Craig Constantine

§16 – Don’t be that guy

May 10, 2019

(Part 28 of 37 in series, Study inspired by Pakour & Art du Déplacement by V. Thibault)

Serendipity.

I’ve been working on writing these thoughts for over three years. Without actually checking, I think it was the Fall of 2015 when I sat in Le Jardin Joan d’Arc and read my copy of Thibault’s book in one, all-day sitting. Almost 4 years ago?

I created this particular blank note for Chapter 16 in May of 2016. “16”?

As I’m writing, it is May of 2019. Another, “May”?

About three years ago I started the project which eventually became Movers Mindset. Two years ago the project grew to include a podcast.

This morning, I feel compelled to “finally” get around to writing something for Chapter 16. I open my digital copy, flip to Chapter 16, and I read, “Chris ‘Blane’ Rowat once wrote…”

Care to guess who I am interviewing for the podcast today? Yes, really.

This is sublime.

All those threads woven together lead to this moment of realization at 8:00 in a rented London flat, 6,000km from my home.

Critically, while I’ve known for months the exact date and time of Chris’ interview, I’ve not read Chapter 16 recently enough to have remembered that it starts with his sentiments. If I had, I’d certainly have made some complicated plan to co-publish this writing and the podcast, or something—but this serendipity would not have materialized. Energized by the jolt of adrenaline when I read Chapter 16 this morning, I now feel a renewed belief in the entire Movers Mindset project! (Which is good, because most days there’s more strenuous labor than love in the labor of love.)

But, serendipity and coincidence are bullshit.

It’s just my brain, (yours may be the same,) working its tremendous powers of pattern matching. This morning my mind found a slightly-more-interesting-than-usual pattern and screamed, (ala the old adrenal gland,) that it had found something that demanded much closer attention. I’ve been spurred to carefully read Chapter 16 about five times this morning, to mull over my thoughts, to spend an hour or so writing, and to think of all the people I want to share this story with. I was inspired to create a vision of how the interview will go, new questions have popped into my head, and I’ve thought of a specific person who I now realize I’d forgot for about two years!

I wonder: What would life be like if I simply paid closer attention?

What if—instead of needing a kick in the adrenals to be this motivated—I could begin to intentionally notice things a bit smaller than this morning’s coincidence?

What if!

…and of course, “don’t be that guy.”

Marcus Lincoln: Texas Winter Jam, challenge, and travel

May 8, 2019

Marcus Lincoln: Texas Winter Jam, challenge, and travel

What role does overcoming obstacles through movement play in personal growth and community building?

Marcus Lincoln shares his experiences both as a participant and an organizer of the Texas Winter Jam, and the importance the event holds for the national and local communities. He explains his ideas on challenge mindset, and his approach to both training and coaching. Marcus discusses his plans for traveling, the impact travel has had on him, and the adventure of learning new languages.

Parkour is interesting. It’s not that you can do the cool moves or that you’ve learned them quickly. It’s more about that process of learning them.
~ Marcus Lincoln (11:27)

The conversation explores Marcus Lincoln’s experiences as a participant and organizer of the Texas Winter Jam, an annual event that unites movement communities across Texas. Marcus shares how the jam transitioned from summer to winter and how it continues to foster collaboration among practitioners across different cities. His insights reveal how organizing the event has helped him develop problem-solving skills and build deeper connections within the community.

Marcus discusses how his move from Texas to Boston introduced him to the challenges of training in a colder climate, enhancing his resilience and adaptability. He reflects on how seasons influence training and how practicing in challenging environments fosters personal growth. The conversation also touches on Marcus’s passion for travel and his plans to visit France to experience the roots of Parkour, highlighting the importance of connecting with the origins of the practice and expanding personal horizons through new cultural experiences.

Takeaways

Texas Winter Jam — An annual gathering that connects Texas movement communities and fosters collaboration and growth.

Event organizing — Building leadership, adaptability, and communication skills by managing large-scale events.

Training across climates — Developing resilience by adapting movement practice to seasonal changes.

Parkour mindset — Viewing obstacles as opportunities for problem-solving, fostering mental and physical growth.

Community connections — Strengthening friendships and professional networks through shared movement experiences.

Travel and movement — Expanding skills and perspective by exploring international movement communities.

Challenges in coaching — Recognizing and addressing individual student challenges to foster growth and confidence.

Continuous improvement — Using personal weaknesses as starting points for creative training approaches.

Movement creativity — Designing routes and challenges that blend personal strengths and areas for improvement.

Resources

Parkour Generations Americas — Organization where Marcus Lincoln coaches and trains, providing Parkour events and coaching certifications.

Texas Winter Jam — Annual community-driven movement event organized by Marcus Lincoln and others.

ADD Academy — French academy for Art du Déplacement, where Marcus plans to visit for deeper training experiences.

Rendezvous London — International Parkour event Marcus attended and coached at.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

Lauren Messeck: Projects, voice over, and play

May 1, 2019

Lauren Messeck: Projects, voice over, and play

What motivates someone to blend parkour, yoga, and play into a movement practice that fosters creativity and personal growth?

Lauren Messeck describes her work with the Parkour Visions project, Movement for All, and her personal project, Yoga Move. She discusses her interest in climbing, bare feet versus minimalist shoes, and her background in the performing arts. Lauren reflects on her voice over work, and expresses her passion for helping people to rediscover play.

