Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas (Tarzan) Coolridge.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a kid, I was a monkey boy! I was lucky enough to have parents who pretty much let me be me not that they could really stop me anyways haha climbing up high things and making everyone nervous. I loved it! Soccer was my sport for many years until I discovered Parkour which suited me perfectly. I was already doing it but just calling in “ninjaing around.” Friends and I would go around and from place to place, getting kicked out of areas for doing flips and handstands on things. This led me to create my first video viral video. I started to see a dream path opening up when I broke my wrist…. Filled with strong emotions this was a HUGE turning point for me with thoughts going threw more my head like, “OK maybe it’s time to grow up…” I started focusing on construction with my Dad which was fun but not fulfilling. I discovered AcroYoga while my wrist was healing, and life felt exciting again! Wow! Colors literally got brighter in my world! It was then that I decided to dedicate my life to my love for movement and human connection. This led me to creating @ModernTarzan and slowly follow my dreams again! Competing on American Ninja Warrior four years in a row was very much one of the highlights.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Finances were also a challenge which is what led me to build out a camper van which I’ve lived in for over 7 of the 12 years I’ve owned it. Although a sacrifice to some luxuries this was vital for my freedom. Having time to live is my priority over luxuries like a shower, toilet, freezer, unlimited water, AC, wifi, etc.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I refer to myself as a Movement Artist. I’m known for my videos/photo tricks like where I play with sizes, scenic AcroYoga Flows, and putting a superhuman twist on normal life things. The focus is enjoying the process and making even the most mundane task exciting and different! I also think humanity is desperate for more of a connection with their hearts and overly addicted to thinking. I truly hope that what I do inspires people to experiment with their bodies more and experience life at more of a sensational level which is also what I think helps drop people and their hearts.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I have had moments of deep darkness in my life. Challenges that left me sitting for days contemplating what it was all for… anything! I’ve lost all desires for life but for some reason, I knew it was just a dip in the wave. I would sit with it and explore it within my head which honestly sucked for the most part but I eventually learned some of the deepest and most profound things I’ve learned on my journey of being human. Wisdoms that eventually lead me back to my bouncy, stoked self again! Super curious and excited about so many things that I don’t want to go to bed at night. Currently, life is good, and I can confidently say that I am thriving 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: moderntarzan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderntarzan/
Image Credits
1st image – Self shot 2nd image – @not.quail
