Parkour facts for kids
An athlete performing parkour
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| Also known as | PK |
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| Focus | Obstacle passing |
| Country of origin | France |
| Creator | David Belle Yamakasi |
| Ancestor arts |
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| Descendant arts | Freerunning |
| Olympic sport | Not currently; IOC discussions underway |
Parkour sometimes called free running, is an amazing activity that combines running, jumping, climbing, and rolling into a fluid and creative way of moving through your environment. It's not just about getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible; it's about overcoming obstacles with grace, efficiency, and style. Think of it as a playful exploration of your surroundings, turning everyday objects into exciting challenges! Parkour is an activity that can be practiced alone or with others. Though it can be done anywhere, it is usually carried out in urban spaces.
Parkour has grown significantly in popularity since its origins in France. It has spread worldwide, with communities of traceurs in many countries. The rise of social media has also played a significant role in the growth of parkour, with many videos showcasing impressive feats of movement. This has inspired many people to try parkour for themselves. There are now numerous parkour schools and gyms around the world, offering training for people of all ages and skill levels. Many competitions and events are also held, showcasing the athleticism and creativity of parkour practitioners.
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Name
The name "parkour" comes from the French word "parcours," which means "course" or "path." It reflects the idea that parkour is about finding a path through your environment, creatively navigating obstacles and challenges. The early practitioners of parkour, often called "traceurs" (from the French word "tracer," meaning "to trace"), saw the city as a giant playground, full of opportunities for movement and exploration.
History
The practice of similar movements have existed in various communities around the world for centuries prior to the foundation of a parkour movement, which was influenced by these earlier traditions. Such athletic traditions had existed among various indigenous tribes in Africa for centuries. A similar discipline in Chinese culture is qinggong, a Chinese martial arts training technique that also dates back centuries. It was notably taught at the Peking Opera School in the 20th century; the school's most notable students are the Seven Little Fortunes, including Sammo Hung and most famously Jackie Chan, providing a basis for their acrobatic stunt work in Hong Kong action cinema from the 1970s onwards.
A forerunner of parkour in Western Europe was French naval officer Georges Hébert. Defore World War I he promoted athletic skill based on the models of indigenous tribes he had met in Africa. Hébert became a physical education tutor at the college of Reims in France and set up a "méthode naturelle" (natural method) session that consisted of ten fundamental groups: walking, running, jumping, quadrupedal movement, climbing, balancing, throwing, lifting, self-defence, and swimming. During World War I and World War II, teaching continued to expand and eventually became the standard system of French military education and training. Inspired by Hébert, a Swiss architect developed a "parcours du combattant"—military obstacle course—the first of the courses that are now standard in military training.
The modern form of parkour was developed in France in the late 1980s and early 1990s by David Belle and his father, Raymond Belle. Raymond Belle was a firefighter and a passionate advocate for physical fitness. He developed a training method that emphasized overcoming obstacles using natural movements. His son, David, took this training and combined it with his own creative flair, developing a unique and expressive movement style.
The Belle family, along with a group of friends, practiced their skills in the urban environment of Lisses, France. They used the city's buildings, walls, and other structures as their training ground. This early practice emphasized natural movement and efficiency, focusing on overcoming obstacles in the most effective and fluid way possible. They weren't just trying to be fast; they were trying to be graceful and precise.
Principles
Parkour is based on several key principles:
- Efficiency: Traceurs strive to move efficiently, using the least amount of energy to overcome obstacles. This means choosing the most effective movements and techniques for each situation.
- Precision: Accuracy is crucial in parkour. Traceurs need to land precisely on their target, whether it's a wall, a ledge, or the ground. This requires careful planning and execution.
- Fluidity: Parkour movements should flow seamlessly together, creating a smooth and continuous sequence of actions. This requires practice and coordination.
- Creativity: Parkour encourages creativity and improvisation. Traceurs need to adapt their movements to the specific environment and the challenges they face. There's no single "right" way to overcome an obstacle; many different approaches can work.