I can engage with the world in this way that I hadn’t done in a while. And it was awesome.
~ Lauren Messeck (7:00)

The conversation explores how an online search for playful movement led to the discovery of parkour and a thriving community. Lauren shares how parkour complemented a background in yoga and the performing arts, blending these disciplines to create new movement experiences. The discussion touches on the importance of play, the role of community in fostering personal growth, and the development of workshops that merge yoga and parkour.

Further, Lauren elaborates on her involvement with Parkour Visions, an organization dedicated to expanding movement-based programs. This includes efforts to secure funding for community-driven projects, support regional hubs, and make movement more accessible to the public. The conversation also reflects on personal growth through movement, the significance of reconnecting with play, and how simple tools like minimalist shoes and meditation enhance the experience.

Takeaways

Rediscovering Play — Movement and play are not just for children but are essential for adult well-being and creativity.

Community Support — The parkour community thrives on inclusivity and encouragement, fostering connections that extend beyond physical practice.

Parkour and Yoga Integration — Blending yoga with parkour introduces new ways to experience mindfulness, structure, and flow in movement.

Barriers to Entry — Financial and logistical obstacles often prevent movement projects from flourishing, highlighting the need for funding and support.

Fear and Failure — Embracing failure and discomfort is key to progress in both parkour and personal growth.

Minimalist Approach — Minimalist shoes and barefoot training enhance proprioception, reinforcing a deeper connection with the ground and movement.

Certification and Training — Bringing certification programs to regional areas strengthens local communities by providing coaches with tools and education.

Voice and Expression — Voiceover work and movement share parallels in how expression, confidence, and character are developed.

Resources

Parkour Visions — An organization supporting regional parkour communities and movement-based initiatives.

The Movement Creative — A New York-based parkour group focusing on creative, playful movement and community engagement.

Brooklyn Zoo — A parkour and movement gym in Brooklyn that serves as a hub for creative movement and play.

Bouldering Project (Queensbridge) — A climbing and bouldering gym offering opportunities for dynamic movement and community interaction.

Fighting Monkey — A movement practice that blends play, structure, and coordination to develop physical resilience.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

Adam McClellan: Business, coaching, and outreach

April 24, 2019

Adam McClellan: Business, coaching, and outreach

What are the inherent challenges of growing and monetizing a Parkour community without losing its core values and spirit?

35 episodes and 2 years later, Adam McClellan returns to Movers Mindset. Adam deserves a large measure of credit because he was willing to be the original guinea pig for this crazy experiment. Our first interview was a simple Q&A style but in this episode we have an in depth conversation about the cycles a community goes through, the nature of parkour, and the type of people who are drawn to it. Adam explores the intersection of parkour and business, and how the two coexist, before discussing the nuances of coaching children. He opens up about his knee injury and recovery, his thoughts on normalizing parkour to the public, and different ways to design a parkour gym.

One of the things we value about Parkour is there isn’t that hierarchy and structure in place. It’s just you and me, and we’re hanging out, you don’t have to call me anything— There’s no assumed authority, right? We’re just training together.
~ Adam McClellan (21:40)

This conversation explores the growth and evolution of a Parkour community as it transitions from informal outdoor training to a structured business model. The discussion highlights the shifts in community dynamics when money and formal structures are introduced, drawing parallels between martial arts schools and Parkour. Adam reflects on how scaling up often leads to a loss of intimacy and core values, raising questions about whether Parkour can retain its spirit as it grows.

Key topics include the role of leadership in shaping community culture, the unavoidable influence of business practices on Parkour, and the challenge of teaching children while preserving the deeper philosophical aspects of the discipline. There is also a focus on personal injuries, their impact on training, and how physical setbacks shape the journey of a Parkour practitioner.

Takeaways

The growth of Parkour communities — Scaling introduces structure and money, often challenging the core values that initially attract practitioners.

Leadership’s role in community — The personality and values of leaders heavily influence the community’s trajectory and inclusivity.

Business and Parkour — Structuring Parkour as a business introduces operational necessities that can shift focus from movement and personal growth to profit and efficiency.

Teaching children Parkour — Teaching children emphasizes physical skills over the deeper self-exploration aspect inherent to Parkour for adults.

Injury and recovery — Personal injury experiences reshape one’s relationship with movement and coaching, often influencing how practitioners train and teach.

Cultural perceptions of Parkour — Public perception, especially from institutions like police or schools, shapes the accessibility and acceptance of Parkour in local communities.

Community dynamics — Communities inevitably evolve based on the personalities and shared experiences of the core members.

Parkour as self-exploration — The practice naturally fosters personal growth and reflection, often leading practitioners to deeper self-awareness.

Resources

Lehigh Valley Parkour

ADAPT Qualifications — Mentioned in the context of coaching certifications for Parkour instructors.

David Belle Speed Vault — A classic example of the Parkour speed vault technique referenced during the discussion.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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.)

PK Move: Community partnership, programs, and seniors

April 10, 2019

PK Move: Community partnership, programs, and seniors

What factors contribute to the success of PK Move’s mission to make Parkour accessible to underserved communities and older adults?

PK Move founders Nancy Lorentz, Jean Lam, and Rosy Noguchi sit down to discuss everything PK Move; how they started, the challenges they face as a non-profit, and the unique relationship they have with their community. The team explains PK Move’s mission, the specific groups they serve, and the programs they run, including their PK Silver seniors program. They unpack the details of the recent study conducted on the PK Silver program before delving into the pop-up playground program, and their current goals and opportunities.

