Results

Freerunning with George McGowan

May 13, 2024

Freerunning with George McGowan

What motivates and shapes the mindset behind an individual’s pursuit of excellence in parkour, both in terms of personal practice and contributions to the broader movement community?

George McGowan discusses his journey through Parkour and his philosophical approach to movement, sharing insights on achieving perfection through relentless practice and creativity.

I think that carried over into my style, and then as I progressed it just got more… I was more critical of myself. But it’s my style of training, and I want the line to be—in my eyes—perfect and if I’m happy with it, then that’s all that matters. And having the clip at the end is just a bonus to me.

~ George McGowan, (04:30)

Craig Constantine welcomes George McGowan, a Freerunning and Parkour enthusiast and filmmaker, to discuss his experiences and insights into the world of movement. Early in the conversation, they discuss a recent documentary featuring George, emphasizing the dedication and meticulous approach required to master Parkour moves. George elaborates on his collaboration with notable figures like Robbie Corbett and his participation in events like the USA Parkour Cup, highlighting how these experiences have fostered valuable relationships and opportunities in the Parkour community.

George shares his philosophy on training and Parkour lines, explaining that achieving perfection in his movements is paramount, a sentiment reflected in his rigorous practice routine as seen in the documentary. He talks about his preference for efficient and fluid movements over showy, disconnected tricks, underscoring his focus on the aesthetics and functionality of each sequence.

Additionally, George discusses the influence of his peers, particularly from his early days training in Belfast, on developing a perfectionist approach to Parkour. This mindset extends into how he visualizes and plans his movements, often laying in bed thinking about the next day’s potential lines and challenges.

Takeaways

Exploration of Parkour documentaries — the conversation opens with a discussion about a documentary that delves into the intricacies of Parkour, focusing on the commitment and precision required to excel in the sport.

Importance of collaboration and networking — highlights how relationships built through Parkour, such as with notable athletes and event participation, play a crucial role in expanding opportunities and experiences within the community.

Philosophy and approach to training — emphasizes a meticulous and perfection-oriented approach to Parkour, where each movement and line is critically analyzed and practiced extensively to achieve the desired perfection.

Influence of community and mentors — discusses the significant impact that local Parkour legends and peers have on a person’s training ethos, particularly how early influences can shape one’s technical skills and overall approach to the sport.

Visualization and mental preparation — sheds light on the mental aspect of Parkour, where visualizing movements and lines the night before training helps enhance performance and creativity.

Adaptation and evolution of practice — explores how one’s style and focus in Parkour may evolve, from performing high-impact moves to prioritizing efficiency and flow in movements as one matures in the sport.

Global Parkour community — touches on the desire to connect with Parkour practitioners worldwide, particularly from regions known for producing exceptionally skilled athletes, to learn and draw inspiration.

The joy and personal satisfaction of Parkour — conveys that beyond technical achievement, the personal joy and satisfaction derived from mastering challenging movements are the core motivations for engaging in Parkour.

Future aspirations and openness to new challenges — reflects on future goals, including the integration of other forms of movement and fitness into Parkour practice to maintain health, enjoyment, and overall well-being.

Resources

Meet the BOUNCIEST Freerunner on Earth — Recent documentary and training video with George McGowan, by JimmyTheGiant.

Robbie Corbett — Mentioned as a collaborator in the Parkour documentary, known for his involvement in the Parkour community.

USA Parkour Cup — An event where Parkour athletes compete, and where George McGowan had notable participation in 2022.

World Freerunning Parkour Federation (WFPF) — An organization involved in the promotion and structuring of Parkour and Freerunning worldwide. Mentioned as having invited George to participate in a documentary.

@georgepkay — George McGowan on Instagram

ADAPT Qualifications — A certification program for Parkour coaching, mentioned as a credential held by George McGowan.

Motus Project — YouTube search results for George and Motus Project videos.

International Parkour Federation — Contains some information and links on Iran’s parkour community and athletes, who George expressed a desire to train with and learn from.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Movers Mindset’s purpose

July 3, 2023

Back in 2018 I traveled to an event at Gerlev in Denmark. I gave a brief presentation one morning explaining the Movers Mindset podcast. The other day, I stumbled over my notes, and felt this was worth a fresh posting.

When we move through the world we can move in an ordinary or an extraordinary way. Ordinary movement is easy; it follows established paths; and it is boring. Extraordinary movement requires excellence, knowledge, and independence. When I talk about movement, I am talking about extraordinary movement because it is much more interesting. Movement—whether that is Parkour, ADD, Freerunning—is a celebration of freedom in the context of an unforgiving reality that cannot be ignored.

These ideas form the foundation of movement: Pay attention to reality, learn as much as you can and practice. With parkour–as with just about everything in this world–the true beauty of the practice can be fully appreciated only by taking a deeper dive into it. This means we have to understand not just the physical aspects of movement but the mental and philosophical basis for movement.

As a mastery discipline—something that can be practiced for a lifetime with continued improvement—movement focuses more on the journey than the destination. Understanding the values, interests, and challenges in the minds of the best practitioners is the best way of showing the path of movement in a meaningful and accessible way. Our podcast, with its audio format and transcripts, naturally emphasizes the mental and psychological aspects of movement.

The podcast brings out the more intellectual elements of movement. My goal is to emphasize the value that movement and movers create and develop through their practice. In pushing the limits of human potential, movers demonstrate objectively that such achievements are possible. Since the physical aspects of practice can be directly observed through images and videos, the visible part is already well covered. But I believe the mental aspect is where the real magic happens, and it is less well covered because it is not spectacular. Video will grab your attention, excite you and may even get you to try some new things, but to get really good at movement you need a deep understanding.

When you listen to the podcasts, I hope you will notice a distinct difference in our approach. Our goal is always to show the guest in the best possible light. We aim to illuminate and showcase their values, ideas, and principles in a way that makes them accessible and relevant to the listener while showing the proper respect for their achievements. Each interview is a collaborative effort with that guest. Our shared goal is to clearly communicate ideas that will be useful to each listener in the context of their personal journey of exploration.

