Parkour

Parkour is a training discipline that developed out of military obstacle course training. Practitioners, called traceurs, aim to get from one point to another in a complex environment, without assistive equipment and in the fastest and most efficient way possible. It includes running, climbing, swinging, vaulting, jumping, rolling, quadrupedal movement, and other movements as deemed most suitable for the situation.

History

Parkour was developed in France, primarily by Raymond Belle, and further by his son David Belle and their group of friends, the self-styled Yamakasi, during the late 1980s. The discipline was popularized in the late 1990s and 2000s through films, documentaries, and advertisements featuring the Yamakasi.

Philosophy

Parkour includes a philosophy of altruism and useful strength, longevity, self-improvement and self-understanding. It discourages reckless behavior, showing off, and dangerous stunts. It is often practiced in urban areas but can be done anywhere.

Techniques

Parkour techniques aim to maintain momentum, to prevent injuries and to overcome obstacles effectively. These are split into three categories: jumping and landing, vaulting, and climbing and swinging.

Safety

Parkour's practitioners, known as traceurs, prioritize safety while training. This includes warming up, cooling down, staying within one's limits, and gradually progressing in difficulty.

In popular culture

Parkour has been featured in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and video games. It has also been used in live performances and in professional sports training.

See also

• Freerunning
• Adventure racing
• Obstacle course