We wanted to go to them, people who had some barrier to getting to the gym. Sometimes it is financial. Sometimes it is being intimidated.
~ Nancy Lorentz (10:50)

PK Move’s founders discuss their nonprofit’s mission to bring Parkour to underserved populations, particularly seniors and communities with limited access to traditional fitness facilities. They detail the origins of PK Move, describing how personal experiences and a shared passion for Parkour led them to develop programs that focus on inclusivity, confidence-building, and strength development. A major part of their work includes the PK Silver program, designed for older adults, which offers step-by-step Parkour training tailored to the needs of participants with low fitness levels.

The conversation explores the challenges PK Move faces as a nonprofit, such as fundraising and obtaining grants. They explain how they forged partnerships with local governments and community organizations to provide free and low-cost classes. The team highlights the success of their recent study, which demonstrates the effectiveness of PK Silver in improving cardiovascular health and strength among participants aged 60 to 80. Additionally, they touch on their pop-up Parkour playground initiative, which brings portable Parkour equipment to community parks to encourage physical activity in children and families.

Takeaways

PK Move’s origin — The nonprofit was founded to bring the transformative benefits of Parkour to underserved communities.

PK Silver program — A structured Parkour program designed for older adults with low levels of physical activity.

Community partnerships — PK Move collaborates with city parks and recreation departments to offer outdoor and indoor classes.

Fundraising challenges — The organization relies heavily on grants, community donations, and volunteer support to sustain its programs.

Accessibility focus — Classes are held in public parks and community spaces, ensuring accessibility for participants who may feel intimidated by traditional gyms.

Pop-up playground — PK Move created a portable Parkour playground to engage children and families in physical activity in underserved areas.

Health benefits — A university-led study demonstrated improvements in cardiovascular health and strength among PK Silver participants.

Volunteers’ role — The majority of PK Move’s classes and programs are run by volunteers, including experienced Parkour coaches.

Future goals — PK Move aims to expand to more cities and conduct additional studies to solidify their evidence-based program.

Resources

PK Move official site — The nonprofit’s website with information on programs, events, and ways to donate or volunteer.

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) — The organization where PK Move’s study was presented, promoting health and fitness research.

Marymount University — Partnered with PK Move to conduct the PK Silver study on older adults.

Del Ray Business Association — A local business association that supported PK Move with fundraising and community outreach.

Movement Creative — A Parkour organization that inspired and mentored PK Move, providing equipment for their pop-up playground.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

Roberto Regueiro Santiago: Rowing, mastery, and games

April 3, 2019

Roberto Regueiro Santiago: Rowing, mastery, and games

What are the personal transformations that occur through competitive rowing and movement practices like Parkour?

Roberto Regueiro Santiago discusses his years rowing crew, both as an athlete and a coach, and his thoughts on the competitive nature of the sport. Roberto shares how an injury changed his perspective and opened up his possibilities, leading him to Fighting Monkey and parkour. He explains his ideas of mastery, as well as his approach to games and training.

I don’t think it’s totally necessary to master everything that you do in your own practice. But master something which gives you a deep understanding — what the thing is, [and] feels [like] in the first moment that you feel like that song, like the flow state — is when you really master something.
~ Roberto Rugueiro Santiago (1:29)

Roberto Santiago reflects on his journey from competitive rowing to movement disciplines like Parkour and Fighting Monkey. He describes rowing as the first activity where he truly experienced mastery, emphasizing the deep bond and unity formed within rowing teams. Roberto shares how the rigorous nature of rowing, with its intense focus on competition, shaped his understanding of perseverance and teamwork. However, an injury ultimately shifted his priorities, leading him to explore movement practices that prioritize longevity and holistic development over winning.

In discussing his transition to Parkour and coaching, Roberto highlights the importance of sharing his passion with others, describing coaching as a way to create training partners and foster community. He values the playful, game-centered approach in Parkour, which contrasts sharply with the rigid, competition-driven world of rowing. Games, he notes, allow for self-exploration, creativity, and growth without the pressure to outperform others, fostering a sustainable and enjoyable practice.

Takeaways

Mastery through competition — Rowing provided the first experience of mastery, teaching the importance of understanding a discipline deeply.

Community in hardship — Growing up in a poor rowing club instilled a sense of responsibility and collective ownership.

Injury as transformation — An accident forced a reevaluation of priorities, shifting focus from competition to personal development.

Longevity mindset — Parkour introduced the idea of sustainable practice, allowing for rest and self-compassion without fear of falling behind.

Games as learning tools — Using games in Parkour creates a playful, low-pressure environment conducive to growth and self-awareness.

Rowing’s hidden costs — Rowing built strength but also structural imbalances, highlighting the importance of cross-training and mobility work.

Coaching for connection — Coaching is not just about teaching but creating peers to share in the practice and maintain engagement.

Acceptance of limitations — Aging brings acceptance that not every day will bring improvement, but consistent practice remains vital.

Unity in competition — High-level competition fosters respect and camaraderie, even among competitors.

Resources

The Movement Creative — A Parkour and movement organization where Roberto Santiago coaches and trains.

Fighting Monkey — A movement practice that integrates games and physical exploration, significantly influencing Roberto’s training philosophy.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

Blake Evitt: Travel, community and personal growth

March 30, 2019

Blake Evitt: Travel, community and personal growth

What role does community involvement and accessibility play in shaping inclusive, multigenerational spaces for Parkour and movement practice?