Yogis, martial artists and chess masters often describe how much they’ve learned about life from in-depth practice and mastery in their disciplines. We hear similar sentiments from musicians, sculptors, painters, hunters, and chefs. Movement as a mastery discipline is no different. A big part of its value comes from the lessons it teaches us about life and reality. Knowing your own strengths and limitations is critical. Reality is unforgiving. Physics always works and is important. You cannot fake competence. Courage is required to overcome self-imposed limitations. The list of lessons is limited only by our ability to think and to understand movement.

I am passionate about creating and promoting rational discussion. I am passionate about sharing others’ stories, wisdom, insights, accomplishments, goals, visions and delusions. Describing and illuminating the ideas behind extraordinary movement and human exceptionalism can help us all to improve our experience and appreciate the richness and beauty of life.

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Justin Taylor | How to Run a Members-Only Competition

May 23, 2023

On Castbox.fm — Justin Taylor | How to Run a Members-Only Competition

How can a members-only Parkour competition benefit both gym communities and business growth?

Find out how structured competitions drive engagement and long-term membership.

I realized: How is this benefiting me? I’m just throwing a competition for the sake of watching awesome athletes do awesome things. Which I have no problem with— that I have the West Coast Parkour championships for awesome athletes to come and push themselves. But that doesn’t push my gym, that doesn’t push my culture, that doesn’t help retain my students.

~ Justin Taylor (11:31)

The conversation explores the concept of members-only Parkour competitions designed to foster community, improve retention, and generate revenue within gyms. Unlike traditional competitions that attract elite athletes, these events focus on inclusivity, offering challenges that cater to all skill levels. Justin emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to feel accomplished, even those who might finish last. Through tailored categories and multiple opportunities for recognition, these competitions build confidence and engagement among participants.

The discussion also highlights how such events extend their impact beyond the athletes. Parents build friendships and deepen their connections to the gym community, while participants develop personal growth, resilience, and teamwork skills. By incorporating preparatory challenges in regular classes and promoting participation through a structured framework, gyms can create a sustainable model that supports both personal and professional growth for all involved.

Takeaways

Running members-only competitions — A gym-focused approach encourages participation and builds confidence among members.

Avoiding participation trophies — Alternative reward structures can ensure every participant feels valued without diminishing achievement.

Strengthening community bonds — Competitions create opportunities for parents and students to connect socially.

Improving retention — Regular, inclusive events keep members engaged and returning to the gym.

Introducing competition circuits — Successful local competitions can serve as a gateway to regional or national circuits.

Building personal growth — Challenges in competitions can foster resilience, sportsmanship, and overcoming fears.

Focusing on inclusivity — Age-specific and skill-level-based categories ensure every participant has a fair chance to succeed.

Resources

Firestorm Freerunning & Acrobatics — A series of Parkour gyms offering classes and competitions.

West Coast Parkour Championships — A competition series for athletes of all ages and skill levels.

Parkour Professor — Instagram profile for consulting and updates related to Parkour.

FirestormFreerunning@gmail.com — Contact for inquiries and information.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Coaching through play

August 3, 2022

This blog deals specifically with the games based aspect of coaching. I recommend using a model of explicitly teaching skills and then combining this with purposeful practice drills. With primary school children, that almost invariably means playing games.

~ John ‘Hedge’ Hall from, Coaching through Play: How Does it Work? | LinkedIn

slip:4ulipu2.

I often mention parkour, FreeRunning, and Art du Déplacement and I just wanted to take a moment to mention that there are a ton of people (myself not included) who take teaching it very seriously. If you’ve ever wondered how it’s taught— well, here you go.

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Perspectives with Robbie Corbett

July 27, 2022

Perspectives with Robbie Corbett

What are the challenges and opportunities in advancing Parkour as a sport, a community activity, and a professional field?

The conversation explores the evolution of Parkour and its integration into schools and professional spaces.

The idea is we want a place that they can be creative, and not just be forced to do [movement] by the book. Maybe they could build stuff, maybe they can make new challenges.

~ Robbie Corbett (1:24)

The discussion begins with reflections on the creation of a pop-up Parkour playground tailored for schools. Emphasis is placed on designing spaces that encourage creativity and adaptability, offering both basic and advanced challenges. Robbie shares experiences working with equipment manufacturers and schools, highlighting the importance of lesson plans and collaborative design to maximize the utility of these spaces.

The conversation then shifts to broader topics, such as the evolution of Parkour as a sport and its interaction with other industries like film, Ninja Warrior, and tag. Challenges include appropriation of Parkour concepts without acknowledgment and competition from larger organizations like FIG. Despite these issues, the conversation recognizes the diversity and creativity within the Parkour community, showcasing its potential to innovate through unique events and grassroots gatherings.

Takeaways

Designing adaptable spaces — School playgrounds and pop-up structures can encourage creative movement and multi-age participation.

Challenges in recognition — Parkour faces appropriation from industries and organizations, hindering its independent growth.

Opportunities in collaboration — Collaboration with schools and communities can enhance Parkour’s accessibility and value.

Creativity in competition — Events like jams and non-traditional gatherings showcase the sport’s diversity.

The struggle with governance — FIG’s control over competitions creates barriers for Parkour’s self-regulated development.

Community engagement — Bridging small, insular groups could foster a more unified and collaborative environment.

Resources

World Freerunning and Parkour Federation (WFPF) — A global organization promoting Parkour through events and certifications.

Parkour Certification — Provides training for coaches and athletes, ensuring safety and skill progression.

MoveNYC — A unique event blending competitions, workshops, and communal activities for Parkour practitioners.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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There may be something to this

May 27, 2022

Research now demonstrates that neuronal sensory integration actually happens much earlier in the sensory processing pathway and is actually optimized or heightened with multi-sensory stimulation, or what we call sensory stacking.

Sensory stacking is to bring in as many sensory input systems during an exercise or movement for the purpose of enhancing cortical stimulation and neuronal pathways.

