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, the VEVA final exercise and those who passed their exams.
Below is an overview of the key moments from this winter.
FIT CHAMPIONS
FIT Champions 2026 was yet another successful event, in which participants pushed themselves both physically and mentally. Thanks to their hard work, perseverance and sportsmanship, it was a wonderful day for everyone who took part. Once again this year, a fantastic sum was raised for Spieren voor Spieren.
VEVA final exercise
The VEVA 28-hour exercise was yet another special occasion in which commitment, discipline and teamwork took centre stage. What these participants demonstrate is done on a voluntary basis and clearly illustrates the level of dedication within the excellence programme. A wonderful and impressive conclusion to this intensive exercise.
Passed!
Over the past few weeks, everyone in all the groups has been training hard again. It’s great to see how members continue to make progress and motivate one another during training sessions. Congratulations to everyone who has passed, and on to the next level.
Taus Gym socks
The Taus Gym socks are now available. These socks are designed for comfort during training, but are also suitable for everyday wear. They complement the gym’s style and are already a regular sight during training sessions.
The socks are available in black and white, with white, red or blue printing. In the video opposite, you can see them in action during training.
Price:
1 pair for €9,-
3 pairs for €25,-
You can place an order via:
the contact form
Too Good To Go box
A reminder for everyone: the Too Good To Go box is still at our main venue in Tilburg. This box is for items you no longer use yourself, but which could still be given a new lease of life at the gym. Think of sportswear, protective gear, water bottles or other training equipment. You can put items in here, but you can also take something out if you need it. That way, we help each other out and prevent good items from going to waste.
We also have a lost property box. Water bottles, gloves, shirts, towels and other items that are left behind after training sessions regularly end up here. Items often stay in this box for quite some time, so if you’re missing something, do take a moment to have a look inside.
That way, we can keep the gym tidy together, help each other out where possible and make sure that things don’t go missing unnecessarily.
Night Against Sexual Violence
Sexual violence is, unfortunately, still a reality and takes many different forms, ranging from harassment and inappropriate behaviour to physical violence. The Night Against Sexual Violence aims to raise awareness of this issue and to raise funds to prevent sexual violence and support victims.
On Saturday 30 May The fourth edition of the Night Against Sexual Violence is taking place in Rotterdam. During this event, participants can join the 10-kilometre evening run (starting at 7.30 pm) or the 20-kilometre night run (starting at 11.30 pm). The aim of this event is clear: everyone should be able to feel safe at all times and in all places, even after dark.
Are you aged 18 or over and would you like to take part? You can sign up by sending an email to Louise (stayaway@ikmf.nl). She is the head of the women’s division in the Netherlands and is organising the team that will be taking part on behalf of the IKMF. We will also be travelling together from Tilburg to Rotterdam.
If you can’t take part but would still like to help, you can sponsor Louise and make a donation via her team page. This way, you can still play your part in the fight against sexual violence.
We encourage everyone to take part in the walk, get sponsored and join forces to take a stand against sexual violence.
First aid course
We are organising a first-aid course again this year. This course equips us with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure safety during training sessions. Accidents can happen both in sport and in everyday life, which is why it is important to be prepared.
The course follows the same format as in previous years and consists of two parts: an e-learning module that you can complete at home, and a practical afternoon session during which you practise and apply the skills.
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
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 various WhatsApp groups to share important information about training sessions, timetables and activities quickly and clearly. To ensure that these groups remain organised and pleasant for everyone, we have a number of clear rules in place.
Rules for the Taus Gym WhatsApp group
- This group is primarily intended to make it easy for us, as a gym and as instructors, to share important information.
- We regularly post videos of the classes in the group. The aim is to allow you to watch yourself, learn from your own techniques and track your 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 wants to appear on social media – we respect that.
- If you have a relevant and informative post for the group relating to training or the gym, please feel free to share it.
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It is best to send any messages regarding absences, personal enquiries or individual matters directly to the instructors. That way, the group remains organised and functional for everyone.
We’re pleased with how things are going in the groups at the moment and would like to keep it this way – clear and enjoyable for everyone.
Holiday timetable
Over the coming months, there will be a number of occasions when the timetable may be subject to change due to school holidays and public holidays. During these periods, some sessions may be cancelled, so please always keep a close eye on the agenda Keep an eye on things so you don’t run into any surprises.
