. During this course, you’ll learn what to do if someone is injured or needs help. This is useful when playing sport, but also in everyday life.
The course consists of two parts: an e-learning module that you can complete at home and a practical afternoon session during which you practise the elements covered in the course.
The practical training day will take place on Saturday 20 June from 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm.
Costs:
€125 for the course
€140 if you also wish to obtain an official first aid certificate from the Royal First Aid Organisation
You must be aged 14 or over to take part.
There are a limited number of places available. If you would like to take part in the course, you can register via the contact form.
WhatsApp groups
At Taus Gym, we use WhatsApp groups to share important information about training sessions, timetables and activities quickly and clearly. That way, everyone knows what’s going on and things stay organised.
Rules for the Taus Gym WhatsApp group
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The WhatsApp group is primarily intended for messages from the gym and the instructors. These might include useful updates, important announcements or information about training sessions and activities.
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We also regularly share videos of the classes in the group. This allows you to watch yourself, learn from your techniques and track your own progress. If you’re the only one in a video, you’re of course welcome to share it on social media yourself. Please bear in mind, however, that not everyone is comfortable with this, so let’s all be mindful of that.
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Do you have a message of your own that’s really important and relates to training or the gym? If so, feel free to share it in the group.
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If you’re unable to attend a session, have a personal question or would like to discuss something privately, please send a message directly to the instructors. This helps to keep the group a pleasant and clear space for everyone.
We’re delighted that things are going so well in the groups and would like to keep it this pleasant and organised.
Holiday timetable
Over the coming months, there will be a few occasions when the timetable may change due to school holidays and public holidays. Training sessions may sometimes be cancelled, so please always check the agenda before you come to the training session.
During the holiday period, you’re welcome to join any classes on the timetable, even if they’re not normally your group or class time. This applies only during the holidays, not on individual public holidays. It might be nice to try a different class for a change or join an extra session.
May holidays: 25 April to 3 May
If there are any changes to the timetable, we’ll always let you know via the calendar and the WhatsApp groups.
Women-Only Krav Maga Course
We understand that as a mother, the
your own safety and that of your loved ones is your top priority. That is why we have developed this course specifically to help women protect themselves
protect, even in the most
challenging situations, such as sexual harassment.
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During the Women Only Krav Maga
On this course, you’ll learn practical self-defence techniques and build your self-confidence. We also spend
a great deal of attention to recognising and setting boundaries in various situations.
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Over the course of nine sessions, we’ll work together to build your resilience and teach you valuable skills for everyday life.
This course is suitable for participants aged 14 and over, but younger girls are also very welcome to attend a free taster lesson to see if the course is right for them.
Would you like more information about the course or to register in advance? If so, please take a look at our Women Only course page or register directly via the registration form.
The course itself takes place from Mondays from 4 May to 6 July 2026 inclusive.
We look forward to completing this valuable course together with you!
Exams
Pre-test
The pre-test follows the same format as the official IKMF exam and is therefore an important part of your preparation. Afterwards, you will receive feedback to help you with your further training in the run-up to the exam.
You can register for the pre-test via the contact form. Please note! The deadline for registration is 12 April 2026.
Would you like to find out more? Click here for full details.
Time: between 1.00 pm and 7.00 pm (max. 2 hours)
Contribution: €20 per level
Location: 11a Professor Romeinstraat, Tilburg
Exams
Depending on your level, the exam will take place at our centre in Tilburg or at our national centre in Almere.
You must be a registered member of the IKMF to sit the exam. You can find more information on this at the IKMF website.
You can register for the exams via the contact form.
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LOCAL EXAMS: K1/J1, K3/J3 and K5/J5
Date: Sunday 7 June 2026
Time: from 1.00 pm to 7.00 pm
Cost: €45
Location: Professor Romeinstraat 11a, Tilburg
*Registration is open until 7 May 2026
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NATIONAL EXAMS: K2/J2 EN K4/J4
Date: Sunday 14 June 2026
Time: will be announced in due course
Cost: €45
Location: Almere (the exact location is stated at the IKMF website)
*You can register until 14 May 2026
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COLUMN BY DIETITIAN MEREL COENDERS
Protein powder
Proteins are made up of amino acids, the building blocks of your body. They provide energy and support muscle growth and recovery.
Proteins are naturally found in animal products such as meat, fish and dairy, but also in plant-based products such as nuts, pulses and grains.
Nowadays, there is a wide range of protein powders available. These are dietary supplements with a high protein content, produced by extracting and filtering proteins from sources such as milk or peas.
Protein powders are available in both animal-based and plant-based forms.
Most adults, including those who exercise for leisure, get enough protein from their diet. For them, protein powder is not necessary.
However, some groups may benefit from additional protein, such as older people, vulnerable individuals or those who engage in intensive exercise and do not get enough protein from their diet.
There is no evidence to suggest that a long-term higher protein intake is harmful to healthy people, but there is also no evidence that it provides any additional health benefits.
So there is no need to consume excessive amounts of protein.
Animal protein powders are often made from whey, casein, egg or collagen. Plant-based powders are derived from ingredients such as peas, soya, hemp, rice or pumpkin seeds.
It is often thought that the ‘quality’ of animal proteins is higher, but that is not entirely true. Animal proteins do indeed contain all the essential amino acids – the amino acids that your body cannot produce itself.
Not all plant-based protein sources have a complete amino acid profile, but some do, such as soya, hemp and lupin. It is also perfectly possible to combine different plant-based sources to ensure you still get a complete amino acid profile. What’s more, plant-based proteins are often better for both your health and the environment.
If you choose to use a powder, a plant-based variety with a complete amino acid profile is often the best choice, both for your own health and for the environment.
Do you have any questions about your protein intake, or would you like some advice tailored to your lifestyle?
See you in the next issue!
With sporting regards,
Team Taus Gym