Parkour: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners
Parkour is a natural method for training the human body to be able to leap and move from place to place by climbing, jumping and flipping. This 'art of displacement' requires neither specific structures nor accessories for its practice: The body is the only tool. It takes perseverance, guts, and discipline, but the end is rewarding.
parkour
Parkour is more than just a sport or a hobby. It is a way of life that challenges you to overcome any obstacle that comes your way, both physically and mentally. It is a form of self-expression that allows you to be creative and spontaneous. It is a community that supports and inspires you to grow and learn.
If you are curious about parkour and want to know more about it, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will give you a comprehensive introduction to parkour, covering its history, benefits, techniques, equipment, safety tips, and examples. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what parkour is and how to get started with it.
History of Parkour
Parkour has its roots in military obstacle course training and martial arts. The word parkour derives from parcours du combattant (obstacle course), the classic obstacle course method of military training proposed by Georges Hébert in the early 20th century. Hébert was inspired by the physical development and movement skills of indigenous peoples in Africa and elsewhere. He developed a system of natural movement training that he called "the natural method", which involved running, jumping, climbing, balancing, swimming, and defending.
One of Hébert's students was Raymond Belle, a French soldier and firefighter who used his skills to perform heroic feats during his service. His son, David Belle, inherited his father's passion for movement and trained with him from an early age. David Belle also befriended a group of young people who shared his interest in physical challenges and exploration. They called themselves the Yamakasi, which means "strong spirit" in Lingala.
The Yamakasi were the pioneers of modern parkour. They adapted Hébert's methods to their urban environment and created their own style of movement that focused on efficiency and speed. They also gave it a new name: l'art du déplacement (the art of displacement). They practiced parkour as a way of testing their limits, expressing themselves, and having fun.
Parkour gained popularity in the 1990s and 2000s through films, documentaries, video games, and advertisements that featured the Yamakasi and other practitioners. Some of them also branched out into different forms of movement that emphasized more on aesthetics or acrobatics than efficiency. These forms are known as freerunning or tricking.
Today, parkour is practiced by millions of people around the world who belong to different cultures, backgrounds, and ages. Parkour has also become a recognized sport with official organizations, competitions, and certifications. However, parkour remains true to its original spirit of freedom, creativity, and self-improvement.
Benefits of Parkour
Parkour offers many benefits for your physical and mental health. Here are some of them:
Fitness improvement: Parkour is a demanding physical activity that can improve your cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination. You will use your whole body to perform various movements that will challenge and develop your fitness level.
Mental enhancement: Parkour is also a mental exercise that can improve your concentration, problem-solving, memory, and creativity. You will have to plan your route, adapt to different situations, overcome your fears, and learn from your mistakes. Parkour can also boost your confidence, self-esteem, and happiness.
Social connection: Parkour is a social activity that can help you make new friends, learn from others, and have fun together. You will be part of a supportive and diverse community that shares your passion and values. Parkour can also teach you respect, cooperation, and communication skills.
Techniques of Parkour
Parkour involves a variety of techniques that can be classified into two categories: basic and advanced. Basic techniques are the foundation of parkour and can be learned by anyone with proper training and practice. Advanced techniques are more complex and require more skill and experience. Here are some examples of each category:
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Basic Techniques
Precision jump: A jump from one point to another with accuracy and control. You land on the balls of your feet and absorb the impact with your legs.
Vault: A way of passing over an obstacle by using your hands and feet. There are different types of vaults, such as speed vault, kong vault, dash vault, and lazy vault.
Roll: A way of landing safely after a jump or a fall by rolling on the ground. You tuck your head in, touch the ground with your shoulder, and roll diagonally across your back to your opposite hip.
Wall run: A way of climbing a vertical wall by running towards it, placing your foot on it, and pushing yourself up with your leg and arm.
Cat leap: A way of reaching a higher ledge or wall by jumping towards it, grabbing it with your hands, and pulling yourself up with your arms and legs.
Advanced Techniques
Flip: A way of rotating in the air by using your momentum and body position. There are different types of flips, such as front flip, back flip, side flip, and gainer.
Spin: A way of turning in the air by using your arms and legs. There are different types of spins, such as 180, 360, 540, and 720.
Twist: A way of combining a flip and a spin by rotating along two axes. There are different types of twists, such as cork, full twist, double full twist, and arabian.
Lache: A way of swinging from one bar or branch to another by using your grip and momentum. You release your hands at the right moment and catch the next bar or branch.
Tic tac: A way of bouncing off a wall or an obstacle by using your foot as a springboard. You can use it to change direction, gain height, or reach another point.
Equipment of Parkour
Parkour does not require any special equipment or facilities. You can practice parkour anywhere with anything that you find in your environment. However, there are some items that can make your parkour experience more comfortable and safe. Here are some of them:
Item
Description
Clothing
You should wear clothing that is comfortable, breathable, durable, and suitable for the weather. Avoid clothing that is too loose or too tight that might restrict your movement or get caught on something. You should also wear clothing that is appropriate for the place where you practice parkour. For example, avoid wearing dark clothing at night or bright clothing in nature.
Shoes
You should wear shoes that are lightweight, flexible, grippy, and supportive. Avoid shoes that are too bulky or too slippery that might affect your balance or traction. You should also wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet from impact and abrasion.
