Results

Flow with Minh Vu Ngok →

Published March 9, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 9  ·  

Flow – with Minh Vu Ngok

How does one’s personal approach to movement and parkour evolve over time, balancing playfulness, training, and personal growth?

This conversation explores the evolution of a 15-year parkour practice and its impact on personal growth.

In the beginning, I used to do a lot of strength training and conditioning, like every week, or every other day. And now it’s not part of my routine anymore. Because I feel like I’ve reached a point where my strength is sufficient for the things I want to do.

~ Minh Vu Ngok (5:57)

The conversation begins with reflections on parkour practice, focusing on how approaches to movement evolve with time and experience. Early years are marked by goal-oriented training, while later stages emphasize enjoyment and personal expression through movement. Minh discusses revisiting older skills and overcoming mental barriers that arise from fear or lack of practice.

Teaching parkour is another prominent topic, including the cultural perceptions of parkour among beginners and the comprehensive programs offered by the parkour community. Minh highlights the flexibility of parkour as both a structured training activity and a broader lifestyle choice. Additionally, the balance between maintaining physical readiness and the joy of movement is a recurring theme, underscoring the idea that one earns the freedom to be relaxed and playful through disciplined preparation.

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Philosophy with Galo Alfredo Naranjo →

Published March 9, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 9  ·  

Philosophy with Galo Alfredo Naranjo

How does one integrate philosophical and practical approaches to movement and physicality in a meaningful and sustainable way?

This conversation explores the deeper connections between philosophy and movement in everyday life.

How do we mitigate injuries? How do you get in tune with your body, right? Versus just like, Hey, Coach, what am I doing today?

~ Galo Alfredo Naranjo (12:18)

The conversation focuses on integrating philosophy into movement and how visual thinking can aid in understanding and conveying ideas. Galo shares their journey from running a movement studio to adapting practices during the pandemic by leveraging visuals and online tools. He emphasize using philosophy to create connections and encourage meaningful practices beyond mere physical routines.

Additionally, the challenges of coaching athletes and fostering long-term habits are discussed. This includes balancing the structured training needed for athletic improvement with a sense of play to maintain engagement. The conversation also reflects on the deeper intentions behind movement and the importance of preparing individuals to sustain their practice independently after their formal athletic training ends.

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Lightness with Sam Govindin →

Published March 3, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 3  ·  

Lightness with Sam Govindin

What does it mean to find freedom and self-awareness through movement and how can that be applied to personal growth?

Movement becomes a metaphor for life, showcasing resilience, mindfulness, and adaptation.

I don’t have any goal when I go out to move. I just want to move and to enjoy it.

~ Sam Govindin (7:00)

The conversation begins by exploring the concept of movement as both a physical and mental discipline. Same reflects on the importance of being present and adaptable in their practice, emphasizing how energy levels, emotions, and focus shape their approach to movement. He discusses how mindfulness influences the experience of flow, and how setting aside expectations allows them to enjoy the process without frustration.

A key topic is the balance between freedom and structure, particularly in dance and parkour. Sam shares insights into how they aim to let go of control while maintaining composure. Personal anecdotes illustrate the journey of finding confidence and authenticity in public and private settings, highlighting the interplay between external judgments and internal self-awareness. The idea of smiling as a cue for readiness exemplifies their thoughtful approach to movement and life.

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Perspectives with Andy Day →

Published March 2, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 2  ·  

Perspectives – with Andy Day

How does photography intersect with movement and identity, and what responsibilities and privileges come with its practice?

Parkour and photography share a symbiotic relationship in challenging barriers and fostering connection.

Photographing parkour in these spaces was giving these monuments kind of new narratives and demonstrating that beyond the history, there is the potential to make something new that brings people together.

~ Andy Day (6:45)

The conversation explores the interplay between photography, movement, and identity, particularly through the lens of parkour. Topics include how photography informs the practice of parkour and vice versa, the evolution of creative expression in urban landscapes, and the role of privilege and access in documenting and engaging with spaces. The discussion emphasizes the ability of photography to give new narratives to contentious historical monuments and to encapsulate communal experiences.

