Freerunning

Freerunning is a form of urban acrobatics in which participants, known as freerunners, use the city and rural landscape to perform movements through its structures. It is closely related to parkour, with the main difference being its emphasis on freedom, style, and fluidity. Freerunning combines elements of gymnastics, martial arts, and street stunts to create an aesthetically pleasing and often acrobatic way of moving. It involves various techniques such as jumping, climbing, vaulting, flipping, and swinging to navigate through obstacles.

History

Freerunning was founded by Sébastien Foucan, who developed it as a more inclusive form of parkour. Parkour was primarily focused on efficiency and speed, while freerunning was created to incorporate artistic expression into the movement. Foucan's vision was to make the discipline more accessible and enjoyable, emphasizing personal freedom and expression.

Techniques

Freerunning incorporates a variety of techniques and movements, often categorized by the type of obstacle they are used to overcome or the style of movement they represent. Some of the most common techniques include:

• Vaults: Techniques used to efficiently pass over obstacles. Examples include the Speed Vault, Kong Vault, and Dash Vault.
• Flips and Spins: Aerial maneuvers that add an artistic element to freerunning. These include backflips, front flips, and various spins.
• Climbing: Techniques for ascending obstacles or structures, often using a combination of strength and agility.
• Precision Jumps: Jumps from one object to another with precision, often landing on a small target area.
• Rolls: Techniques used to absorb impact when landing or to transition smoothly between movements.

Philosophy

The philosophy of freerunning is centered around freedom, creativity, and personal expression. Freerunners often speak about the discipline as a way of overcoming both physical and mental obstacles, with a focus on self-improvement and exploration. Unlike parkour, which has a philosophy centered on efficiency and practicality, freerunning is more about the journey and the aesthetic of the movement.

Safety

While freerunning is an exhilarating sport, it comes with its risks. Practitioners are encouraged to train safely, often starting in gyms or with professional instruction to learn the basics before attempting more dangerous maneuvers in urban environments. Proper conditioning, technique, and situational awareness are crucial to minimize the risk of injury.

Competitions and Media

Freerunning has gained popularity through competitions and media exposure. Events like the Red Bull Art of Motion provide a platform for freerunners to showcase their skills in front of a global audience. Additionally, freerunning has been featured in films, television shows, and advertisements, further increasing its visibility and appeal.

See Also

• Parkour
• Gymnastics
• Martial Arts
• Urban Exploration