~ Emily Splichal from, Sensory Stacking | The integration of tactile, visual and auditory input

slip:4ubase1.

Our entire schtick—whether you self-identify with Art du Déplacement, Parkour or Freerunning, or whatever—is moving in a visually complex environment. That turns out to have a physiological, brain altering affect.

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Justin Taylor | How to Find, Hire, Train, Retain, and Fire Coaches and Staff

July 1, 2020

On Castbox.fm — Justin Taylor | How to Find, Hire, Train, Retain, and Fire Coaches and Staff

How can a growing gym effectively hire, train, retain, and manage staff to sustain long-term success and positive culture?

Developing a team culture strong enough to survive rapid growth requires meticulous planning and personal leadership.

[L]ead by example. Right? So that’s number one. I cannot ask somebody on my staff to do something that I’m not willing to do.

~ Justin Taylor (8:18)

The conversation covers the journey of expanding a gym business from a small operation into multiple locations with large staff. Topics include managing rapid growth, hiring processes, and establishing standard operating procedures to ensure consistency.

Cultural development is emphasized as key to long-term staff retention and gym atmosphere. The importance of leading by example and fostering a sense of community within the staff is highlighted. Personal experiences with hiring missteps and lessons from managing team dynamics illustrate the complexities of gym leadership.

Takeaways

Hiring process — A structured hiring process with standardized steps is essential to avoid legal issues and ensure consistent results.

Staff retention — Retaining staff requires creating a positive culture and treating employees as part of a community or family.

Cultural leadership — Leaders must lead by example, modeling the behavior they expect from their staff.

Scaling challenges — Rapid expansion introduces difficulties in maintaining organizational culture, requiring careful management and strategic onboarding.

Training systems — Developing standard operating procedures helps ensure new staff are trained consistently and effectively.

Personal responsibility — Business owners are ultimately responsible for the livelihood and well-being of their staff, reinforcing the need for careful leadership decisions.

Resources

Parkour Professor — A resource created by Justin Taylor offering mentorship and resources for gym owners.

Firestorm Freerunning — Justin Taylor’s gym brand encompassing multiple locations.

Movement United Gym — A gym in Michigan partnered with Justin Taylor for mentorship and operational support.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Nikkie Zanevsky: Coaching, inclusivity, and empathy

May 27, 2020

Nikkie Zanevsky: Coaching, inclusivity, and empathy

How can inclusive coaching practices and a focus on empathy improve learning and growth for diverse groups in movement disciplines like parkour?

When she first learned about parkour back in ’06, Nikkie Zanevsky never dreamed it would lead to her quitting her day job and starting her own movement company. Nikkie sits down to reflect on her approach to coaching, structuring classes, and creating an experience for her students. She shares her own methods of learning and growing, and how it impacts her coaching. Nikkie shares her insights on success, inclusivity and gender in parkour, and the importance of starting before you’re ready.

For me, my favorite part of coaching is activating everyone in the space to work with each other and to learn from each other, but I feel like I can do that better if I know something about each of the people and how to activate that.

~ Nikkie Zanevsky

The conversation explores the integration of empathy, inclusivity, and diverse movement modalities in coaching practices. Nikkie discusses her approach to creating a supportive environment for learners of all ages and skill levels. She emphasizes the importance of understanding individual needs and fostering collaboration among participants.

Key themes include the role of failure as a pathway to growth, the psychological barriers faced by older participants, and the value of blending disciplines like parkour, strength training, and playful movement. The discussion also highlights how societal expectations can influence participation and the importance of challenging norms to create equitable learning experiences.

Takeaways

Empathy in coaching — Nikkie emphasizes understanding and adapting to the needs of each participant.

Failure as a learning tool — Regularly facing challenges and setbacks builds resilience and empathy.

Diverse modalities — Combining parkour with strength training and playful elements enhances learning.

Psychological barriers — Older adults often face mental and social hurdles to engaging in new physical practices.

Inclusive environments — Structured indoor and outdoor spaces can make movement more approachable.

Impact of societal norms — Challenging expectations about age, gender, and ability fosters inclusivity.

Resources

Wildly Fit — Nikkie’s New York-based movement coaching and team-building company.

Grit — Angela Lee Duckworth’s book referenced for its focus on perseverance and passion.

The Movement Creative — A collaborative movement community co-founded by Nikkie.

Firestorm Freerunning & Acrobatics — Mentioned as a model for a thriving parkour business.

American Rendezvous — An event noted for its inclusivity across all skill levels.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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§20 – Three words

August 11, 2019

(Part 32 of 37 in series, Study inspired by Pakour & Art du Déplacement by V. Thibault)

The idea of selecting three words is an amazing tool. A few years back, Yann Hnautra spent significant time traveling in the United States teaching, but also trying to get a sense of what Art du Déplacement meant there, to those people practicing. Off to the side, at most of the events, someone (who was not Yann) took little cell phone videos where people were asked a series of questions. The idea was that he would be able to watch the videos to get a different viewpoint than he would when running events and training with people; Little moments of private candor as it were.

I was standing, being recorded, when I was introduced to this question. Something like, “how would you describe your practice in three words?” Honestly, I have no idea what I said—sometimes I think I should ask Yann to find my video, but I’m terrified to hear what I said even just those few years ago.

When I started the Movers Mindset podcast I wanted a way to give each episode a specific ending which would be recognizable to the listener, but which would give the guest a framework to wrap up what they had said in their own way. Many podcasts have a rapid-fire section of questions they go to at the end. But I felt that would completely change the pacing; Whatever the pace of the interview was by the end, shifting to a preset, rapid-fire pace would be a jarring change. At some point it occurred to me to ask them for three words to describe their practice.

As the podcast grew, and the guests’ backgrounds began to vary widely, the question proved to be even more powerful than I was at first aware. Ask someone who self-identifies as doing Parkour, FreeRunning or Art du Déplacement for “three words to describe your practice” and exactly what you expect to happen happens. But I soon learned that the word “practice” is itself a powerful tool. Ask someone who self-identifies first as operating a school, as a mother, or as a community leader, and the power of the question is multiplied by their having to select words and unpack “practice.”