The conversation also addresses broader societal issues, such as the responsibilities that come with privilege in accessing spaces and creating narratives. Reflecting on the dynamics of representation, Andy and Craig go into how capturing and sharing images contributes to personal and collective identity. The dialogue concludes with thoughts on being both part of and separate from a community, offering insights into the role of an observer who participates critically.

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Maggie Spaloss: Coaching Journey, Transitions, and Consulting →

Published March 1, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 1  ·  

Maggie Spaloss: Coaching journey, transitions, and consulting

How does the experience of transitioning between different roles—such as coach, business consultant, and relationship coach—shape perspectives on community, creativity, and personal fulfillment?

For Maggie Spaloss, transitioning from coaching parkour into coaching relationships and intimacy felt like a natural progression. She discusses her connection parkour, and how it’s evolved from mom, to coach, to business consultant. Maggie shares her thoughts on coaching, and her transition into relationship and intimacy coaching. She describes her work on Kiskeya Athletics, and how she stays passionate about parkour and giving back to the community. 

I do want to also say, as a mom, that I think I can appreciate from a different perspective these kids whose lives were really very deeply impacted by parkour. Where they were able to develop, some self confidence, and some sort of identity with kind of a tribe they could relate to.

~ Maggie Spaloss (30:00)

Maggie Spaloss is a coach, project manager and mover. She has over 10 years of coaching experience including certifications as a personal trainer, parkour instructor, behavioral change specialist and relationship coach. Maggie is also project manager for Kiskeya Athletics, a multi-sport facility currently under construction in South Texas. Maggie splits her time between managing the development of Kiskeya Athletics and helping people build stronger relationships and deeper intimacy.

The conversation explores the journey from parkour coaching to relationship and intimacy consulting, reflecting on the influence of embodiment and community. Maggie discusses how her experience in parkour, from her origin story to coaching and gym management, shaped her ability to foster connections and build supportive environments. A recurring theme is the importance of adapting to physical and mental challenges, particularly as they evolve with age.

Another focus is the creative and collaborative aspects of parkour, both in training and in broader projects like gym design and event planning. The discussion highlights the shared obstacles within parkour as a metaphor for building camaraderie and fostering vulnerability. Maggie also touches on the transition from personal training to a more holistic, life-oriented coaching approach, emphasizing the importance of balancing personal passion with professional responsibilities.

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Inconsistent yet persistent →

Published February 7, 2022  ·  All posts on Feb 7  ·  ,

TK is an all-around mover, a dancer, rock climber, traceusse and earned her degree in athletic training. In addition to her movement practices, TK is a certified authentic Tantra instructor, teaching holistic healing of body, mind, spirit and sex. TK considers herself a sex activist and is the founder of LoveCraft, a sexual coaching and empowerment collective.

Tantra was the obvious place to begin since we were surely going to end up talking about tantric sex. My fear was that most people’s—myself included—knowledge of Tantra would be something to do with the artist, Sting. We immediately agreed that leaving the world only knowing about “men in linen pants” would be a disservice. “Tantra means, literally, to weave light and sound with form, the light being visualizations of your chakras in your body, sound being chants that you’re making, and then the form being your body, your physical body. That’s it, in a nutshell. The way that often looks is meditating. The way a lot of people do that is they’ll meditate and then have sex; they’ll meditate during sex; they’ll meditate on their own without any sex. Yeah, that’s kind of that, which means nothing, right? It’s like a, ‘Cool, and then what?’ which is what got me into having a coach.” — ~ TK from, ~4’40”

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Moving with Sarah Mohr →

Published January 27, 2022  ·  All posts on Jan 27  ·  

Moving with Sarah Mohr

What roles do movement, play, and internal-external balance play in human connection and self-expression?

The balance between internal and external experiences shapes how individuals perceive and express themselves.

Let us have the capacity to lose the safety, and the illusion of the safety, that we are given in our century, to figure out that pain is our beautiful companion.

