What factors contribute to the longevity and success of community-driven parkour programs?
Rosy Noguchi discusses her involvement in PK Move, coaching, and why she is passionate about what they are doing. She shares her thoughts on the DC Women’s community, and why it’s been successfully running for 6+ years. Rosy reflects on the benefits of traveling for parkour, and closes out with her experiences with gender and intergenerational training in parkour.
I just thought it was cool, man. You’re only as old as you act and nobody was acting that old.
~ Rosy Noguchi (22:30)
The conversation explores the journey of Rosy Noguchi, a coach and board member at PK Move, and how her initial exposure to parkour through her mother led to a leadership role in the community. She recounts the origins of PK Move, a nonprofit aimed at making parkour accessible to diverse groups, and the progression from casual participant to co-founder. Rosy highlights the importance of inclusivity and the intergenerational nature of parkour, drawing connections between her experience training with both teenagers and older adults.
Rosy also discusses her involvement in the DC Women’s community and the structured nature of the monthly jams that have contributed to their sustained success. She emphasizes the role of leadership, mentorship, and collaboration in maintaining engagement and fostering growth. Additionally, Rosy reflects on the PK Silver program, which tailors parkour training for older adults, and shares personal insights on how her mother’s perspective on aging influences her coaching philosophy.
Takeaways
PK Move’s origin — How the organization evolved from an idea into a nonprofit driven by community needs.
Intergenerational training — The benefits of mixing age groups in parkour, fostering inclusive learning environments.
Women’s jam structure — How structured parkour classes during women’s jams enhance retention and encourage participation.
Mentorship and leadership — The influence of dedicated leaders and volunteers in sustaining long-term community programs.
Inclusivity in parkour — The importance of creating spaces that cater to newcomers and returning practitioners alike.
PK Silver — Tailoring parkour for older adults, emphasizing adaptability and safety.
Barriers to participation — How cost, time, and novelty affect attendance at women’s parkour events.
Support from larger organizations — The role of APK in providing space and legitimacy to community-led initiatives.
Travel and parkour — How traveling to jams strengthens community bonds and encourages personal growth.
Aging and representation — Addressing stereotypes about aging and promoting activity through inclusive parkour programs.
Resources
PK Move — The nonprofit organization co-founded by Rosy Noguchi to make parkour accessible to all.
APK (American Parkour) — A parkour organization that supports the DC Women’s community by providing gym space and infrastructure.
Urban Evolution — The parkour gym where Rosy began her training and encountered intergenerational parkour classes.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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