In case you’re wondering, I do have three words these days, and of course they are Vincent’s…

force | dignite | partage

They are in French to remind me of the global scale, (of the practice, of people in general, all of it.) I have a wrist band with these words on it. It’s black and the words are black so they are difficult to notice; It’s a reminder for me, not a blaring advertisement.

Two final points: The other side of my wrist band reads, “maximum effort.” My favorite answer given by a podcast guest is, “break all the rules.”

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Steve Zavitz: Freelancing, artistic process, and parkour culture

August 7, 2019

Steve Zavitz: Freelancing, artistic process, and parkour culture

What drives someone to transition from a traditional career path into a freelance life focused on parkour photography and videography, and what insights can they share about this journey?

Steve Zavitz shares his passion for parkour photography and film: from his transition to freelancing, his process, and what he likes to create. He discusses the changing style and culture around parkour videos, and the impact social media has had. Steve reflects on the evolving culture, audience, and growth of parkour, and what that means for communities today.

It was in the back of my head where I was like, ‘You know, eventually, I would like to be working fully for myself, being a freelance photographer, videographer, doing my own thing.’ But it wasn’t like I have a three-year plan or a five-year plan or whatever. It was just, I’m going to go out and shoot stuff that I really like doing because I want to, because I need to, almost.

~ Steve Zavitz (11:45)

The conversation explores Steve Zavitz’s path from working in various traditional jobs to transitioning into a full-time freelance career centered around parkour photography and videography. Steve recounts his early experiences capturing parkour scenes on low-quality cameras, highlighting the incremental steps that led to his professional break working with prominent parkour brands. His approach to building a portfolio emphasizes pursuing personal passions rather than following trends, which ultimately led to organic growth and recognition in the parkour community.

In addition to discussing the creative and technical aspects of his work, Steve reflects on the evolving parkour culture and the shifting landscape of content creation. He touches on the growing prevalence of daily parkour posts on social media and how that contrasts with the slower-paced, community-driven videos of the past. The dialogue also reveals concerns about how gym-based parkour might inadvertently limit resilience and self-directed learning in newer practitioners.

Takeaways

The journey to freelancing — Transitioning from traditional employment to freelance work often involves years of side projects and incremental growth.

Parkour culture through videos — Parkour videos once centered on community and lifestyle but are now often shaped by social media trends, leading to more polished but less personal content.

Creative persistence — Shooting and editing work that aligns with personal interests fosters long-term success, rather than chasing trends or producing content solely for commercial appeal.

Role of editing in storytelling — Editing parkour photos or videos should enhance but not distort the narrative, balancing honesty with artistic refinement.

Generational shifts in parkour — Older practitioners view parkour through the lens of community and shared experiences, whereas newer participants may focus more on individual performance and social media presence.

Resources

Tempest Freerunning — One of the parkour brands Steve Zavitz has worked with, known for high-profile parkour athletes and creative projects.

The Motus Project — A parkour brand focused on high-quality parkour apparel and media.

Skochypstiks — A parkour clothing brand Steve collaborates with, producing movement-focused apparel.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Lynn Jung: Training, recovery, and goals

July 3, 2019

Lynn Jung: Training, recovery, and goals

How does moving to Brighton and experiencing injury influence an athlete’s approach to training, recovery, and personal growth?

Lynn Jung discusses Brighton, what it means to her, and how moving there affected her life. She unpacks how she approaches training, her movement background, and her journey of injury and recovery over the past few years. Lynn shares how she came to freerunning, her current projects, and her involvement with Storm Freerun and xDubai.

Then I moved to England where I didn’t know anyone other than my boyfriend which I think is a very hard situation to be in because you don’t always just want to spend time with one person. You need to have a broader network of people which was hard to build up first.

~ Lynn Jung (13:30)

The conversation focuses on Lynn Jung’s experiences moving to Brighton and how it shaped her personal and professional life. She shares how the move initially brought challenges, such as building a social network and dealing with the absence of indoor Parkour facilities. Despite these hurdles, Brighton eventually became her home, supported by a community of Freerunners who shared her lifestyle.

Lynn also reflects on the impact of injury, describing her recovery process and the mental shift it required. She explains how her injury led her to explore other physical activities like yoga and diving, broadening her understanding of movement. Professionally, Lynn discusses her involvement with Storm Freerun, her commercial work, and plans to develop skills in filmmaking and photography. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of community, resilience, and adaptability in navigating her athletic career.

Takeaways

Brighton as a training environment — The city lacks dedicated Parkour facilities, which initially frustrated her but later pushed her to diversify her training.

Injury and recovery process — Lynn faced a severe tibia fracture, prompting a two-year recovery that reshaped her relationship with movement and rest.

Building community — Moving to Brighton required Lynn to actively form connections and step outside her comfort zone, enriching her experience.

Role of Storm Freerun — Joining Storm Freerun significantly impacted her career, offering professional opportunities and strengthening friendships.

Emotional connection to Freerunning — Freerunning became a refuge after personal loss, highlighting its role in her healing and personal growth.

Resources

Storm Freerun — A professional Parkour team Lynn is part of, involved in projects and community building.

XDubai — A Dubai-based company sponsoring athletes and promoting action sports.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Frank Mejia: World Chase Tag, coaching, and competition

June 19, 2019

Frank Mejia: World Chase Tag, coaching, and competition

What leads someone to transform personal passion for parkour into a career in coaching and movement education?

Frank Mejia discusses PK Move and Urban Evolution, and the path to how and why he became a coach. He reflects on his experience with World Chase Tag, explaining the game and its intricacies. Frank shares his thoughts on travel and the role it’s played in his journey, before wrapping up with his thoughts on competition.

Teaching is such a privilege. It’s so much fun to bring people up and show them this thing they didn’t think they could do.