~ Sarah Mohr (16:32)

The conversation explores the intrinsic human connection to movement and play, emphasizing how these activities serve as fundamental forms of communication. The discussion highlights the cultural differences in how movement and play are expressed, with some societies engaging more openly and visibly, while others internalize their play through structured or intellectual means. The relationship between internal and external experiences of play is dissected, particularly through the lens of dance, where the external beauty perceived by audiences contrasts with the internal mental and physical challenges faced by the dancer.

Another key focus is the integration of pain and love as essential forces for learning and personal growth. Pain is presented as a necessary companion that helps individuals rediscover their authentic selves and reconnect with forgotten aspects of their identities. This rediscovery is tied to the idea of balance, both within oneself and in relation to external perceptions, underscoring the role of self-awareness and trust in navigating life’s complexities.

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Freedom with Brandon Sandén →

Published January 21, 2022  ·  All posts on Jan 21  ·  

Freedom with Brandon Sandén

How does movement, particularly parkour, serve as a reflection of one’s mental and physical state while fostering personal growth and community connection?

Movement reveals the intricate connection between physical challenges and mental states.

One thing I really love about parkour, and what it’s been for me, is that it’s kind of a perfect mirror—I think, Dan Edwardes spoken about this a lot—but it’s a perfect mirror of who you are right now at this very moment.

~ Brandon Sandén (1:28)

The conversation explores how movement, particularly parkour, reflects one’s current mental and physical state. Movement is described as a mirror, revealing the moment’s truths, independent of past achievements. Parkour’s emphasis on adaptability and creativity helps individuals step beyond their mental barriers and embrace challenges.

The discussion also highlights the role of community in fostering a love for movement. Through initiatives like Sunday Jump Days, participants build inclusive spaces, transcending organizational boundaries. Teaching parkour is revealed to require a blend of structure and flexibility, reflecting the dynamic nature of the discipline. Lastly, the value of flow states, both in movement and teaching, underscores the deep connection between physical practice and mental clarity.

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Contact with Nika Jankovic →

Published January 14, 2022  ·  All posts on Jan 14  ·  

Contact with Nika Jankovic

What is the relationship between physical movement practices like floor work, yoga, and breath, and how do these practices influence personal growth and teaching methods?

Discover how confronting the hardness of the floor can transform both physical practice and personal resilience.

You want to be friends with the floor. You wanna caress the floor, you wanna melt into the floor. There’s always you in relation to this thing.

~ Nika Jankovic (2:42)

The conversation discusses the interplay between movement practices such as floor work, yoga, and dance. Floor work, described as forming a “relationship” with the ground, is explored as a practice that transforms how one interacts with space and movement. The connection between breath and movement in yoga is also highlighted, emphasizing how breath awareness influences other practices like dance.

Teaching and learning are recurring themes, as challenges in balancing simplicity with complexity for beginners are examined. The discussion touches on the teacher-student dynamic, emphasizing the necessity of full-circle growth to effectively communicate foundational skills. Personal reflections on the evolution of movement practices during times of isolation, reveal the adaptability required in both practice and teaching.

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Motivation with Oliver Thorpe →

Published December 6, 2021  ·  All posts on Dec 6  ·  

Motivation with Oliver Thorpe

What motivates and shapes the personal experiences and practices of someone who navigates both the parkour and climbing communities?

Exploring mindfulness in movement reveals deeper insights into personal and communal growth.

It’s interesting how it somehow reveals our own thought process. So the exact sequence of my feet in some stride up to something— or the exact way that I place my hands, reveals how I think about movement.

~ Oliver Thorpe (15:07)

The conversation touches on the intersection of culture, movement, and personal growth. Reflections on moving between Denmark and Australia explore themes of adaptation and community, with emphasis on how cultural differences shape human connections. Denmark, with its initially reserved people, becomes a home through its parkour community, providing both camaraderie and a sense of belonging.

The discussion also delves into the relationship between mindfulness, training, and motivation. Experiences in parkour and climbing illustrate how challenges provide motivation and how iterative attempts help in overcoming fear. There is also a reflection on how personal habits, like coffee preparation, tie into broader practices of mindfulness and intentionality.

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