This part of our web guide focuses on Parkour and Freerunning, both extreme sports.
Freerunning was derived from parkour, and they share several characteristics but with distinct focuses.
Parkour emphasizes efficiency and practicality, the goal being to move from point A to point B as quickly and efficiently as possible, using movements like running, jumping, and climbing. Freerunning, on the other hand, incorporates a more expressive and creative approach, including acrobatic and stylistic improvements, such as flips and spins, with a focus on the aesthetic and artistic side of the movement. Briefly, parkour is about speed and efficiency, while freerunning adds a layer of creativity and self-expression.
The term "parkour" is derived from the French parcours, which means "course" or "route." David Belle popularized its current spelling, and is considered one of the pioneers of the sport. The discipline is rooted in military obstacle course training, known as parcours du combattant, developed by a French naval officer in the early 20th century.
Parkour, as known today, developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s in Lisses, a Paris suburb. Inspired by his father's military training, David Belle created his own style of movement. He and a group of friends (known as the Yamakasi Group) practiced and refined the techniques that emphasized efficiency, fluidity, and adaptability in navigating urban environments.
More than physical activity, parkour is a philosophy of movement and self-improvement. Practitioners, known as traceurs (male) or traceuses (female), seek to overcome obstacles in their environment using only their bodies. The philosophy emphasizes efficiency, adaptability, self-discipline, and respect.
Parkour training involves several techniques: running, jumping, climbing, and rolling. Key movements include techniques (vaults) to pass over obstacles quickly, leaping from one point to another with accuracy (precision jumps), running up walls (wall runs) to reach higher points, and jumping and catching onto ledges or walls (cat leaps).
Training often occurs in urban environments, utilizing structures like railings, walls, and stairs. However, natural settings can also be used.
Parkour is an evolving discipline that combines physical prowess with a unique philosophy of movement, and may be practiced for fitness, personal growth, artistic expression, or competition.
Freerunning is an extreme sport that combines athleticism, creativity, and risk. The term was introduced in the 2003 documentary Jump London, and coined by Guillaume Pelletier as an English translation of parkour. While Parkour focuses on efficient movement from one point to another, freerunning emphasizes artistic expression and creativity.
Freerunning is about self-expression and freedom of movement. Known as freerunners, practitioners interact with the environment in fluid and creative ways, incorporating flips, spins, and other acrobatic maneuvers. A central philosophy is that there are no limitations on how one can move through space, which encourages a positive mindset, as freerunners often believe that falls and failures result from negative thinking.
Freerunning has its roots in parkour, branching out to emphasize artistic and expressive movements over pure efficiency.
As with any other extreme sport, freerunning carries inherent risks. The acrobatic and high-impact nature of the movements can lead to injuries ranging from minor sprains and bruises to severe fractures and concussions. The danger is heightened when freerunners attempt complex stunts without proper training or safety measures. In rare cases, freerunning can result in fatal accidents, particularly when performed at great heights or in dangerous urban settings.
As this category focuses on parkour and freerunning, topics related to these extreme sports are appropriate. However, products related to the sports would be listed in the proper Shopping & eCommerce category rather than here.
Recommended Resources
Miami Freerunning Academy, The
The Miami, Florida academy's curriculum is designed to test athletes' speed (parkour), develop their style (freerunning), and challenge their strength and coordination (obstacle course racing), with each class building up on the previous classes to ensure that athletes will be constantly challenged and expanding their skill set. Its classes, prices, schedules, and team are introduced, along with a calendar of events, contact data, and an online contact form.
https://miamifr.com/
Based in Livonia, Michigan, the Phoenix Freerunning Academy is a training facility for all aspects of movement, although it specializes in parkour and freerunning. The academy offers a variety of classes, workshops, and other events for youth and adults of all skill levels. Founded in 2015, the facility's location and contacts are published on the website, along with its services, schedules, monthly membership plans, and other prices, and several photos of the facility and some of its classes.
https://phoenixfreerunning.com/
The freerunning and parkour training facility has locations in Chatsworth, California, Vista, California, and Southlake, Texas, where its programs are designed to offer a real-world environment where students can learn everything from the basics of parkour to the advanced maneuvers and tricks of freerunning. Upcoming events are announced on the website, including locations and schedules, summer camps, contact information, gift cards, and an online shopping area.
https://www.tempestacademy.com/
Opened in 2020, Vortex Freerunning is in North Hollywood, California, where it offers six levels of parkour and freerunning (apprentice, novice, experienced, advanced, master, and prodigy), which are highlighted here, along with videos, photographs, schedules, membership plans, discounts, and other pricing. An overview of its charter school program is included, with details and pricing, and its summer camp program, library, and gym rental policies are included.
https://www.vortexfreerunning.com/
World Freerunning Parkour Federation
The WFPF is an international federation or organization established in 2007 to bring parkour and freerunning enthusiasts and patrons together and to promote the sport to a mainstream audience. In 2012, the WFPF began a coaching certification program and has also held other certifications for instructors, instructor assistants, and competition judges, Its certification, academy, services, competitions, and a link to its equipment catalog. An informational blog and contacts are included.
https://wfpf.com/
