My name is Emma and I myself have lived in Tilburg all my life. I started Krav Maga training at Taus Gym when I was 16. Before that, I actually had quite little interest in sports. I was much more into creative things like writing, drawing and painting. My mother had still taken me to all kinds of trial classes in the hope that it would spur something on but that too was unsuccessful. Until one day, a friend of mine came up with the idea of looking into martial arts in Tilburg after all. We made the deal: she chose the sport and I chose the gym. And so we took a trial lesson in Krav Maga at Taus Gym.

From day 1, I actually noticed that there was a very friendly and close-knit atmosphere in the gym. Everyone was ready to help each other, not only the trainers but also the members themselves. That really motivated me to train more and get better. I discovered in myself a very sporty side with a lot of energy and potential. That potential was also seen within the gym, so when I was asked whether I was interested in another role within the gym, the answer was an obvious ‘yes’.

For those who have known me for some time, they know that I did not enter Taus Gym as the most sociable and confident. If you had told me then that I would become an instructor and part of team Taus Gym, I would probably have turned around and cycled home. Now I stand motivated and full of enthusiasm ready to take on my next challenges.

And that is also what Taus Gym has meant to me, a place where I was free to grow (unfortunately not in height). I started here with the objective of working out, but I ended up doing and learning so much more than just working out. I got the feeling that I could do more than I think and it turned out to be true. Especially in Krav Maga where, as a small and light person, I will always be at a disadvantage against an attacker. I learnt to be able to defend myself well despite my height and weight. This also shows that Krav Maga at Taus Gym really is for everyone and I would like to be able to convey that idea to others.

I can currently be found in Breda, where I enjoy training the kids, youngsters and adults together with Riaz. In addition, I am also working on various behind-the-scenes tasks at Taus Gym which I would like to eventually become more involved in so if you have any fun ideas, please let me know!

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