Newsletter winter 2026 kids & youngsters
We have started a new year in which we continue to work together to build strength, confidence and enjoy training. The winter period is a great time to look back on everything we have learnt in the past months as well as look ahead to what is coming up.
Last autumn, we had some great trainings, workshops and great sports moments on our programme. But this year is also off to a good start, with fun and educational activities such as special events, exams and, of course, the carnival training.
In this newsletter, we take you through the highlights of the past period and give an overview of everything that is planned this winter.
Read on quickly to not miss a thing!
Retrospective autumn
Autumn 2025 at Taus Gym was a period in which our kids and youngsters trained, learnt and had a lot of fun. During classes and activities, they worked hard on resilience, self-confidence and sports skills.
Below is a summary of the most important and fun moments of this season.
Halloween training
During Halloween training, our kids came to the gym dressed up for an extra exciting workout. With spooky costumes, fun exercises and a lot of fun, it became a workout not to be soon forgotten.
Orange The World: nightlife resilience workshop
During Orange The World we ran a workshop in which students learned how to recognise signals and act safely in nightlife. With realistic scenarios and practical techniques, participants gained both insight and confidence.
Workshop at the Free Bookstore
In an atmospheric bookstore, we ran an accessible workshop in which participants worked on basic techniques, posture and awareness. The approachable setting created an open and safe atmosphere. A special and instructive meeting between strength and culture.
Practical exams in resilience Sport & Exercise
During Yonder's practical exams, students showed how they apply their didactic and sports skills in practice. Growth and professionalism were evident during the exam day.
Completion of Women Only course
The Women Only course concluded with a powerful final lesson that showed how much the group has grown in self-confidence, resilience and technique. The energy and commitment of the participants made this conclusion extra special. A course to look back on with pride.
Resilience workshop at the Chassé Theatre in Breda
For employees of the Chassé Theatre, we provided a training aimed at acting safely and dealing with difficult situations during their work. The combination of communication, awareness and practical techniques was enthusiastically received.
Grappling tournament
Our grappling team was on the mat at a beautifully organised tournament last season, showing how hard they have been training over the past period. For several participants, it was their first match, and everyone fought strong and instructive matches. We are extremely proud of their commitment, perseverance and team spirit.
Graduates of Krav Maga
Last term, several members successfully completed their Krav Maga exams. Their discipline, commitment and dedication were clearly visible during the exam day. A fantastic achievement, congratulations again to all those who passed!
Hi All!
First of all: best wishes for the new year. Health, fun and enough energy to keep doing what makes you better.
I don't normally write a personal piece so quickly, but fair's fair: with a little help from AI these days, it's easier to get my message across just a little more clearly😉.
And that seemed like a good time, because last year was really a banner year for us. Great training sessions, strong groups, lots of commitment. I would like to continue that line this year.
Many people start January with good intentions. Personally, I prefer to call them goals. Not because it sounds nicer, but because goals give direction. They help you work more consciously towards a better version of yourself, in a way that suits what you find important.
A tip I always pass along: set multiple goals, and make them concrete.
“I want to get stronger” or “I want to get better at Krav Maga” sounds good, but remains vague. It helps enormously if you make it tangible. For example: be able to do 6 pull-ups by the end of the year, or achieve your P2. Even better: work with intermediate goals. Do 3 pull-ups by the end of January with the orange belt. Participate in the pre-test and incorporate all feedback within a month. Small, measurable steps ensure moments of success and, more importantly, consistency.
Above all, don't make it too complex or extreme. That may work for a while, but for most people, not long-term. What ultimately counts is a lifestyle you can maintain.
You've probably seen all kinds of New Year's resolutions passing by. One in particular caught my eye: “only” five simple rules, for 75 days. Eat perfectly every day, exercise twice for 45 minutes, drink litres of water, read, take progression photos. Miss one day? Start again.
It sounds tough, but let's face it: this is not sustainable for most people. More importantly, it is highly questionable whether it is good for most people at all. Those who keep this up without a problem are probably already living this way and don't need this challenge. For others, it gives a brief kick, followed by relapse into old habits.
This is no accident. These kinds of challenges were devised by entrepreneurs and podcasters, not sports physiologists or behavioural scientists. The problem is not that it is tough, but that it is designed without demonstrable knowledge of training, recovery and behaviour. No individual tailoring, no distinction between load and effect, no long-term focus. It mainly tests who can persevere, not who will benefit structurally.