Gloves
You may wear gloves to protect your hands from blisters, cuts, burns, or cold. Gloves can also improve your grip on certain surfaces or objects. However, gloves can also reduce your sensitivity and dexterity. You should choose gloves that are thin, snug, and durable.
Bag
You may carry a bag to store your personal belongings, such as your phone, wallet, keys, water bottle, or snacks. You should choose a bag that is small, light, and secure. Avoid a bag that is too big or too heavy that might interfere with your movement or cause injury. You should also wear your bag close to your body and distribute the weight evenly.
Protection
You may wear protection gear, such as a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, or wrist guards, to prevent or reduce the severity of injuries. Protection gear can also give you more confidence and comfort while doing parkour. However, protection gear can also limit your mobility and awareness. You should choose protection gear that is appropriate for your skill level and the type of activity you are doing.
Safety Tips for Parkour
Parkour is an inherently risky activity that can result in serious injuries or even death. Therefore, you should always follow some safety tips to minimize the chances of accidents and harm. Here are some of them:
Warm up and cool down: You should always warm up before doing parkour to prepare your body and mind for the activity. You should also cool down after doing parkour to relax your muscles and joints and prevent soreness and stiffness.
Start slow and progress gradually: You should always start with the basics and master them before moving on to more advanced techniques. You should also progress at your own pace and not compare yourself to others or try to impress anyone. You should respect your limits and listen to your body.
Train with others: You should always train with other people who can help you, teach you, spot you, and motivate you. You should also join a local parkour group or community that can offer you guidance, support, and resources. You should avoid training alone or in isolated places.
Choose a suitable location: You should always choose a location that is safe, legal, and suitable for parkour. You should avoid locations that are crowded, dangerous, private, or prohibited. You should also check the condition of the environment and the obstacles before using them. You should respect the place and the people around you.
Be aware and alert: You should always be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards. You should also be alert to any changes in the environment or the situation. You should plan your route ahead and have an exit strategy in case of emergency. You should also communicate with others and inform them of your intentions.
Examples of Parkour
Parkour can be seen in various media and events that showcase its beauty and diversity. Here are some examples of where you can see parkour in action:
Films: Parkour has been featured in many films, such as District 13, Casino Royale, The Bourne Ultimatum, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Brick Mansions, and 6 Underground.
Documentaries: Parkour has been documented in many documentaries, such as Jump London, My Playground, Parkour: Beat Your Fear, People in Motion, and From Here to There.
Video games: Parkour has been incorporated in many video games, such as Mirror's Edge, Assassin's Creed, Dying Light, Titanfall, and Spider-Man.
Advertisements: Parkour has been used in many advertisements, such as Nike: Take It To The Next Level, Coca-Cola: The Coke Side of Life, and Volvo: The Epic Split.
Competitions: Parkour has been organized in many competitions, such as Red Bull Art of Motion, World Chase Tag, Ninja Warrior, and Ultimate Beastmaster.
Performances: Parkour has been performed in many shows, such as Cirque du Soleil, Stomp, and The Lion King.
Conclusion
Parkour is an amazing activity that can enrich your life in many ways. It can improve your fitness, enhance your mental skills, connect you with others, and inspire you to be more creative and adventurous. Parkour is not only a sport or a hobby, but also a philosophy and a lifestyle that can help you overcome any obstacle that comes your way.
If you want to start parkour, you should follow some basic steps. First, you should learn the history and the principles of parkour. Second, you should practice the basic and advanced techniques of parkour. Third, you should get the right equipment and follow the safety tips for parkour. Fourth, you should find a suitable location and a supportive community for parkour. Fifth, you should have fun and enjoy the journey.
Parkour is for everyone who wants to challenge themselves, express themselves, and have fun. You don't need to be a superhuman or a daredevil to do parkour. You just need to be yourself and do what you love. Parkour is not about being the best, but about being better than yesterday.
So what are you waiting for? Go out there and explore the world with parkour!
FAQs
Q: Is parkour illegal?
A: Parkour is not illegal in itself, but it may be subject to local laws and regulations depending on where and how you practice it. You should always respect the property and the privacy of others and avoid trespassing or damaging anything. You should also be courteous and cooperative with the authorities if they approach you.
Q: Is parkour dangerous?
A: Parkour is risky but not necessarily dangerous if you practice it safely and responsibly. You should always warm up and cool down, start slow and progress gradually, train with others, choose a suitable location, and be aware and alert. You should also wear appropriate clothing, shoes, gloves, and protection gear if needed.
Q: How old do you have to be to do parkour?
A: There is no age limit for parkour. You can start parkour at any age as long as you are physically and mentally capable of doing it. However, if you are under 18 years old, you may need parental consent or supervision to join a parkour group or event.
Q: How do I find a parkour group or event near me?
A: You can use online platforms such as Facebook, Meetup, or Parkour.com to search for local parkour groups or events near you. You can also visit nearby parks, gyms, or schools that may have parkour facilities or classes. You can also ask around your friends or family who may know someone who does parkour.
Q: How do I learn more about parkour?
A: You can learn more about parkour by reading books, articles, blogs, or magazines about parkour. You can also watch videos, documentaries, films, or shows that feature parkour. You can also attend workshops, seminars, or courses that teach parkour. You can also talk to other practitioners who can share their knowledge and experience with you.
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