During the holiday period, you’re welcome to take part in any classes listed on the timetable, regardless of your membership or regular group. This applies only during the holiday period, not on individual public holidays. So it’s a great opportunity to try a different class or squeeze in an extra session.
May holidays: 25 April to 3 May
Any changes to the timetable and adjusted lesson times will always be communicated via the calendar and WhatsApp groups.
Women-Only Krav Maga Course
During this period, too, we’ll be kicking off the Women Only Krav Maga course. This course focuses on women’s resilience and forms part of the Stay Away IKMF programme.
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Krav Maga focuses on self-defence against aggression and violence, but women experience these in a different way to men. The course we offer focuses on situations where
issues that women in particular have to deal with. Think, for example, of sexual harassment.
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The Women Only Krav Maga The course teaches you practical self-defence techniques, but it also helps to boost self-confidence. There is also a lot of
Focus on identifying and communicating your boundaries in different 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.
The course is delivered in a safe and supportive environment, where all levels of experience, fitness and age are welcome.
Would you like more information about the course? If so, please take a look at our Women Only course page.
Would you like to find out for yourself what the course involves? Then come along to our free taster lesson on Monday 13 or 20 April 2026 and please let us know via the trial lesson form.
The course itself will take place on Mondays from 4 May to 6 July 2026 inclusive. Would you like to sign up for the course now? You can do that via the registration form.
We look forward to completing the course with you!
Exams
Exams are coming up again in May and June! Is your aim to reach the next level in Krav Maga? See below for all the information and tips on the exams and how to prepare for them.
Pre-test
The pre-test is the ideal training session to see if you’re ready for the exams. During this session, you’ll demonstrate your knowledge and skills in Krav Maga. To do so, you’ll need to know all the techniques for the level you’re aiming for.
The pre-test follows the same structure as the official IKMF exam and is therefore a valuable part of your preparation for the exam. At the end, you will also receive feedback to help you with your further training. So, after the pre-test, you will know whether you are fully ready for the exam.
You can register for the pre-test via the contact form. Please note! 13 September 2026 is the deadline for registration.
Want to find out more? Click here vFor further information.
Date: Sunday 27 September 2026
Time: between 1.00 pm and 7.00 pm (max. 2 hours)
Contribution: €20 per level
Location: 11a Professor Romeinstraat, Tilburg
Exams
Would you like to progress to the next level in Krav Maga? To progress to the next level, you’ll need to sit an official IKMF exam. During the exam, your skills and knowledge will be thoroughly tested to assess your current level in Krav Maga.
Depending on your level, you will sit the exam either 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. On the IKMF website You can find more information about this here.
You can register for the exams via the contact form.
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LOCAL EXAMS: P1, P3 AND P5
Date: Sunday 31 May 2026
Time: from 10.00
Cost: €45
Location: Professor Romeinstraat 11a, Tilburg
*You can register until 30 April 2026
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NATIONAL EXAMS: P2
Date: Sunday 1 November 2026
Time: will be announced in due course
Cost: €45
Location: Almere (the exact location is stated at the IKMF website)
*Registration is open until 1 October 2026
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NATIONAL EXAMS: P4
Date: Saturday 31 October 2026
Time: will be announced in due course
Cost: €45
Location: Almere (the exact location is stated at the IKMF website)
*Registration is open until 31 September 2026
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NATIONAL EXAMS: G-LEVELS
Date: Saturday 31 October 2026
Time: will be announced in due course
Cost: €50
Location: Almere (the exact location is stated at the IKMF website)
*You can register until 31 September 2026
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COLUMN BY DIETITIAN MEREL COENDERS
Protein powder
Protein powders are used by many people, but are they really necessary? And is it better to choose an animal-based or plant-based variety?
What are protein powders?
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.
Are protein powders necessary?
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.
Plant-based vs. animal-based
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.
Protein powders can be a useful addition to some people’s diet, but for most people they are not necessary.
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?
Please get in touch via:
06 11263154
info@gewoondietetiek.nl
www.gewoondietetiek.nl
Thank you for reading the newsletter! We hope to see you again at one of our events or classes. Do you have any suggestions or questions? We’d love to hear from you.
See you in the next issue!
With sporting regards,
Team Taus Gym