Parkour (also known as freerunning) is a discipline of physical movement that uses only the body to move from one place to another. It is a noncompetitive sport which involves running, jumping and climbing. A parkour practitioner, also known as a traceur or parkour man, uses their body’s momentum and the environment to navigate obstacles. They create impressive freestyle moves that combine athleticism, creativity and adrenaline.

Parkour, which originated in France in 1990, has become a global phenomenon thanks to its iconic and viral urban escapades as well as its connection with action and adventure sports like gymnastics, martial art, skateboarding, bouldering, and more. The body becomes an extension to the environment with parkour man. Athletes can overcome physical and mental barriers and conquer fears. They also develop a unique artistic expression which celebrates the beauty in movement.

The Philosophy of the Parkour Man

The Parkour man is more than a daredevil or a flashy stuntman. It is a way of thinking, a lifestyle and a philosophy which promotes mental and physical fortitude, self-reliance and respect for others and the environment. David Belle, the founder of parkour once said: “The aim is not to be more superior than anyone else but to be more superior than yourself.

Parkour is not a competition. It’s about personal growth and improvement. The parkour man is taught to challenge himself, to push past his limits, to become aware of his body’s capabilities and limitations, as well as to find new ways to navigate the world. The parkour man values creativity, innovation, and self expression, but also safety, responsibility, and humility.

The Training of Parkour Man

It is not possible to become a parkour expert overnight. It takes years to master the basics of parkour, develop a safe, efficient technique, and practice. A parkour man needs to train his body to be flexible, agile, and strong, but also his mind to be resilient, adaptable, and focused.

A parkour man’s training involves a combination physical exercises such as running and jumping, as well mental exercises such as breathing, visualization, and meditation. A parkour man also needs to learn how to read the environment and assess the risks. They must plan their moves accordingly.

Some of the basic skills that a parkour person must master are:

• Running: A parkour expert must learn how to run efficiently in order to gain speed and momentum and to avoid wasting energy.
• Jumping: A man who is interested in parkour must be able to jump safely and accurately, using different types such as precision jumps and cat leaps.
• Climbing: A man who practices parkour must be able to climb walls, roofs, bars and other structures by using techniques like wall runs, palms spins and tic tacs.
• Balancing: A man who does parkour must be able to balance on narrow surfaces like rails, beams and curbs. Techniques such as rail balances and one-foot balances are used.
• Rolling: A parkourman must learn to roll safely in order to absorb impact and maintain motion, using techniques such the parkour roll or safety vault.

The Benefits of a Parkour Man

Parkour man is not just about the thrill, but also offers many benefits to the body and the mind. Here are a few of the benefits of parkour:

• Fitness: Parkour is a full body workout that improves flexibility, strength, endurance, balance and coordination.
• Mental toughness: Parkour requires mental fortitude, focus and resilience. This can be applied to other areas of your life, like work, school or relationships.
• Parkour man challenges practitioners to overcome obstacles and achieve difficult feats. This boosts self-esteem and confidence.
• Creativity and Self-expression: Parkour Man encourages creativity and expression, allowing practitioners to develop their own unique style and approach.
• Community and social connection. Parkour is not an individual activity. It is a community which fosters friendship, camaraderie, and support.

Parkour Man: The Risks and Precautions

Parkour man, despite its many benefits, carries a greater risk of injury than any other sport due to its unpredictable urban environment and its nature of movements. A parkour man should be aware of the risks involved in the practice and take the necessary precautions to avoid accidents and injuries.

Here are the most important risks of parkour:

• Injury: A parkour performer can suffer from sprains and strains, fractures or even worse if they fall or hit an obstacle or misjudge their movements.
• Parkour men must be aware of the environment and avoid practicing in unsafe, unstable or illegal areas. They must also respect others’ rights and avoid damaging private or public property.
• Equipment: A parkour person must wear clothing and footwear which allows them to move safely and freely. They should also wear protective gear like gloves, kneepads, and helmets, if needed.
• Training: A parkour expert must learn from qualified instructors and progress slowly to avoid burnout, fatigue or overexertion.

Conclusion

Parkour is a challenging, thrilling and empowering sport. It allows its practitioners to explore their mental and physical potential, connect with other people, and express themselves in a creative way. It is a sport that carries with it risks and responsibilities, which must be taken very seriously to avoid accidents, injury, and legal issues. If you want to be a parkour expert, train with discipline, safety, and patience. Also, embrace the philosophy “being better than oneself”.