Sprint towards a wall, hop into the air, pedal the wall with one foot, and make a somersault before landing safely on the ground. A typical movement in Parkour. You can do it, with proper training.
Still not sure what Parkour is? Parkour veteran Dan Edwardes describes the movement: “Parkour is the refinement of one’s body movement during the interaction with one’s environment as one progresses through it” he said.
Art of movement
Your body is your one and only tool. You move along any terrain or object like running water. Stairs, banisters, cars and bikes, you name it. Swift precision and grace are the three words that best define your movements.
To achieve that, you need to build up your tensile strength and flexibility. You also have to develop your balance and spatial awareness. There is no secret or shortcut. Regular training is the only answer.
New perspective
There are no set playgrounds, neither are there set movements. You are the master of your own body, and you decide how to interact with your territory.
You will develop your skills of using space on a crowded street, and foreseeing and avoiding obstacles on a journey.
As many claim, Parkour opens their eyes and helps them see the world from a brand new perspective. You will also find yourself in a more harmonious and beneficial current of life.
Have your say - info@offbeatlondon.co.uk
It is not acrobatics nor is it gymnastics. It is something that everybody can do, as long as you can walk, jump, skip and hop...It is called Parkour, also known as free running.
by Yong Wang
published on: 08 March, 2010
Parkour - The art of movement
i
