Parkour: Art, Sport and Challenge in the Modern Urban

March 15, 2024

Born in the 1980s in the French town of Lisses, parkour, or the art of displacement, quickly spread around the world.

It is a sports discipline that combines running and acrobatics to overcome urban obstacles, turning cities into three-dimensional playgrounds.

A true philosophy that enhances individual expression and mastery of the body.

History of Parkour

The term parkour comes from parcours du combattant, the courses proposed in the military training devised by Georges Hébert.

Born from the premise “be strong to be useful,” Hébert believed that training should be based on natural movements, already inherent in humans, in response to situations presented by the external environment.

Among the founders of this discipline is David Belle, who took inspiration from the athletic example of his father, a Parisian firefighter, trained according to the Hébert method.

The Fundamental Principles

At the heart of parkour are three key principles: efficiency, fluidity, and respect.

Efficiency means moving with the least possible effort, making the most of one’s capabilities and the surrounding environment.

Instead, the concept of fluidity translates into harmonious and controlled movements that give the execution aesthetic beauty.

Respect, finally, is towards oneself, one’s own body, and the spaces in which it is practiced.

Moreover, traceurs do not seek spectacularity at all costs but focus on overcoming obstacles safely, adapting to the characteristics of the urban context.

Technique and Training

As skills improve, traceurs can explore more complex combinations of movements and tackle more challenging obstacles.

Each gesture requires practice and dedication to be refined, and therefore, consistency and patience are essential for progress.

Participating in workshops and training with more experienced athletes, for example, can accelerate learning, providing valuable advice and new perspectives.

Sources of Inspiration

From the breathtaking acrobatics of David Belle and Sébastien Foucan to the free-running performances of Daniel Ilabaca and Pasha Petkuns, parkour has inspired movies and documentaries that have contributed to its global spread.

YouTube also plays an important role in its notoriety among the general public, with channels boasting millions of subscribers.

Parkour as a Lifestyle

Parkour is not just a sport but a lifestyle that teaches discipline, perseverance, and respect for the environment.

It is a way to explore the city with new eyes, overcome limits, and feel free to move in space indeed.

It is an opportunity to experience urban territory in an alternative way, train the body, and forge personality.

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