Chase – with Frank Mejia

How has participation in World Chase Tag and related activities influenced the personal training practices, community dynamics, and professional development of its participants?

World Chase Tag is transforming the perception of traditional playground games into a high-stakes global sport.

It definitely feels like it feels like 3D Chess, but just at a very rapid pace, just because of that other individual in you, you will get feedback from them, regardless of what they do.

~ Frank Mejia (6:53)

The conversation explores the evolution of World Chase Tag (WCT) as a burgeoning professional sport and its impact on participants. The discussion highlights how WCT has shifted from casual beginnings to a structured and competitive framework, requiring athletes to qualify and adopt advanced training regimens. This transformation has made WCT a unique intersection of traditional playground games and professional athletics.

Another focus is on the interplay of individual and community dynamics. Frank describes how engaging in such sports fosters creativity, camaraderie, and personal growth. The conversation also goes into the mental and physical challenges of maintaining focus and adaptability in high-intensity environments, as well as the broader implications of competitive tag on the Parkour community.

Takeaways

World Chase Tag as a professional sport — An evolution from casual games to competitive global events.

Parkour’s role in WCT — How foundational Parkour techniques are adapted for competitive tag.

Training adaptations — Shifting from power-focused to reactive and dynamic movements.

Community influence — How competitive events inspire collaboration and cultural exchange.

Mental challenges in competition — Balancing focus, strategy, and flow states under pressure.

Cultural impact of WCT — Bridging playground games with professional athletics.

Resources

World Chase Tag official website — Information about competitions, teams, and events.

Frank Mejia’s Instagram (@frnkmche4) — Updates and insights from a WCT athlete.

Move NYC — Community-centered events involving tag and movement.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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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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