Blake Evitt discusses the importance of partnering with your community, creating multigenerational spaces for training, as well as how he does that in his hometown of Boston. He unpacks the influence that traveling had on his training, coaching, and business, as well as his own personal growth. Blake shares his thoughts on a number of subjects, including becoming vegetarian, the ADAPT coaching qualifications, and the United States Parkour Association.

Our goal with the park was to make a multigenerational movement space, not just a place where Parkour can happen but also a place where people can explore and be comfortable.
~ Blake Evitt (3:37)

The conversation explores how Parkour can serve as a tool for creating inclusive, multigenerational community spaces. A key focus is the development of public Parkour spaces, particularly in Somerville, Boston, where Parkour generations have helped design and steward municipally funded parks. The dialogue highlights the integration of Parkour for all ages, with specific classes for children, adults, and older practitioners, ensuring accessibility and fostering a communal experience. The discussion underscores the importance of designing spaces that allow for interaction across generations and between different activities, such as skateboarding and basketball.

Blake Evitt’s personal journey through international travel and cultural exchange plays a significant role in shaping his approach to Parkour and community building. His experiences training with Parkour groups worldwide inform his leadership in Parkour Generations Americas and the growth of Parkour Generations Boston. The interview touches on Evitt’s coaching philosophy, the significance of adapting Parkour for older adults, and the broader value of Parkour as a means of personal development, community engagement, and positive social change.

Takeaways

Community-driven Parkour spaces — The creation of municipally funded Parkour parks can foster multigenerational interaction and community engagement.

Inclusivity in coaching — Offering classes for different age groups, including older adults and young children, increases accessibility and broadens participation in Parkour.

Travel as professional growth — Exposure to global Parkour communities enriches personal development and informs local initiatives and coaching practices.

Public Parkour spaces — Collaborative efforts with city governments to build Parkour spaces ensure long-term stewardship and positive community relations.

Adaptive teaching methods — Classes are designed to accommodate varying physical capabilities, promoting longevity and inclusivity in the practice.

Cultural exchange through Parkour — Hosting international events like American Rendezvous creates opportunities for idea sharing and global collaboration.

Integrating Parkour into family life — Simultaneous adult and children’s classes encourage family participation and deepen community ties.

Coaching as a refined skill — Effective Parkour coaching requires development and refinement, similar to technical Parkour skills.

The role of competition — Personal goal-setting and competition provide structure and drive for practitioners, complementing non-competitive aspects of Parkour.

Resources

Parkour Generations Boston — The Boston branch of Parkour Generations, focusing on inclusive community programs and coaching.

Parkour Generations Americas — The parent organization overseeing Parkour Generations branches in the U.S., supporting growth and community engagement.

American Rendezvous — A large international Parkour event in Boston fostering cross-cultural exchange and community building.

Adapt Qualifications — International Parkour coaching certification program, emphasizing structured coaching development.

United States Parkour Association (USPK) — National organization fostering collaboration, safety standards, and community growth in the Parkour community.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

Cordelia Storm: Flips, competition, and representation

March 27, 2019

Cordelia Storm: Flips, competition, and representation

What does it mean to make movement more accessible and inclusive for everyone, regardless of background or athletic ability?

In this episode Cordelia Storm unpacks her thoughts about accessibility, the effects of a gym on a community, and her motivation for learning flips. She delves into her personal journey, as well as her relationship with competition. Cordelia mentions her documentary project, and finishes by tackling the concepts of gender, age, and representation in the parkour space.

In that moment I realized that my voice did matter. Now what? From then on, that just became a big passion— to have people love movement, love feeling their bodies, and like playing.
~ Cordelia Storm (30:55)

The conversation centers on the transformative power of parkour, not just as a physical discipline but as a tool for personal growth, inclusivity, and empowerment. Cordelia Storm shares her journey into parkour, starting from a background in theater and video games, and how the practice helped her overcome personal struggles, including bulimia. A large part of the discussion revolves around how parkour promotes accessibility and how Cordelia works to make movement available to a wider audience. She highlights how parkour shifted her relationship with her body, turning exercise from a punitive activity into a joyful and empowering experience.

Another key topic explored is the emotional impact of losing a community gym and how it challenged the parkour community to adapt and rebuild. Cordelia discusses the importance of outdoor classes and fostering micro-communities within them to maintain connection and continuity. The conversation also touches on gender representation in parkour, the evolving nature of competition, and the broader social and cultural implications of making movement inclusive. Cordelia’s passion for flips and overcoming fear is used as a metaphor for confronting personal barriers, showing how physical challenges in parkour mirror deeper internal struggles and victories.

Takeaways

Losing a community gym — The closure of Parkour Visions’ physical gym space profoundly affected the local community, forcing adaptations in teaching and community building.

Empowering coaches — Building smaller community hubs within classes strengthens the overall parkour community even in the absence of a central gym.

Flips as self-overcoming — Flips in parkour symbolize confronting personal fears and limitations, reflecting broader themes of self-growth and perseverance.

Movement for healing — Parkour provided Cordelia with a path to body acceptance and a healthier self-image after struggling with bulimia.

Representation in parkour — Having visible female athletes and coaches plays a crucial role in encouraging more women to participate in parkour.