~ Frank Mejia (13:20)

This conversation explores the journey of a parkour enthusiast transitioning into a coach, beginning with an incidental school project and evolving into a full-time commitment to movement education. Frank recounts how early skepticism about coaching shifted as he experienced the satisfaction of teaching and guiding others. His involvement with organizations like PK Move and Urban Evolution highlights his contributions to both senior fitness programs and general parkour instruction.

The discussion also touches on his participation in World Chase Tag, offering insights into the competitive aspects of the sport and the mental strategies involved in high-pressure movement environments. Frank reflects on how coaching has enriched his personal training and fostered community connections. Travel, competition, and collaboration emerge as recurring themes, showcasing the broader opportunities that parkour and coaching can provide.

Takeaways

The transition to coaching — Frank’s path to becoming a parkour coach began with a school project and gradually transformed into a passion for teaching.

Impact of coaching on personal training — Teaching others highlighted gaps in the guest’s personal practice, leading to self-improvement and more balanced training.

Community and connection — Observing the camaraderie and enjoyment among other coaches shifted Frank’s perception of teaching from a chore to a fulfilling activity.

World Chase Tag experience — Participation in this high-stakes competition offered insights into mental strategy, teamwork, and navigating pressure in competitive environments.

Role of PK Move and Urban Evolution — Frank describes involvement in specialized parkour programs for seniors and general community classes, emphasizing inclusivity and adaptability.

Value of travel and exploration — Travel and working in different parkour communities broadened Frank’s coaching skills and deepened his appreciation for diverse training environments.

The evolution of competition in parkour — Frank’s views on parkour competitions evolved, recognizing their value in fostering personal growth, collaboration, and community bonding.

Resources

PK Move — A parkour organization focused on movement education for seniors and underserved communities.

Urban Evolution — A gym in Alexandria, Virginia, offering parkour and movement classes for all ages.

World Chase Tag — An international competitive tag organization that blends parkour with high-speed evasion challenges.

Phoenix Freerunning Academy — A Michigan-based parkour gym with a strong sense of community and long-standing instructors.

Movement United — A gym in Michigan where the guest expanded his coaching experience.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Michael ‘Frosti Fresh’ Zernow: Competition, collaboration, and passion

May 22, 2019

Michael ‘Frosti Fresh’ Zernow: Competition, collaboration, and passion

What role does competition play in shaping the growth and community of Parkour?

Michael ‘Frosti Fresh’ Zernow discusses his career, passion for community building, and his experiences with the Red Bull Art of Motion competition. He shares his views on competition in general, his unique perspective on how parkour has grown, and the potential it has as it continues to grow. Frosti explains his involvement in the United States Parkour association, his love of collaboration, and how he’s found and followed his passions throughout his journey.

I think competitions can help create an understandable way for the outside world to connect with this amazing community that we’re building and if we can be involved in it in a way where our voices are heard and where our presence is known then we can build something really beautiful.

~ Michael Zernow (38:23)

The conversation explores the evolving relationship between Parkour and competition, focusing on how competitions, such as Red Bull’s Art of Motion, have shaped the sport. The discussion reveals how Frosti navigates being an athlete, host, and entrepreneur, balancing personal growth with the desire to grow the Parkour community. His experiences shed light on the importance of community building and outreach, as well as the role of organizations like the United States Parkour Association (USPK).

Frosti reflects on his career trajectory, highlighting how competitions and collaborations have allowed him to stay involved in the Parkour scene beyond just being a performer. The conversation touches on the philosophical divide within Parkour about whether competition enhances or detracts from the sport’s core values. Frosti’s perspective emphasizes the need for competition to inspire and provide opportunities for young athletes, while maintaining respect for those who choose to pursue non-competitive avenues.

Takeaways

Community building — Parkour thrives on creating relationships, and early jams were crucial in connecting athletes across regions.

Role of competition — Competitions, like Red Bull Art of Motion, provide growth opportunities for athletes but also provoke debate within the Parkour community.

Athlete transition — Many professional Parkour athletes transition into coaching, entrepreneurship, and event hosting as their careers evolve.

Corporate involvement — Red Bull’s approach to Parkour is viewed positively by some for its investment and willingness to collaborate with athletes, while others question corporate influence on the sport.

Collaboration — Frosti highlights the value of working with artists, musicians, and other athletes to expand the reach and creative potential of Parkour.

Inspiration — Young athletes like Nate Weston use competition as motivation to refine and expand their skillsets.

USPK — The formation of the United States Parkour Association aims to unify and provide a collective voice for Parkour practitioners in the U.S.

Growth of Tempest — Tempest Freerunning’s expansion of gyms and outreach programs reflects the increasing mainstream acceptance of Parkour.

Philosophy of movement — Frosti’s journey underscores the personal growth and self-expression that emerge through Parkour, regardless of competition.

Resources

Tempest Freerunning — Parkour and Freerunning gym co-founded by Frosti Fresh, promoting movement and training across multiple locations.

Red Bull Art of Motion — International Parkour competition showcasing top athletes and fostering community engagement.

United States Parkour Association (USPK) — Organization supporting Parkour athletes and practitioners in the U.S. through events, certifications, and community building.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Nancy Lorentz: Cancer, PK Move, and parkour spirit

April 17, 2019

Nancy Lorentz: Cancer, PK Move, and parkour spirit

What impact can parkour have on recovery and personal growth after a serious health challenge?

Nancy Lorentz opens up about her experience fighting cancer, and the role that parkour played in her recovery. She unpacks how her recovery inspired the idea of PK Move, and shares her ‘parkour origin story.’ Nancy discusses her thoughts on parkour’s growth and spirit, PK Move’s current goals, and finishes with her insights on how to attract older individuals to parkour.

[A]t the time of the diagnosis and going forward from there, I was not thinking about how parkour was part of this until afterward. I think once you are in that situation, you’re just going through the steps and getting through the treatment and what you have to do— the surgery or whatever. The fact is that, it did occur to me afterward— I thought, oh my gosh, [yes.] I really do say that parkour saved my life.

