What motivates and sustains a practice that evolves personal fulfillment and builds community?
Dylan Johanson is the owner and founder of Innate Movement Parkour in Kingston, New York. A practitioner for many years, Dylan talks about his origin story and the challenges surrounding building and then re-building his gym. Then he shares some thoughts on what advice he would give his younger self.
Sometimes, I still need to remind myself to not accidentally slip onto the treadmill of traditional success.
~ Dylan Johanson (18:00)
The conversation explores Dylan Johansson’s journey into parkour, from discovering the practice to founding Innate Movement in Kingston, New York. Early topics include Dylan’s initial experiences with parkour, how it resonated with his love for movement, and his shift from solitary training to engaging with a larger community. He describes the transformative effect parkour had on his health, outlook, and life choices, emphasizing the physical and mental benefits it provided.
Later discussions focus on the process of building a parkour community, including the challenges of starting and sustaining a gym. Dylan recounts how he transitioned from hobbyist to professional coach, discussing incremental growth strategies, the importance of partnerships, and lessons learned from different gym setups. The conversation also reflects on broader themes, such as defining success on one’s terms and embracing the evolving nature of personal practice.
Takeaways
Parkour as a transformative discipline — A personal journey from unhealthy habits to a more fulfilled and balanced life.
Starting small and evolving gradually — The value of incremental steps in building a community and opening a gym.
Challenges of traditional success — Balancing personal joy and professional growth while resisting societal pressures.
The importance of a supportive network — How a partner and community can provide stability during transitions.
Parkour as a philosophy — Viewing parkour as a lens to guide life decisions and promote self-improvement.
Lessons from failure — How personal struggles and setbacks can serve as stepping stones for growth and learning.
Joy in movement — Emphasizing the playful and creative aspects of training for sustained passion and engagement.
Organizing principles for life — Using parkour to create a framework for healthier, more intentional choices.
Resources
Innate Movement — The parkour organization founded by Dylan Johansson.
PK Gen — A global organization promoting parkour education and certifications.
ADAPT Certification — A leading qualification program for parkour coaches.
Rich Roll Podcast — A podcast featuring topics on health, fitness, and personal transformation, mentioned as an inspiration in the discussion.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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