The value of competition — Competitions offer opportunities for growth, but can initially feel intimidating and exclusionary, requiring a shift in mindset.

Accessible movement — Parkour needs to be reimagined beyond elite skills, making even basic movements relatable to those new to the discipline.

Emotional vulnerability — Parkour offers men and women spaces to explore vulnerability and overcome ego, fostering deeper emotional intelligence.

Resources

Parkour Visions — The gym and organization where Cordelia started parkour and continues to teach.

Art of Retreat — A parkour leadership gathering frequently referenced in the conversation.

Movement Creative — A community-focused parkour organization associated with Caitlin Pontrella.

APEX School of Movement — A parkour gym where Cordelia worked as head coach.

Vancouver Film School — The institution where Cordelia studied film before discovering parkour.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

Mark Toorock: Commercialization, representation, and play

March 21, 2019

Mark Toorock: Commercialization, representation, and play

What role should competition and commercialization play in shaping the future of Parkour?

Mark Toorock shares his thoughts on the commercialization of parkour, FIG and competitions, as well as the direction parkour is headed. He also opens up about his personal goals for parkour, raising the socially acceptable age of play, and how he sees himself within the community. Mark wraps up by discussing the power of parkour to benefit all people.

The thing for me about Parkour is, if I can make one person that used to walk with their head down, walk with their head up, that’s the change in the world. We don’t change the world, we change a person.
~ Mark Toorock (32:32)

The conversation explores the evolving landscape of Parkour, focusing on commercialization, competition, and the community’s shifting mindset. Mark Toorock reflects on the initial resistance within the Parkour community to monetization and contrasts it with the growing acceptance as practitioners age and recognize the need to sustain their passion financially. The discussion highlights the complexity of maintaining Parkour’s spirit while enabling financial opportunities, drawing parallels to artists who monetize their craft without compromising authenticity.

Competition is another critical focus, with Mark advocating for a non-competitive foundation in Parkour while embracing competitions based on Parkour movements. He stresses that competition need not undermine the spirit of Parkour and can coexist with a community-driven, collaborative ethos. The conversation touches on the potential risks of external organizations, like the International Gymnastics Federation, attempting to control Parkour competitions and the broader implications for public perception. Additionally, Mark emphasizes the importance of maintaining play as a socially acceptable activity for adults, advocating for a culture that values lifelong movement and exploration.

Takeaways

Commercialization of Parkour — The community’s initial aversion to making money from Parkour has shifted as practitioners recognize the need to sustain their involvement.

Parkour as a Profession — Many who once resisted monetization now seek ways to make Parkour their career, reflecting personal growth and practical needs.

Competition and Parkour — Parkour can remain non-competitive at its core while allowing competitions to highlight athleticism and skill.

Dual Nature of Competitions — Competitions can coexist with the collaborative, non-competitive practice of Parkour without diminishing the community spirit.

External Influence — There is concern over outside organizations, like FIG, attempting to co-opt Parkour for profit or recognition, which could misrepresent the practice.

Cultural Impact — Parkour’s visibility and public perception could change significantly through organized competitions at national and international levels.

Parkour for All Ages — The practice spans generations, with both young children and seniors benefiting from participation.

Social Norms and Play — Mark’s mission is to normalize play for adults, challenging societal norms that discourage play as people age.

Inclusivity in Parkour — Parkour creates a space where background, age, and social differences dissolve, fostering unity and shared experience.

Resources

American Parkour — The organization founded by Mark Toorock, dedicated to promoting Parkour through training, events, and education.

Urban Freeflow — One of the foundational Parkour organizations co-founded by Mark Toorock, contributing to Parkour’s spread globally.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

Emily Tung: Breaking, puppetry, and unsolicited advice

March 14, 2019

Emily Tung: Breaking, puppetry, and unsolicited advice

What motivates someone to push beyond personal limits in dance, Parkour, and other movement disciplines to achieve mastery?

Emily Tung shares her journey and goals in both breaking and parkour, as well as the differences between those two practices and communities. She also discusses her diverse movement practices, from stunt work, contortion, to pole dancing, as well as her lesser known skills in puppetry. Emily finishes by unpacking her thoughts on coaching, unsolicited advice, and speaking up for yourself.

For me then, it’s not about what is the correct or right way. It’s, what is your goal? And what’s your body like? And what can I do, and what applies best, and I have to decide that I have to be strong about that. I think that was another plateau. I had it back in my old life where I always listened to exactly what I was told.
~ Emily Tung (56:13)

The conversation explores how committing to ambitious goals reshapes personal habits, training, and overall lifestyle. Emily recounts how a decision to pursue world-level breakdancing battles triggered a broader transformation, leading to better nutrition, rest, and learning from mentors. This commitment highlighted the importance of focus and intentionality in practice, contrasting with periods of stagnant growth when goals were less defined.

The discussion also touches on the cross-disciplinary nature of movement arts, showing how Parkour, dance, and martial arts influence each other. Emily reflects on how Parkour provided a sense of community and freedom not always found in the dance world, fostering creativity and resilience. The journey through stunt work, puppetry, and contortion further illustrates the diverse ways movement disciplines intersect, shaping not just physical skills but also mental perspectives and personal identity.

Takeaways

The value of clear goals — Committing to ambitious targets reshapes training, habits, and lifestyle.

The importance of mentorship — Seeking knowledge from those already on the path accelerates growth and insight.

