What Is Parkour? The Art of Movement and How to Get Started

Introduction

Parkour is more than just an extreme sport—it’s a discipline, an art of movement, and a way of life. Originating from military obstacle course training, pa‌rkour focuses on moving efficiently and fluidly through an environment using running, jumping, climbing, and rolling. Whether you’re an athlete looking for a new challenge or a beginner intrigued by the idea of urban movement, this guide will cover everything you need to know about park‌our, from its history to essential techniques and tips for getting started.

The History and Origins of Parkour

Parkour traces its roots back to France in the late 1980s. The term was derived from “parcours du combattant,” which refers to military training obstacle courses. The discipline was pioneered by David Belle, inspired by the training philosophies of his father, Raymond Belle, a soldier and firefighter.

In the early 2000s, park‌our gained international attention through viral videos and Hollywood movies like District B13 and Casino Royale. Today, it has evolved into a global movement practiced by thousands worldwide. Modern park‌our communities continue to refine techniques and promote safety, making it accessible to enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Parkour between buildings

The Core Principles of Parkour

Park‌our is built on the philosophy of overcoming obstacles, both physical and mental. Some key principles include:

Efficiency – Moving in the fastest and most direct way possible.
Control – Mastering balance and body movement.
Adaptability – Navigating different terrains and urban environments.
Flow – Creating seamless transitions between movements.
Strength & Discipline – Training both the body and mind to overcome challenges.
Self-Expression – Using movement as a form of creative expression and freedom.

Essential Parkour Moves for Beginners

Before diving into advanced tricks, it’s essential to master the fundamental movements of park‌our:

1. The Precision Jump

A controlled jump used to land on a specific spot, such as a rail or ledge.

Bend your knees before jumping.
Keep your core engaged.
Aim for a soft, controlled landing.
Extend your arms for balance.

2. The Roll

A safety move used to disperse impact when landing from heights.

Tuck your head to one side.
Roll diagonally across your back.
Keep your movement smooth to reduce impact.
Practice on soft surfaces before progressing to harder terrains.

3. The Vault

A method for clearing obstacles like fences or rails.

Common vaults include the Kong Vault, Speed Vault, and Lazy Vault.
Use your hands for balance and push-off.
Focus on momentum rather than brute force.
Learn different vault techniques for various scenarios.

4. The Wall Run

A technique for scaling walls.

Sprint towards the wall at an angle.
Place one foot on the wall and push upward.
Reach for the top and pull yourself over.
Strengthen your grip and arm muscles for better performance.

5. The Cat Grab

Used for hanging and climbing up walls.

Jump towards the wall and grab the top ledge.
Engage your arms and legs to pull yourself up.
Develop upper body and core strength for efficiency.

6. The Tic-Tac

A move used to bounce off walls for added height or directional change.

Approach the wall at an angle.
Push off with one foot to redirect momentum.
Great for overcoming gaps and transitioning between obstacles.

Precision Jump

Getting Started: How to Train for Parkour

Starting parkour requires commitment, patience, and the right training approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you begin:

1. Build Strength and Endurance

Park‌our is physically demanding. Strength training is crucial, focusing on:

Leg Power – Squats, lunges, and calf raises.
Upper Body Strength – Pull-ups, push-ups, and dips.
Core Stability – Planks, sit-ups, and hanging leg raises.
Grip Strength – Hanging from bars, rock climbing, and finger exercises.

2. Improve Balance and Coordination

Balancing exercises help refine control and movement precision. Train with:

Walking on rails.
Balancing on one leg.
Using balance boards.
Practicing slow and controlled landings.

3. Practice in a Safe Environment

Find a parkour-friendly space such as a gym, park, or urban training spot with soft surfaces. Avoid high-risk areas until you’re more experienced. If training outside, scout your environment for safe landing spots and avoid slippery or unstable surfaces.

4. Wear the Right Gear

Clothing: Loose, flexible outfits for maximum mobility.
Shoes: Lightweight with excellent grip and shock absorption.
Protective Gear: Optional but recommended for beginners (gloves, knee pads).
Wrist & Ankle Support: Helps prevent injuries in high-impact movements.

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5. Learn from the Parkour Community

Join park‌our communities or take classes from experienced practitioners to improve skills and stay motivated. Watching tutorial videos, attending workshops, and training with a group can accelerate your progress and provide valuable feedback.

Common Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

1. Skipping the Basics

Many beginners try advanced moves too quickly. Focus on fundamentals first.

2. Ignoring Safety Precautions

Start small. Progress at your own pace to avoid injuries.

3. Poor Landing Techniques

Always absorb impact by landing on the balls of your feet and using rolls.

4. Lack of Consistency

Parkour requires regular training. Practice daily to build strength and confidence.

5. Overlooking Mobility and Flexibility

Stretching before and after training prevents injuries and improves fluidity in movement.

The Benefits of Practicing Parkour

1. Full-Body Workout

Par‌kour enhances endurance, flexibility, and overall fitness.

2. Mental Toughness

Overcoming obstacles builds confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

3. Functional Strength

Parkour develops real-world movement skills, improving agility and reaction time.

4. Community and Social Benefits

Parko‌ur fosters a supportive community, encouraging teamwork and mentorship.

5. Increased Spatial Awareness

Regular training improves how you perceive and interact with physical space.

Parkour vs. Freerunning: What’s the Difference?

Many people confuse par‌kour with freerunning, but they have distinct differences:

Par‌kour: Focuses on efficient, practical movement.
Freerunning: Includes acrobatics and stylistic movements like flips.
Key Distinction: Parkour prioritizes practicality, while freer‌unning emphasizes creativity and expression.

Advanced Parkour Training: Taking Your Skills to the Next Level

Once you’ve mastered the basics, challenge yourself with:

Bigger jumps and landings.
More complex vaults and flips.
Training in varied environments.
Combining moves for seamless motion sequences.
Strengthening endurance for prolonged par‌kour sessions.

Three parkourers on a playground in the rain

Conclusion

Parko‌ur is an exciting and dynamic discipline that offers both physical and mental growth. Whether you’re looking to improve fitness, challenge yourself, or join a global movement, par‌kour provides endless opportunities for self-improvement. Start small, train smart, and enjoy the journey of movement!