My name is Niek and I was born in Tilburg. During my mbo education in Sport and Exercise at Yonder (formerly ROC Tilburg), I chose the profile SCUB: Sport Coordinator Uniformed Professions. Within this profile, I was trained to teach target groups within Defence, Police and Justice. Defence has always had my special interest in this, and I would like to see myself working here in the future.

In the second and third year of my studies, I did an internship. On my own initiative, I started looking for a suitable internship and ended up at Taus Gym. Although I did not know the gym yet, their mission immediately appealed to me: contributing to a healthy and safe society through Krav Maga and FIT classes. This vision aligned well with my own beliefs, so I decided to apply immediately. A few days later, I was told that I had been hired.

During my internship, I was able to develop strongly within Taus Gym, both professionally and personally. I mainly taught FIT Circuit training and provided warm-ups for children and young people. In addition, I assisted in the other classes where necessary. Whereas I previously had little knowledge of self-defence, I have learnt a lot in this area over the past two years. Moreover, I have become part of a close-knit, motivated and inspiring community. Consequently, after completing my mbo education, I chose to stay at Taus Gym and continue as an Invading Instructor.

After completing my current higher vocational training in Integral Security Studies, my ambition is to move on to the Royal Military Academy (KMA), where I hope to be trained as an officer in the Royal Military Police or the Air Force.