Cross-disciplinary learning — Parkour, dance, and martial arts inform and enhance each other, enriching overall movement capacity.

Community impact — Parkour provides acceptance and connection, contrasting with more judgmental environments in dance.

Injury prevention — Understanding progressions and conditioning transforms how to train sustainably and avoid long-term damage.

Stunt work insights — Success in stunts relies on spatial awareness, timing, and the ability to “sell” movements realistically.

Adaptability in movement — Flexibility and contortion expand creative possibilities in Parkour and dance.

The challenge of unsolicited advice — Navigating unwanted input from less experienced peers requires tact and boundary-setting.

Resources

Brooklyn Zoo Gym — Training facility where the guest developed contortion and Parkour skills.

Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre — Puppetry venue where the guest performed.

Max Henry @maxhenryparkour

Caitlin Pontrella — Organizer of women’s Parkour events in New York.

HRC Crew @hrchybridcrew — Influential dance crew in Taiwan, significant to the guest’s early inspiration in breakdancing.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

How to win the Internet

February 21, 2019

The difficulty seems to be, not so much that we publish unduly in view of the extent and variety of present day interests, but rather that publication has been extended far beyond our present ability to make real use of the record. The summation of human experience is being expanded at a prodigious rate, and the means we use for threading through the consequent maze to the momentarily important item is the same as was used in the days of square-rigged ships.
~ Vannevar Bush from, As We May Think

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Over in the Movers Mindset community I’ve started a topic titled, How to win the Internet, where I’ve been trying to unpack all my processes and way-of-thinking around how I manage (or at least, attempt to manage) everything I learn.

Chris Moran: Movement, permaculture, and pain theory

February 20, 2019

Chris Moran: Movement, permaculture, and pain theory

What draws people away from conventional careers and into lives centered on movement, manual labor, and holistic living?

Chris Moran discusses his unique path from personal trainer to farmer, and the relationship between movement and farming. He shares his insights on chronic pain and pain theory, as well as how his training and coaching has become deeply rooted in permaculture. Chris ends by describing his continuing passion for film making and creative projects.

Stay outside. It’s not, go outside, it’s stay outside. Should have never went in, in the first place.
~ Chris Moran (37:40)

The conversation explores the journey of transitioning from urban life and personal training to farming and manual labor. It highlights how engaging with nature and physical tasks provides fulfillment beyond traditional fitness routines. The discussion touches on the serendipitous path that led to farming, the connections made along the way, and how these experiences reshaped views on movement and training.

Key topics include the relationship between manual labor and physical movement, the philosophy of holistic farming practices like permaculture, and how immersive experiences can alter perspectives on wellness and pain. The dialogue also reflects on the challenges of chronic pain, the psychological factors contributing to it, and how shifting to a lifestyle focused on play and practical tasks helped alleviate it. The conversation closes by touching on filmmaking and community building as extensions of this holistic approach.

Takeaways

The role of serendipity — Unplanned encounters and connections can lead to life-changing career shifts.

Movement in manual labor — Engaging in physical work offers a different but equally fulfilling form of movement compared to traditional training.

Parkour as a mindset — Movement practices like Parkour shape broader approaches to life, even when not practiced formally.

Pain science insights — Understanding pain through a biopsychosocial model can alter how chronic pain is managed and perceived.

Permaculture and sustainability — Farming practices rooted in sustainability and regeneration foster holistic wellness.

Community around food — Building community through shared labor and food ties people to place and each other.

Teaching through play — Guiding adults and children in play-based movement fosters deeper engagement with physical activity.

Filmmaking as storytelling — Documenting farm life through film creates a lasting record and strengthens community bonds.

Resources

Cherry Valley Cooperative — The farm where the guest lives and works, practicing permaculture and holistic wellness.

Cherry Valley Films on YouTube — Monthly videos documenting farm life and seasonal changes.

Princeton Waldorf School — The school where the guest teaches movement and play-based classes.

The Watershed Institute — An environmental advocacy and education organization the guest collaborates with through filmmaking.

The Movement Creative — A Parkour and movement-based community and teaching platform in New York City.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

A conversation with Mandy Lam

February 10, 2019

(Part 2 of 4 in series, The interviews from my perspective)

Mandy Lam / Epsidode 27

The conversation with Mandy was the first time I tried simply recording a long conversation, which we published with almost zero editing. I had been talking to people on our team about trying this form of recording, but at some point, you just sort of have to jump in the pool.

I don’t remember where or when I first met Mandy. I don’t remember if someone said, “you should interview Mandy.” “Who?” “Mandy, over there— here, I’ll introduce you.” …or maybe we first met training. I really don’t recall. But I do recall that after a conversation we were like, yeah, let’s do an interview. At some point. Somewhere. Some when.

Then a few more conversations. Then a few stories at Gerlev, and then we were at the 3rd Évry Move event and we kept saying, “we should make time for an interview.” So after dinner one evening, we kicked our feet up in a hotel room overlooking the fountain in front of the Évry Cathedral.

…and talked for more than two hours trying to decide what to talk about in her interview. Two terrific hours of great conversation. We kept looking out from the 4th floor, with the big window swung open wide to the warm night, and thinking, “This is Évry. We’re just casually chatting about communities and life and everything… in the middle of Évry.”

…and the huge water fountain in the plaza sounding like a waterfall.

…and we really should press record soon.

“…ok, so, we’ve now been talking for 2-and-a-half hours. We should probably press record soon.”

