Does this looks suicidal to you?

Yes I jump that gap, I run over that rail, sometimes I even roll on gravel. Pretty hurt? Sometimes. One thing for sure, I never got serious injury that stop me from training. Day by day I train, not only my mental improved but my mindset as well. When you saw me training you’ll have so many thought about this sport: I should do that extremely super-duper-hyper-fast-daredevil-esque series of suicidal leaps across rooftops and down several stories, when in fact these feats are practiced only by the most experienced traceurs and constitute an incredibly minuscule portion of the overall art, most of which is an unglamorous, but creative and rapid, series of vaults over everyday objects.

I’m not sorry if you’re wrong about the sport. I even doesn’t called it sport.. but whatever makes you happy. I won’t describe the true definition here as I know you should already knew it.. fluid baby.. fluid! not extreme.

There are some statement I often heard since I start doing parkour:

You’re a monkey!

Monkeying

Of course I do what monkey do, it isn’t usual. But that’s not turn me into monkey. Although I never regret it, not a single moment. Instead, I say “sure, wanna try? It’s good to be a monkey sometimes.” When you reach that level (being monkey), then I can say you’re good at parkour. Not very good, cause there’s one creature best at this: cat. And I think better be like cat than monkey, not because cat having decent face but their movement is so smooth and silent. When you find one, see it yourself.

It’s Suicide!

Am I into that suicidal sport stuff and having a death wish? No I’m not, and yes, people often say this is suicidal sport. Do this properly with enough training and you’ll feel the difference that this sport NOT DANGEROUS AT ALL. It’s an art of movement for God’s sake!

Okay I get it, what’s the catch?

Precision

Efficiency: move from one point to another without wasting your energy.

Speed: move from one point to another without wasting your time.

Economical: move from one point to another without wasting your money.

Artistic: not only fast and efficient but also enjoyable to see.

Back to the suicidal part, now allow me to ask why do people think this sport suicidal and dangerous?

• Jumping the gap? I never do that, cause it’s NOT really IMPORTANT to do.
• Flipping? That’s not included in parkour. Tricks & flips just for style, NOT really EFFICIENT.
• Drop from heights? Everyone can do that, it’s also NOT NECESSARY to do. When you go down smoothly that’s even better.

How can I say I’m good at it?

I don’t have specific answer about this. In this sport there’s no grade, no official ranking so if you think you’re good enough then you’ll become more confident and doesn’t feel any hesitation to try every obstacles. Feel your move! If you feel strong enough, smooth enough, balanced, and efficient then I can say you’re good. Another simple way to know is to ask other person to judge your movement.

Reverse

So it is safe..

That’s it, nothing to be argued about suicidal sport. Parkour is safe, dynamic, and full of energy.. cause what we do in parkour is simple: balance, running, precision jump, roll, climbing, and dismount. What about drops? Yes drops included, simple drop. Other than that just a variation if you have enough guts to EXPLORE THE ART.

Still curious and anxious? Then try before you speak..

Josua “Grenseal” Leonard