"Quality before quantity"
Boxing trainer, coach, geologist: Dr Tim Yilmaz holds a doctorate in geology, is a boxing coach, and the founder of the Mariposa Boxing Club in Munich — a place that is much more than just somewhere to box and train. For the Tannerhof, he co-designed the new fitness rooms in the Badeharpfe — spaces that stand for concentration, strength and calm. He has also been running boxing camps at the Tannerhof for years. A conversation about movement, posture, and the art of training the essential.
From the desk into the boxing ring
Tim, you bring together science, coaching and boxing — an unusual combination. How did that happen?
Through my diploma thesis I found my way into research, completed my doctorate, and worked in academia for several years. Alongside that, I was always doing sport — above all boxing — and soon became a trainer myself, back then with MTV 1879 Munich. Without my training I would never have managed my doctorate. For a while I pursued both in parallel, until I decided to put my full focus on boxing and coaching.
What matters to me there is modern, open-minded boxing, finesse rather than just punching power. Boxers and scientists have a lot in common: both have to work in a structured, clean way, down to the last detail, in order to improve and to celebrate small successes.
What does training mean to you — physically, mentally, emotionally?
For me, training is freedom. A space in which I switch off — away from everyday life, away from social media, away from the flood of information. I find calm, do something for my health and at the same time feel grounded. It's my safe space. At the same time, the days take on a clear rhythm and help me, overall, to reach my goals through hard work and dedication.
You founded the Mariposa Boxing Club — an unusual name for a boxing club. How did that come about?
"Mariposa" means butterfly — and reminds me of a holiday in Mexico with my wife. I wanted to feel some of that lightness in the name as well. I wanted to create a place where strength, precision and elegance come together. For me, boxing isn't an aggressive sport, but a conscious one. And boxing is for everyone, regardless of background, gender or profession.
Mariposa meets Tannerhof — the new gyms in the Badeharpfe
How did your collaboration with the Tannerhof come about?
Through my wife. She was here on holiday and came back delighted: "You have to go there — it's your kind of place." I came, met Roger Brandes — and the idea quickly took shape: to offer boxing camps at the Tannerhof. It simply fit — humanly, spatially, atmospherically. Over the years, friendship grew from it. Later, Roger asked me whether I would like to take part in the design of the new fitness rooms — something I gladly did.
What was your guiding thought in equipping the rooms?
Quality, very clearly. The Tannerhof stands for craft precision, good materials and love of detail — and that should be reflected in the fitness rooms. We chose Eleiko, probably the highest-quality brand in strength training, and Technogym for the cardio equipment. Both stand for longevity, sustainability and considered design. The equipment isn't just meant to function — it should fit naturally into the atmosphere of the house.
I always try to get by with as little equipment as possible. Spaces should be able to breathe. Fewer machines, more movement. A few good all-round pieces of equipment are enough to train in a versatile and sustainable way. That has something to do with mindfulness — with clarity and focus.
How are the fitness rooms here different from those in other hotels?
I don't know any hotel that offers Eleiko equipment of this quality. But the decisive factor is the atmosphere: here you train with a view of the Alps, the pool, nature. That's luxury in the best sense — space, calm, light, concentration.
And I believe strength training will move further into focus. You can see that in the design of the new gyms in the Badeharpfe. The science is clear: strength means mobility, stability, quality of life — especially in old age. Cardio remains important, but the balance is shifting. You can sense that here at the house too.
Boxing at the Tannerhof
How do the boxing camps here run?
There are two formats: the Faster Camp, lasting seven days and combined with Buchinger therapeutic fasting, and the Schlanke Tanne Camp, lasting five days and built around a low-carb, high-protein diet. Both involve daily sessions — boxing, strength, mobility, morning activation. It's intense, but holistic.
How does boxing fit with fasting?
Very well. The body has enormous energy reserves, and through training the muscles are preserved. Many feel lighter, clearer and more awake after just a few days.
How can boxing be combined with relaxation and nature?
Boxing needs rhythm — tension and relaxation. Whoever forgets that, overtrains. The nature here supports exactly that: regeneration, calm, awareness.
And what do you wish people would take away from your training?
That they understand: quality counts. Train consciously, take rest seriously, think long-term. And find joy in movement — not from a sense of duty, but from enthusiasm.
And what do you take away yourself from these days?
Above all, encounters. Extraordinary people come together here at the Tannerhof. The evenings in the fasting camps in particular are inspiring — when everyone, over tea, talks about food. You sense how emotionally charged eating is. And every time, I myself learn something new. And the Tannerhof's approach: quality, slowing down, sustainability. You feel it in every detail — and I take it home with me each time.