~ Nancy Lorentz (5:13)

Nancy Lorenz shares her personal journey of surviving cancer and how parkour became a crucial part of her recovery. She describes how the physical and mental resilience built through parkour helped her endure treatment and how this experience inspired her to co-found PK Move, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing parkour to underserved communities. The conversation covers her introduction to parkour, the challenges she faced during and after her illness, and how the supportive community around her played a significant role in her healing process.

The discussion highlights the mission and vision of PK Move, which focuses on providing adaptive parkour training to individuals who may face barriers to participating in traditional gym environments. Nancy details how PK Move brings parkour directly to people in their own communities, particularly targeting older adults and cancer survivors. Additionally, she reflects on the broader impact of parkour and the importance of preserving its core philosophy as it expands into mainstream fitness spaces.

Takeaways

Parkour and Recovery — Parkour played a crucial role in aiding physical and mental recovery from cancer.

Community Support — A supportive parkour community can make a significant difference during personal health battles.

Inspiration for PK Move — Personal experiences with illness and recovery inspired the founding of PK Move to make parkour more accessible.

Target Audience — PK Move focuses on underserved communities, including older adults and those facing physical challenges.

Health Benefits — Parkour can improve muscle mass, mental resilience, and overall health, which are important for aging populations and cancer survivors.

Adaptive Training — PK Move adapts parkour training for people with mobility issues, ensuring inclusivity.

Expanding Parkour — The future of parkour may involve integration into mainstream fitness, but maintaining its philosophical roots is essential.

Overcoming Stereotypes — Educating the public and challenging misconceptions about parkour can help broaden its appeal to different demographics.

Strategic Growth — PK Move aims to scale its PK Silver program to reach more older adults, emphasizing fall prevention and functional fitness.

Resources

PK Move — A nonprofit organization co-founded by Nancy Lorenz that focuses on bringing adaptive parkour to underserved communities.

Urban Evolution — A parkour gym in Alexandria where Nancy Lorenz trained and found support during her recovery.

Forever Young Program — A UK-based parkour program focused on older adults, which inspired the PK Silver initiative.

National Breast Center Foundation — A foundation supported by PK Move’s fundraising events, helping underinsured women receive cancer care.

Tempest Freerunning Academy — A welcoming parkour gym that left a lasting impression on Nancy Lorenz during her travels.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Adam McClellan, Caitlin Pontrella, & Alan Tran | Art of Retreat

November 14, 2018

On Castbox.fm — Adam McClellan, Caitlin Pontrella, & Alan Tran | Art of Retreat

What makes Art of Retreat a transformative experience for community leaders and organizers?

Leaders gather to exchange ideas, solve problems, and shape the future of Parkour communities.

It’s been kind of special to wake up in the morning and have it be peaceful and quiet and more nature oriented. And I think that’s changed the vibe in a certain way which has been pretty valuable.

~ Adam McClellan (0:37)

Art of Retreat, held in the Cascade Mountains, brings together leaders, educators, and organizers to foster collaboration and growth in the Parkour community. The setting contrasts with previous urban locations, providing a peaceful and cohesive environment for attendees to engage deeply with one another. A significant focus of the event is creating a space for problem-solving, leadership development, and community building, with sessions addressing topics like business practices, sports psychology, and story branding.

When I think about stand-out experiences from the weekend, honestly, it was— …while the talks, obviously, are the key elements, the things that really resonated with me were the things beyond that: The community building, and getting a sense of group-making and cohesion.

~ Caitlin Pontrella (2:52)

Attendees value the social aspects and shared experiences beyond the formal talks, such as night missions, treasure hunts, and cabin activities. The organizers emphasize the importance of a diverse speaker lineup, often through an application process, ensuring a wide range of voices and perspectives. Challenges like travel logistics and expanding the event’s duration are under consideration to enhance the experience further. The event continues to grow in geographic reach and influence, drawing participants from international locations and various parts of North America.

Takeaways

The impact of location — A shift to the Cascade Mountains enhances cohesion and creates a peaceful, reflective environment.

Cohesion and connection — The retreat format allows for deeper group bonding and social interaction beyond formal sessions.

Community-focused programming — The event emphasizes leadership, education, and business aspects of Parkour, filling gaps left by other events focused solely on physical practice.

Diversity of voices — A mix of invited speakers and open applications ensures a broad range of perspectives and expertise.

Importance of informal moments — Activities like treasure hunts, night missions, and shared meals foster community and collaboration.

Expanding reach — The conference attracts attendees from across North America and internationally, reflecting its growing influence.

Future improvements — Plans include addressing travel logistics, adding additional days for decompression, and increasing focus on leadership and team-building topics.

Event co-creation — Volunteers, sponsors, and venue staff play crucial roles in the event’s success, highlighting the collaborative nature of the retreat.

Resources

Parkour Visions — A supporting organization that contributed to the event’s success and logistics.

Firestorm Freerunning — Sponsored the event and provided community support.

Axiom Parkour — Partner organization contributing to workshops and sessions.

YMCA Camp Lake Wenatchee — The venue for the retreat, providing a scenic and well-maintained environment for the conference.

Movers Mindset — Craig’s platform involved in recording and sharing content from the retreat.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Sebastien Foucan (Part 3 of 3): Movement journey, path to truth, and coaching styles

October 22, 2018

Sebastien Foucan (Part 3 of 3): Movement journey, path to truth, and coaching styles

What are the deeper implications of autonomy, curiosity, and the evolving dynamics of coaching within the context of parkour and personal exploration?

In the final part of our 3-part interview with Sebastien Foucan, Craig and Seb continue to discuss his movement journey. Sebastien brings to light what he sees as his “Path To Truth.” They discuss his relationship with learning, different coaching styles, and wrap up with Sebastien’s three words.

I’m an explorer, nothing stays static. I’m still evolving.

~ Sebastien Foucan (12:30)

Sebastien Foucan reflects on his personal evolution from a disengaged student to a driven explorer, emphasizing the power of curiosity and self-directed learning. He discusses his initial struggle with traditional education and how experiences in nature reawakened his desire to learn. This rekindled curiosity led him to philosophical and scientific explorations, citing inspirations like Richard Feynman and the holistic connections between physical activity and mindfulness.