So my wish for this year is that we all listen and look a little more critically at the information we receive, or that is forced upon us. That we rely more often on subject-matter experts, and a little less on people with microphones and millions of followers.
Above all, let's keep training this year with intelligence, fun and realistic goals. I look forward to making great strides together again.
Here's to a strong and healthy year.
Sporting greetings,
Riaz Taus
FIT champions
This year, FIT Champions is once again on the programme at Taus Gym! This is already the third edition of this sporting event, which focuses on fun, challenge and improving yourself.
It is a time when you can show how hard you have trained as well as challenge yourself in a fun way.
FIT Champions is suitable for different levels. Whether you have just started or have been training for longer: everyone can join at their own pace.
During the workout, you will engage in varied exercises that test strength, fitness and perseverance.
FIT Champions takes place at our main location in Tilburg, Professor Romeinstraat 11A.
Date: Sunday 29 March
Contribution: €20 per participant
For whom: both members and non-members from 12 years
With your participation, you are not only doing something good for yourself but also helping others.
Proceeds from FIT Champions will be donated to Muscles for Muscles.
This organisation is committed to helping children with muscular diseases by funding research and supporting families.
You can register via contact form on our website.
Join in and show what you have to offer!
Carnival training
Carnival is coming and of course we celebrate it at Taus Gym! During these festive training sessions, you can come to class dressed up. Put on your funniest, funniest or coolest costume and train in carnival style.
Special carnival training sessions are scheduled in the week before the Carnival holidays. On the following days, both kids and juniors may participate in disguise:
Tilburg: Monday 9 February and Tuesday 10 February 2026
Breda: Monday 9 February and Thursday 12 February 2026
Hope to see you then too!
WhatsApp groups
Our WhatsApp groups are a convenient way to keep up to date with practical information around training sessions. This is the only channel where we share videos of classes, along with class material, Krav Maga schedules and important updates.
We deliberately keep these groups free of spam and unnecessary messages, so that you only receive relevant information. In the unlikely event that a lesson is cancelled or changed, we will communicate this immediately via the WhatsApp group.
Are you not in the WhatsApp group yet but would like to be?
Let us know via contact form, then we will gladly add you.
Holiday schedule
Around Carnival, the timetable may vary slightly on a few days. To give everyone a chance to keep training, you may join all the training sessions on the timetable during this period, even if it is not your regular class.
That means: keep training, try something new or just take in an extra workout!
You can always find the current dates and times of these modified times in our online agenda.
- Spring break: 14 February to 22 February 2026
Women Only Krav Maga course
A new edition of our well-attended Women Only course starts this winter. As a mother, you understand how important it is for your children to be safe and confident. This course focuses on situations that women and girls unfortunately often face, such as bullying and unwanted attention.
During the Women Only Krav Maga course, you will learn to become stronger with effective self-defence techniques but also with setting boundaries through your voice.
Over 9 lessons, we will work together to increase your resilience and teach you valuable skills for everyday life.
You do not need to have self-defence experience to join this course.
Moreover, all fitness levels and
ages welcome!
Stop by for a free
trial class on Monday:
12 January or 19 January 2026
and let us know via
The course itself will take place from 26 January to 30 March 2026. There is no class on 16 February due to spring break.
Participation is possible from the age of 14. Are you 12 or 13 years old? Then you can only participate together with a parent. Do you doubt whether the training suits you? Then you are always welcome to take a trial lesson first.
Are you or know someone who would like to participate? Then sign up here in for the course.
Want more information? Then take a look at the Women Only course page.
Exams
Do you want to take the next step in Krav Maga? To reach the next level, you need to take an official IKMF exam. The location of the exam will depend on your level and can be found below.
Sign up here to the exams.
To apply for the exam, you need to be registered with the IKMF association. At the IKMF website find more information on this.
Curriculum training
The name says it all, curriculum-based training. The curriculum is the list of techniques used within Krav Maga.
During the curriculum training, you can go through the techniques for your level and get some extra training. Ideal if you want to know which techniques belong to your level.
Here you will find the date of the next curriculum training. Register via contact form. You can get your until 8 February 2026 register.
Want to know more? Click here for more information.
