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December 1, 2006
WE ARE TRACEURISTS IN THE MAKING
Parkour (often abbreviated PK) is a physical discipline of French origin in which the participant — called a traceur — attempts to pass obstacles in the fastest and most direct manner possible, using skills such as jumping, vaulting and climbing, or the more specific parkour moves. The obstacles can be anything in the environment, so parkour is often practiced in urban areas because of many suitable public structures, such as buildings, rails, and walls.
Sébastien Foucan (featured in photo above) developed the discipline of Parkour with his childhood friend David Belle, who practiced the 'Natural Method' of Parkour, influenced by his miltary father, also a great sportsman.
Together Sébastien and David played and put in place a way of being - A Lifestyle - that lasted for more than ten years.
Heavily influenced by asian philosophy, Sébastian decided to immerse himself fully in his art in order to combat negative energy and becoming 'fluid like water'. Becoming aware of the failings of art without context, he later chose to create his own path by developing the philosophy - his own method of learning based on autonomy, play and positive energy. Conveying to others his messages and philosophy has become Sébastien's quest. Sébastien has become a global ambassador of the Parkour / Free-Running discipline.
According to Sébastien: "Nobody ever invents anything - You're inspired and sometimes you can improve!"
Check him out in the new Bond flick, Casino Royale...
"Read Jesse Woody's "Parkour Basics" in the CrossFit Journal:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=crossfit+and+parkour&btnG=Search
American Parkour (a CrossFit Affiliate):
http://www.americanparkour.com/
...and if that wasn't enough, check out the Wikipedia post:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkour
Posted by Nicole Okumu at December 1, 2006 3:07 PM
Comments
so the question is...Who wants to learn to do this stuff? We are thinking about offering a workshop on Parkour Basics and are curious to know who might be able and willing.
Posted by: Nicole Okumu at December 1, 2006 6:16 PM
i'm totally there. this stuff rules. i just hope my body doesn't get mad at me like it is now.
Posted by: Jonathan at December 1, 2006 7:15 PM
Nice work Jim!
Posted by: Max Lewin at December 2, 2006 7:41 AM
Oh Ya let me at this free running stuff, great way to spice up things.
F
Posted by: Franklin O at December 2, 2006 12:29 PM
Jim, that's crazy--I gotta see that one on film ;)
Posted by: Nicole Okumu at December 2, 2006 12:55 PM
I'll try to get a video cam for my next attempt.
Posted by: Jim at December 3, 2006 9:48 AM