- Confidence: Overcoming fears and building confidence is a vital part of parkour. Traceurs need to trust their abilities and push themselves beyond their comfort zones. This is a gradual process, built through consistent practice and careful progression.
- Respect: Respect for the environment and for oneself is essential. Traceurs should always be mindful of safety and avoid damaging property or endangering themselves or others. This includes obtaining permission before practicing on private property.
Key movements
Parkour involves a wide range of movements, including:
- "Parkour roll": Rolling to absorb impacts from larger drops, moving diagonally over a shoulder to convert momentum from vertical to horizontal.
- "Precision jump": Jumping and landing accurately with the feet on small or narrow obstacles.
- "Arm jump": Jumping and landing feet-first on a vertical surface, catching the horizontal top with the hands.
- "Wall run": Running toward a high wall and then jumping and pushing off the wall with a foot to reach the top of the wall.
- "Climb up": Moving from a position hanging from a wall-top or ledge, to standing on the top or vaulting over to the other side.
Training and progression
Parkour training is a gradual process. Beginners start with basic movements like running, jumping, and rolling, gradually progressing to more advanced techniques. It's crucial to start slowly and focus on proper technique to avoid injuries. Many parkour groups and gyms offer structured training programs for all skill levels. These programs often include warm-ups, drills, and progressively challenging obstacles.
Safety
Safety is paramount in parkour. Traceurs should always:
- Warm up properly: This helps to prevent injuries.
- Start slowly and gradually increase difficulty: This allows the body to adapt to the demands of the activity.
- Use proper technique: Correct technique minimizes the risk of injury.
- Practice with a partner: Having a spotter can help to prevent accidents.
- Choose safe locations: Avoid practicing in dangerous areas.
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear: This helps to protect the body from injury.
- Listen to your body: If you feel pain, stop and rest.
Organizations
International parkour organizations include the World Freerunning and Parkour Federation, established in 2007, who have worked with MTV to produce parkour-related shows.
International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) added parkour as one of their disciplines in 2017. The first event in the FIG Parkour World Cup was held on 6–8 April 2018. Parkour debuted at the 2022 World Games.
In popular culture
Parkour has also made its way into popular culture, appearing in films, video games, and television shows.
In 2006 the James Bond film Casino Royale featured Sébastien Foucan in a chase taking place early in the movie, sparking renewed media interest in parkour. Along with The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), Casino Royale is credited with starting a new wave of Parkour-inspired stunts in Western film and television. Parkour was prominent in Live Free or Die Hard (2007), again with stuntman/actor Cyril Raffaelli, and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010), choreographed by David Belle. Several films besides Yamakasi are about thieves who use parkour, such as Breaking and Entering (2006), Run (2013), and Tracers (2015). The 2011 film Freerunner is about eight freerunners racing through a city for survival. The 2019 Netflix film 6 Underground featured several parkour scenes choreographed and performed by team Storror. Parkour also featured in Dhoom 3 (2013), Bang Bang! (2014) and Aadhi (2018).
Parkour is also featured on TV. MTV's show Ultimate Parkour Challenge premiered as a one-hour special in October 2009 starring the athletes of the World Freerunning & Parkour Federation. This was followed in May 2010 with a six-episode series of the same name. The athletes were Daniel Ilabaca, Tim Shieff, Ryan Doyle, Michael Turner, Oleg Vorslav, Ben Jenkin, Daniel Arroyo, Pip Andersen and King David. The programme format was a two-part weekly competition in different Southern California locations.
Professional wrestler John Hennigan is a long-time practitioner of parkour and often incorporates it into his wrestling style, with the WWE giving him the nickname "The Prince of Parkour".
Modern video games frequently include aspects of parkour as major game-play elements.
Images for kids
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A beginner takes a leap in Seattle's Freeway Park under the guidance of experienced practitioners (2012).
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A traceuse vaults a railing.
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See also
In Spanish: Parkour para niños