Date: Sunday
22 February 2026
Time: between 1pm
and 19:00 (max 2h)
Contribution: €20 per
level
Location: Professor Romeinstraat 11a,
Tilburg
Pre-test
Want to make sure you are totally ready for your exam?
Then the pre-test is a valuable way to prepare. The course follows the same structure as an official exam and provides insight into your strengths as well as areas for improvement.
At the end, you will receive personal feedback that allows you to continue training in a targeted way and to see if you are ready.
Register via contact form. You can apply until no later than 12 April 2026 register.
Want to know more? Click here for all information & details.
Date: Sunday
26 April 2026
Time: between 1pm
and 19:00 (max 2h)
Contribution: €20 per
level
Location: Professor Romeinstraat 11a,
Tilburg
Exams
Are you ready for the next step within Krav Maga? Passing a new level takes an official IKMF exam. During this exam, you show that you master the techniques and that you can apply them under pressure. It is a valuable moment in which you not only test your skills, but also experience your growth within the training.
The location of the exam varies by level and is listed below. Make sure you prepare well so that you step onto the mat with confidence. This is your chance to show what you have achieved and take yourself to the next level.
Sign up here to the exams.
To apply for the exam, you need to be registered with the IKMF association. At the IKMF website find more information on this.
LOCAL EXAMS:
K1/J1, K3/J3 AND K5/J5
Date: Sunday 7 June 2026
Time: from 13:00 to 19:00
Cost: €45
Location: Professor Romeinstraat 11a, Tilburg
*Subscription is possible until 7 May 2026
NATIONAL EXAMS:
K2/J2 AND K4/J4
Date: Sunday 14 June 2026
Time: to be announced in due course
Cost: €45
Location: Almere (exact location will be listed on the IKMF website)
*Subscription is possible until 14 May 2026
COLUMN DIETICIAN MEREL COENDERS
The best time to eat carbohydrates and protein
You train to become fitter, stronger or more energetic. But without the right nutrition at the right time, you miss out on a lot of results. Many athletes eat healthily, but not intelligently distributed throughout the day. You notice this by a dip in energy, less strength or slow recovery. In this piece you will read when it is best to eat carbohydrates and proteins and why it is important for your body.
Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for your muscles. For your workout, you want to eat something carbohydrate like oatmeal or a sandwich preferably an hour beforehand. If you are still hungry close to your workout, you can grab a banana.
That way, you will have more strength and endurance during your workout, allowing you to keep going longer.
During exercise, you consume energy, mainly from carbohydrates stored in your muscles as glycogen. After an intense workout, these stores are largely depleted. Think of strength training, a HIIT workout, a football match or a 60- to 90-minute high-speed running workout. It is therefore important to eat carbohydrates again after your workout, so that your muscles can replenish themselves quickly and you suffer less from fatigue the next day. Think rice, pasta, fruit or bread.
Protein is especially important after exercise. Your muscles use protein to recover and get stronger. Think cottage cheese, chicken breast, a smoothie of milk or eggs after your workout. This way, you give your muscles what they need for proper recovery and build strength faster. Note: prefer not to eat a large portion of protein just before your workout. Proteins digest slowly and can cause abdominal discomfort if you exercise immediately after eating them. So skip protein-rich meals before your workout and save them for after.
After your workout, a combination of carbohydrates and proteins is ideal. This way, you replenish your energy stores and support muscle recovery. This does not have to be complicated. With these combinations you will be fine.
- Low-fat cottage cheese or Skyr with fruit and possibly some muesli
- A sandwich or wrap with chicken breast, hummus or egg
- Rice or pasta with chicken, fish, tofu or pulses
- Potatoes with vegetables and a piece of meat, fish or vegetarian substitute
- A smoothie of milk or yoghurt with fruit and oatmeal
- A protein shake with a piece of fruit
Wondering what else you can do about your health? At Gewoon Diëtetiek, we are happy to look into this with you.
Contact us at:
06 11263154
info@gewoondietetiek.nl
www.gewoondietetiek.nl
Healthy greeting,
Isabelle den Otter
Trainee Just Dietetics
We look forward to an energetic, safe and inspiring start to 2026. Hope to see you soon in the gym during a workout, the new course, the outdoor class or at our New Year's drinks.
Do you have any questions or want to share something with us? Feel free to let us know.
Until the next edition!
With sporting greetings,
Team Taus Gym