The conversation also gets into coaching philosophies, contrasting traditional methods with parkour’s unique emphasis on autonomy and individual growth. Sebastien critiques rigid coaching practices and advocates for collaborative, open exchanges of ideas to foster creativity and innovation in teaching. He explores broader themes such as artistic expression, personal resilience, and the importance of cultivating environments that encourage growth and connection.

Takeaways

Autonomy in coaching — The importance of teaching students to become independent rather than dependent on their coaches.

Curiosity as a driver — Curiosity transforms disengagement into a relentless pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement.

Integration of nature — The role of nature in inspiring movement, mindfulness, and personal growth.

Holistic teaching — Effective coaching incorporates not just technique but also personal and emotional development.

Influence of inspiration — Icons like Feynman and Michael Jordan illustrate how external influences shape individual perspectives and growth.

Balance of tradition and innovation — The need for blending established methods with creative, adaptive approaches.

Philosophy in practice — Parkour becomes a metaphor for navigating life’s challenges through adaptability and persistence.

Artistic expression in movement — Movement as a visual and emotional narrative connecting physicality with creativity.

The role of community — Collaboration and shared experiences enrich both individual and collective journeys.

Resources

Richard Feynman — An influential physicist known for his ability to explain complex concepts with clarity and accessibility.

Phil Jackson’s “Sacred Hoops” — A book exploring selflessness and team dynamics, drawing from Jackson’s experiences coaching basketball.

Art of Retreat — An event dedicated to fostering dialogue and collaboration among parkour and movement community leaders.

First4Sport Certification — A UK-based certification program for parkour coaching, emphasizing safety and professional standards.

Sebastien Foucan’s Freerunning Academy — A platform for learning parkour and freerunning, emphasizing exploration, curiosity, and holistic movement.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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A well-formed ‘About’

August 19, 2018

(Part 10 of 11 in series, A Tracer's Manifesto)

( In late 2016 I began a small discussion with a few friends about an idea. Eventually the project became a web site [now gone] and this series contains the posts from that site. The project continues in the Parkour Forum. )

Originally published Feb 3, 2017

The word manifesto traces its roots to the Latin manifestum, which means clear or conspicuous. A manifesto is defined as a declaration of one’s beliefs, opinions, motives, and intentions. It is simply a document that an organization or person writes that declares what is important to them.

A manifesto functions as both a statement of principles and a bold, sometimes rebellious, call to action. By causing people to evaluate the gap between those principles and their current reality, the manifesto challenges assumptions, fosters commitment, and provokes change.

~ Brett McKay

THE SEED THOUGHT

[The following is a direct quote of what I initially wrote. Some of it is already supplanted as I write this.]

I don’t recall who (if anyone) I discussed the following idea with, but it has again bubbled to the surface of my brain: Let’s create a Code of Conduct for parkour/ADD. I’m envisioning a very simple web site; Just a sort of billboard that says this is the Code of Conduct. Then we start grass-roots spreading the word and expecting that every group/team step up to support this CoC by mentioning/linking to the CoC.

At first I thought of making it more complicated by having individuals register (with a closed loop email signup), or having people contact us (uh, me I suppose) to add back-links when they link… but then I thought. Nah. All it needs is to be a bit of a community discussion to settle on the Code (many such codes already exist, shouldn’t be too different for parkour/ADD). Then we enlist a few people to translate it into a few languages, and we put it up.

Thoughts? I know it’s doable… but I’m wondering if it’s *useful*…

META

In late 2016 I began a small discussion with a few friends about this thought. The discussion went — roughly — in three directions, and I wanted to lay this out here to begin a history of the project:

Goal – Discussion of what are we trying to create with this project; What is the concrete, objective thing we are creating? How do we define success; Is it creation of some artifact (a “code” of ethics/conduct?), or is it to reach some level of “adoption” of it?

Code – The most difficult part of the project. Statements of ethics are inherently complex and there is an enormously wide range of scope available. Part of this project will involve sorting out the “height of the bar”; The more complex a social/moral concept embodied in a statement, the more discussion and dissent will be evoked. We will have to balance the desire for achieving wide-spread, grass-roots adoption of the “code” against how far onto the moral high-ground the code sits.

Technology – What technologies, formats and forums are we to use for this project. We’re beginning in a “secret” Facebook group, but I expect to quickly outgrow this forum. I expect we’ll ultimately have to produce a web site to house the finished product, and I hope that can also include a narrative (aka “blog”) capturing the discussions and process. The later point being another reason I want to move “out” of a Facebook group asap, so we can capture as much of the discussion, permanently outside of FB.

A FIRST ATTEMPT AT A NAME

A Traceur’s Manifesto

My Proposal

I’ve veered to using the word “traceur” in the hopes that people who self-identify with Parkour/freerunning/ADD will “recognize” it and will identify with it at least partially, while not being an instant lightening rod of diviciveness. (Using the masculine form in English, because that’s how English works. In other languages, we’ll use the appropriate default gender, which is also masculine as far as I know. eg, French.)

My choice of “manIfesto” is intended to be stirring; This entire project is meant to make people *think*, not actually to achieve changing their minds/opinions. So I feel “manifesto” comes from the moral high road by shouting out a declaration and a call to action. (Obviously, it has to be written so as to actually achieve those goals.)

The use of “A …” implies this manifesto is not presuming to be “The …” one true version of things. Also, “A Traceur’s …” can be interpretted to mean “the traceur who wrote the manifesto”, as well as to mean “this manifesto is for those persons who are traceurs”.

I remain open to being talked out of my opinions. But, after months of thinking about this. I’m convinced this is the best name *I* can come up with. So I’m leaving it here to provide an opportunity for you to talk me out of it.

Presuming it stands, I will build “infrastructure” to actually begin the project; a domain name, web site, google group for discussion, etc.