Finally, I was like, “fuck it. ready?” and I hit record. Then we talked for another two hours. We recorded this sleep-drunk rambling conversation, and the whole time I’m thinking, “this is going to be so bad. No one will ever want to listen to this.”

Weeks later, I finally listened to it.

There’s a team of people behind the podcast and they always want to know how each interview went. I bet you’ve heard the phrase, “like pulling a rabbit out of your hat,” used when—with a touch of panache—you manage something akin to snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.

The interviews from my perspective

February 8, 2019

(Part 1 of 4 in series, The interviews from my perspective)

This ongoing series of posts will contain my memories and thoughts from the interviews which I have been doing for the Movers Mindset podcast.

You can—obviously—listen to each interview. But in this series I want to share things about the interviews. I realized that I have begun to tell stories about the interviews, and people are fascinated by those stories as much as by the interviews themselves.

And so I want to share snapshots—imagery and ideas conveyed through storytelling—from the interviews. The podcast is about, among other things, sharing stories and for every interview I have at least one great story I want to tell.

Stories from before the interviews, or after. Or the people in the room you didn’t hear, or beautiful spaces I get to visit, or the time of day, the light, the vibe, the orgin-story of how I first met the guest, how they affected my life or my journey, …

I’m already 27 stories behind and even the most cursory romp down memory lane has brought countless stories to mind.

Mandy Lam: Community, travel, and self reflection

February 6, 2019

Mandy Lam: Community, travel, and self reflection

What motivates individuals to embark on journeys that are deeply personal, yet intricately tied to the people and communities they encounter along the way?

Mandy Lam dives right into discussion about her travels, the characters she’s met and communities she has visited. She and Craig discuss the ethos and spirit of Évry Move, where they sat down to talk, as well as their experiences with the Yamakasi. Mandy also shares her thoughts on what makes a good community, the importance of solo training and self reflection, and finally gets around to discussing her major concussion.

It’s always the people. Even from the beginning, before my trip, it was always about the people.
~ Mandy Lam (7:34)

This conversation is a free-flowing discussion that centers on the intersections of travel, community, and personal growth. The dialogue reveals how connections with people—rather than places—become the driving force behind journeys. It highlights the serendipity of meeting individuals who profoundly shape one’s experiences and offers reflections on how cultural practices and storytelling enrich these encounters.

The discussion also examines broader themes such as how physical practices like Parkour serve as a medium for forming relationships and navigating personal narratives. It touches upon the challenges and rewards of creating and participating in events that foster community, drawing from specific examples like the North American Women’s Jam and training gatherings in Europe.

Takeaways

The essence of travel — Experiences are shaped more by the people encountered than the destinations themselves.

Curiosity as a driver — Following personal curiosity leads to deeper connections and richer experiences.

The power of communities — Communities often transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, fostering inclusivity and shared purpose.

Storytelling and connection — Sharing stories serves as a bridge between individuals and cultures.

Importance of shared practices — Activities like Parkour create unique opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth.

Flexibility in journeys — Approaching travel without rigid plans opens space for unexpected, meaningful interactions.

Emotional resonance in events — Events focused on community foster deep emotional connections among participants.

Resources

Évry Move event — Annual gathering in Évry, France, focusing on community and physical training.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

Marcello Palozzo: Strength and conditioning, teaching, and learning

January 23, 2019

Marcello Palozzo: Strength and conditioning, teaching, and learning

What are the principles and practices that lead to personal growth, meaningful teaching, and effective learning in physical disciplines?

Marcello Palozzo discusses his studies in the area of strength and conditioning, his relationship with Ido Portal, and how to capture information to optimize your learning. He shares his insights on teaching and learning, discussing the responsibilities of a teacher. Marcello explains how he found his current path, as well as his goals and plans for the future.

True learning should be emotional. Unless there is that element as well in it, something is missing.
~ Marcello Palozzo (5:10)

Marcello discusses his approach to integrating diverse fields of knowledge, including parkour, strength training, and the methodologies learned from his master’s degree studies and training with Ido Portal. He emphasizes the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and creating routines that challenge both physical and emotional boundaries. His philosophy underscores the need for learning to have an emotional component to ensure genuine and impactful growth.

The conversation also explores Marcello’s teaching methods, advocating for learners to actively engage with material by organizing and revisiting it, rather than passively consuming information. Marcello shares his experiences of redefining his career path, abandoning pharmacy studies, and committing fully to movement disciplines. Marcello reflects on the significance of mentorship, community, and continuous exploration in personal and professional development.

Takeaways

Stepping out of comfort zones — Regularly challenging oneself emotionally and physically is key to growth.

Emotional learning — True learning involves an emotional connection for lasting impact.

Active information processing — Categorizing, mapping, and revisiting material enhances learning sustainability.

Role of mentorship — Following dedicated experts provides depth and structure to learning.

The value of community — Collective problem-solving and shared experiences accelerate development.

Sustainable practices — Balancing different training modalities ensures long-term engagement.

Personal transformation — Bold decisions can reshape one’s career and life direction.

Weakness as a strength — Addressing personal weaknesses is essential for holistic improvement.

Fluid planning — Flexibility in goals allows adaptation to unexpected life changes.

Resources

Ido Portal — A key mentor in Marcello’s journey, offering clarity and progression in movement practices.

