About Thomas – Founder of Crazy Monkey Movement.

I’m Thomas. For a long time, I thought I was the broken piece, especially back when my ADHD went unnoticed, leaving me feeling constantly out of sync. I threw myself into various movement practices and training systems, hoping each would have that missing spark. Eventually, I realized the problem wasn’t me, it was that many methods weren’t built on clear, essential principles. They felt fragmented, like something important was always left out.

So I set out to start from the ground up: exploring how the body and mind naturally connect, then building a practice that supports every other discipline. That’s how Crazy Monkey took shape, a kind of “root system” that any mover or athlete can draw from. We focus on discovering the why behind each movement, tapping into genuine curiosity, and creating a space that celebrates the uniqueness of every participant.

Today, I’m based in Lisbon, sharing Crazy Monkey’s blend of biomechanics, mindfulness, and play with people who want more than a typical workout. For me, the best part is watching students realize that their body isn’t a liability, it’s their gateway to deeper awareness and freedom. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit into the standard fitness mold, I invite you to give Crazy Monkey a try. Because once you align with those first principles, you’ll see just how limitless your movement—and your life—can become.

I was born in Leiden, Netherlands, and my passion for movement started with football. Studying Sport Studies in Amsterdam gave me a broad foundation in different athletic disciplines, from team sports to martial arts and endurance training.

Early in my journey, I came across Movement Culture. I threw myself into every opportunity to get involved and learn about this phenomenon that inspired me so much.

I joined Crazy Monkey as an intern in 2017. Together with Thomas I developed Crazy Monkey Philosophy. It brings together everything we have learned from years of training and experimenting with different movement styles. What started as an idea has grown into a practice that continues to evolve and now reaches people online as well.

For the past eight years I have been teaching classes daily and giving workshops  for companies like Nike and Jumbo, but mostly for people looking to deepen their practice. I love seeing how movement can change the way people feel, think, and live.

Crazy Monkey is my way of sharing that. I want to create a space where people work hard, have fun, and discover what they are capable of. Movement to me isn’t just physical, it is a way of being.

I live in Leiden and commute to Amsterdam every day where I continue to develop Crazy Monkey. My goal is simple: to make this practice available to more people because I believe it has something unique and valuable to offer.

I grew up in Weert with a love for gymnastics and horses, which led me to vaulting. I competed internationally with the Dutch team and trained in Germany with incredible athletes. After an injury, I shifted to dance, training in Maastricht and Nijmegen before getting into the BA Tanz program in Frankfurt. Another injury forced me to stop, but it also led me to something new: movement practice.

I fell in love with movement for its mix of floorwork, acrobatics, and strength-building elements like handstands. It felt like a natural evolution of the connection and creativity I had always searched for. A retreat in Thailand and my time at Crazy Monkey deepened my practice, and I started teaching, helping others connect more deeply with their bodies.

Now, I bring energy and joy to my training. I love seeing people grow through movement and discover what they are capable of. My classes focus on building both physical and mental strength, helping people move with more confidence and freedom.

Every day, I continue to develop my own practice at Crazy Monkey. My goal is simple: to help more people experience movement in a way that opens up new possibilities, both in their bodies and in their lives.

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