WHERE IS THE DISCUSSION? HOW DOES ONE CONTRIBUTE?

I’m glad you asked. There is a dedicated forum in the Parkour Forum

https://parkourforum.world/viewforum.php?f=8

As things get discussed, concensus is reached or decisions are made, things will find there way here to this web site.

PREAMBLE

The goal of this Manifesto is to lay out values and ideals in the context of Parkour. I am writing in the hope that this will cause others to think deeply about their own values, ideals, and personal philosophies. If you do not consciously choose these things, you are surrendering yourself to the power of ideas you do not know you have accepted.

Do you have a mind? Do you use it? How do you use it? What does your mind realize? What are your values and ideals? Where did you obtain them? Are they correct? How does any of that apply to your personal understanding of Parkour?

These are deep questions, all in the realm of Philosophy. But this Manifesto is not meant to be a rigorous treatise of Philosophy. By thinking about these questions, each of us can expand our personal Parkour, and increase the good that Parkour can accomplish generally. I also believe that by examining questions commonly encountered in the context of Parkour, we can each enlighten our broader, personal philosophies, values and ideals.

Is there value in movement? Do I have the right to move? When might that right be limited? What responsibilities do I have for my actions? Am I responsible for the ideas and conceptions formed by others who perceive my actions? What responsibilities do I have to my community of fellow tracers, or to my community at large?

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A first attempt

August 9, 2018

(Part 6 of 11 in series, A Tracer's Manifesto)

( In late 2016 I began a small discussion with a few friends about an idea. Eventually the project became a web site [now gone] and this series contains the posts from that site. The project continues in the Parkour Forum. )

Originally published Jan 1, 2017

A Traceur’s Manifesto

My Proposal

I’ve veered to using the word “traceur” in the hopes that people who self-identify with Parkour/freerunning/ADD will “recognize” it and will identify with it at least partially, while not being an instant lightening rod of diviciveness. (Using the masculine form in English, because that’s how English works. In other languages, we’ll use the appropriate default gender, which is also masculine as far as I know. eg, French.)

My choice of “manIfesto” is intended to be stirring; This entire project is meant to make people *think*, not actually to achieve changing their minds/opinions. So I feel “manifesto” comes from the moral high road by shouting out a declaration and a call to action. (Obviously, it has to be written so as to actually achieve those goals.)

The use of “A …” implies this manifesto is not presuming to be “The …” one true version of things. Also, “A Traceur’s …” can be interpretted to mean “the traceur who wrote the manifesto”, as well as to mean “this manifesto is for those persons who are traceurs”.

I remain open to being talked out of my opinions. But, after months of thinking about this. I’m convinced this is the best name *I* can come up with. So I’m leaving it here to provide an opportunity for you to talk me out of it.

Presuming it stands, I will build “infrastructure” to actually begin the project; a domain name, web site, google group for discussion, etc.

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Sebastien Foucan (Part 1 of 3): Explorer, evolution, and adaptation

August 6, 2018

Sebastien Foucan (Part 1 of 3): Explorer, evolution, and adaptation

What is the role of exploration in achieving personal growth and self-mastery?

Sebastien Foucan joins Craig for the first of a three part interview. Sebastien is best described – in his own words – as an explorer. Craig and Sebastien talk about what he means by explorer and how his journey of exploration has evolved over the years.

The purpose of it is liberation and self-development.

~ Sebastien Foucan (6:00)

Sebastien Foucan discusses his evolution as an explorer, emphasizing how his experiences with Parkour, freerunning, and L’art du Déplacement reflect a personal journey of discovery. He describes the origins of freerunning as an extension of Parkour, influenced by his desire to create a distinct approach that resonated with his personal philosophy. Sebastien outlines how these practices connect the mind, body, and environment, explaining their importance in fostering growth and transformation.

The conversation highlights Sebastien’s perspective on the maturity stages of development, from roots to fire, water, and air. He explores concepts like the cyclic nature of life, energy balance, and the distinction between training and practice. By emphasizing mindfulness and understanding one’s limitations, Sebastien illustrates how individuals can navigate their unique paths toward achieving their potential.

Takeaways

Exploration as a core identity — Sebastien views himself as an explorer who continually seeks growth.

Origins of freerunning — Freerunning emerged as an evolution of Parkour, focusing on self-expression.

Mind-body-environment connection — These three elements form the foundation of Parkour’s transformative potential.

Maturity system stages — Growth is seen through phases of roots, fire, water, and air.

Energy management — Recognizing cycles in life and balancing energy enhances longevity.

Training versus practice — Training is goal-oriented and intense, while practice is holistic and sustainable.

Philosophy in movement — Martial arts and other disciplines inform freerunning’s broader philosophy.

Cultural impact of Parkour — Parkour redefines boundaries and offers new ways to engage with the environment.

Universal truths — Exploring various disciplines uncovers shared principles applicable to life.

Holistic journey — Self-care and sustainability are integral to long-term practice.

Resources

James Bond movie — A film featuring Sebastien’s performance in freerunning sequences.

Madonna tour — A high-profile project Sebastien participated in.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Down the rabbit hole

August 4, 2018

(Part 4 of 11 in series, A Tracer's Manifesto)

( In late 2016 I began a small discussion with a few friends about an idea. Eventually the project became a web site [now gone] and this series contains the posts from that site. The project continues in the Parkour Forum. )

Originally published Dec 14, 2016

Components

It seems clear to me that the name has two components: Let’s start with the part that identifies/associates with the communities. (The second part would be the “code of conduct”, “social contract”, “ethics”, verbage.) The order of the parts isn’t what I’m talking about; it could be “parkour code of conduct” or “movement ethics for traceurs” — both of those phrases have two parts, different specific examples for each part, and in reversed order.

Let’s discuss the “identifier” part…

Identifier

We can choose to omit this component from the name (and just call it “code of conduct” etc), we can pick an existing community’s word/name, or we can find a larger umbrella term.

[omit] ?
parkour ?
freerunning ?
mover ?
traceur ?
…some other word?

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