ParkourWave Association — Co-founded by Marcello, this organization promotes parkour and its principles in Italy.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

Martin Kallesøe: Coaching, coffee, and Street Movement

December 29, 2018

Martin Kallesøe: Coaching, coffee, and Street Movement

What lessons can we learn from integrating Parkour into structured educational settings and promoting personal growth through physical movement?

In this episode of Movers Mindset, Craig talks with Martin Kallesøe of Street Movement. They discuss Martin’s unique introduction to parkour, his thoughts on coaching, and Danish Parkour’s coffee culture. He also touches on his first experiences with the Yamakasi, as well as the history and culture of Street Movement and the International Gathering at Gerlev.

Don’t lose joy. If you lose joy in Parkour, don’t quit. Tone it down, keep doing it, but do something else a lot for a while.
~ Martin Kallesøe (37:10)

The conversation explores the transformative journey of integrating Parkour into both personal practice and educational frameworks. It begins with the guest’s early exposure to Parkour during his university years in Denmark and traces his path to co-founding Street Movement. The discussion includes the philosophical underpinnings of Parkour, emphasizing self-discovery, collaboration, and adaptability. These principles are highlighted as crucial for teaching others while maintaining the joy of practice.

Further topics include the challenges and rewards of incorporating Parkour into academic settings, such as fostering peer learning and designing flexible curricula. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of creating inclusive learning environments, the role of international connections in evolving the discipline, and the need for mindfulness in both teaching and training.

Takeaways

Teaching through collaboration — The importance of peer-to-peer learning in Parkour education.

Bringing Parkour into schools — Challenges and successes of introducing Parkour into structured educational settings.

Resilience and creativity — Using movement challenges to foster adaptability and innovative thinking.

Cultural shifts in coaching — Moving away from performance-driven goals toward intrinsic growth and curiosity.

Integrating physical disciplines — Drawing insights from other activities to keep Parkour practice fresh and joyful.

Philosophy of movement — Viewing Parkour as more than just physical practice, emphasizing life lessons and mindfulness.

Iterative development in education — Adapting teaching methods based on participant feedback and small, meaningful changes.

Resources

Movers Mindset Podcast Episode 24 — The podcast episode featuring this conversation.

Street Movement — The organization co-founded by the guest to promote Parkour and creative movement.

Yamakasi — A founding group of Parkour practitioners referenced in the discussion.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

Stany Boulifard Mallet: Art du Déplacement, the Yamakasi, and motivation

December 7, 2018

023. Stany Boulifard Mallet: Art du Déplacement, the Yamakasi, and motivation

What is the deeper philosophy behind Art du Déplacement, and how does it shape both movement practice and personal growth?

Stany Boulifard Mallet sits down with Craig to discuss his Art du Déplacement (ADD) journey, his practice, and his relationship with the founders. He shares how he met the Yamakasi, and the impact that they have had on his training over the years. Stany also unpacks his thoughts on the motivation behind ADD and his own reasons for training.

You can choose to be ready; you can choose to train.
~ Stany Boulifard Mallet (18:20)

The conversation explores the philosophy and practices of Art du Déplacement, focusing on its origins with the Yamakasi and their transformative approach to movement. Stany shares his personal journey, from discovering the discipline as a teenager inspired by the Yamakasi movie, to training under the founders. He reflects on the mental, emotional, and physical dimensions of the practice, emphasizing how it cultivates self-awareness and connection.

A significant portion of the discussion digs into specific training methods, such as the “be ready in an instant” exercise, and the importance of aligning spirit, body, and heart in movement. Stany also highlights the ethos of humility and humanity demonstrated by the founders, and how their teaching extends beyond physicality to deeper questions about purpose and emotional connection in life.

Takeaways

The transformative impact of Art du Déplacement — The discipline offers a path to personal growth through intentional movement.

The origins of the Yamakasi — A group of friends developed a philosophy centered on mind-body connection and emotional resilience.

The philosophy of choosing — Training focuses on active choice rather than passivity, reinforcing intention and self-determination.

Training with emotional awareness — Participants are encouraged to connect their movements to their emotions and purpose.

The role of humility — Despite their fame, the Yamakasi founders embody humility and prioritize meaningful connections.

The mental aspect of practice — Training involves psychological exercises to cultivate presence and focus.

The importance of novelty — Constantly seeking new challenges fosters growth and keeps the practice fresh.

The quest for understanding — Both personal and scientific approaches inform the guest’s movement practice.

Resources

Yamakasi Movie — A blockbuster film that introduced Art du Déplacement to a global audience.

Yamakasi

University of Nantes — Where the guest teaches and integrates Art du Déplacement with sports sciences.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

Time to take action?

December 3, 2018

The thing is, we still live in a world that’s filled with opportunity. In fact, we have more than an opportunity — we have an obligation. An obligation to spend our time doing great things. To find ideas that matter and to share them. To push ourselves and the people around us to demonstrate gratitude, insight, and inspiration. To take risks and to make the world better by being amazing.
~ Seth Godin from, Time to take action?

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Someone recently asked me about Movers Mindset. “Why is craig doing this?” and my first thought was, “Isnt this obviously a great thing?” But perhaps he wasn’t asking about the thing but rather about me. I had focused on the, “…doing this” when I perhaps I should have focused on, “…Craig doing.”

It’s simple: Movers Mindset is the community I wish I could join. To find inspiration. To find like-minded persons. To find a high-fidelity space where my ideas can be exposed to the Marketplace of Ideas.