Craig Constantine

Frank Mejia: World Chase Tag, coaching, and competition →

Published June 19, 2019 · All posts on Jun 19 · Movers Mindset

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.)

Rosy Noguchi: Coaching, gender, and travel →

Published June 12, 2019 · All posts on Jun 12 · Movers Mindset

Rosy Noguchi: Coaching, gender, and travel

What factors contribute to the longevity and success of community-driven parkour programs?

Rosy Noguchi discusses her involvement in PK Move, coaching, and why she is passionate about what they are doing. She shares her thoughts on the DC Women’s community, and why it’s been successfully running for 6+ years. Rosy reflects on the benefits of traveling for parkour, and closes out with her experiences with gender and intergenerational training in parkour.

I just thought it was cool, man. You’re only as old as you act and nobody was acting that old.
~ Rosy Noguchi (22:30)

The conversation explores the journey of Rosy Noguchi, a coach and board member at PK Move, and how her initial exposure to parkour through her mother led to a leadership role in the community. She recounts the origins of PK Move, a nonprofit aimed at making parkour accessible to diverse groups, and the progression from casual participant to co-founder. Rosy highlights the importance of inclusivity and the intergenerational nature of parkour, drawing connections between her experience training with both teenagers and older adults.

Rosy also discusses her involvement in the DC Women’s community and the structured nature of the monthly jams that have contributed to their sustained success. She emphasizes the role of leadership, mentorship, and collaboration in maintaining engagement and fostering growth. Additionally, Rosy reflects on the PK Silver program, which tailors parkour training for older adults, and shares personal insights on how her mother’s perspective on aging influences her coaching philosophy.

Takeaways

PK Move’s origin — How the organization evolved from an idea into a nonprofit driven by community needs.

Intergenerational training — The benefits of mixing age groups in parkour, fostering inclusive learning environments.

Women’s jam structure — How structured parkour classes during women’s jams enhance retention and encourage participation.

Mentorship and leadership — The influence of dedicated leaders and volunteers in sustaining long-term community programs.

Inclusivity in parkour — The importance of creating spaces that cater to newcomers and returning practitioners alike.

PK Silver — Tailoring parkour for older adults, emphasizing adaptability and safety.

Barriers to participation — How cost, time, and novelty affect attendance at women’s parkour events.

Support from larger organizations — The role of APK in providing space and legitimacy to community-led initiatives.

Travel and parkour — How traveling to jams strengthens community bonds and encourages personal growth.

Aging and representation — Addressing stereotypes about aging and promoting activity through inclusive parkour programs.

Resources

PK Move — The nonprofit organization co-founded by Rosy Noguchi to make parkour accessible to all.

APK (American Parkour) — A parkour organization that supports the DC Women’s community by providing gym space and infrastructure.

Urban Evolution — The parkour gym where Rosy began her training and encountered intergenerational parkour classes.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

Victor Crittenden: Community, viewpoints, and statistics →

Published June 5, 2019 · All posts on Jun 5 · Movers Mindset

Victor Crittenden: Community, viewpoints, and statistics

What makes the DC metro Parkour community unique, and how does it integrate diverse philosophies and populations to sustain and grow the practice of Parkour?

Victor Crittenden digs into the DC Metro Parkour community, explaining what it is, who is involved, and why it is unique. He discusses the various definitions, ethos, and approaches to parkour, and how each shows an important piece of the parkour puzzle. Vic shares his thoughts around the governance of parkour, and finishes with the importance of collecting and analyzing data and statistics about parkour to help promote its future and growth.

It’s important to distinguish between public and private spaces for the future of Parkour.
~ Victor Crittenden (41:04)

The conversation explores the structure and ethos of the DC Metro Parkour community, highlighting its diversity and the collaborative effort to unify various Parkour groups across Maryland, Virginia, and DC. Key components include established gyms like Urban Evolution and American Parkour, university groups at George Mason and College Park, and nonprofit organizations such as PK Move, which focuses on adaptive Parkour for underserved populations. Victor outlines the geographic and organizational complexities, emphasizing the role of jams and meetups in sustaining the community.

The discussion shifts to examining different Parkour philosophies in the area. Some gyms emphasize structured training and family engagement, while others focus on purist, outdoor approaches aligned with altruism and self-reclamation. The value of public engagement and forming connections with city officials emerges as a theme for promoting Parkour. Broader initiatives, such as the formation of USPK (United States Parkour Association) and youth leagues, aim to create a sustainable framework for Parkour development at a national level.

Takeaways

Bridging communities — The DC metro Parkour community thrives by unifying various city and university groups, preventing fragmentation.

Adaptive Parkour — PK Move pioneers adaptive Parkour, ensuring accessibility for elderly populations, cancer survivors, and individuals with disabilities.

Diversity in practice — Different Parkour groups in the region emphasize contrasting approaches, from structured gym environments to purist outdoor practices.

Public engagement — Building relationships with city officials and participating in community projects fosters acceptance and growth of Parkour communities.

Sustaining growth — Regular jams and meetups play a crucial role in maintaining the Parkour community by keeping people engaged and connected.

Governance and unity — National efforts like USP K aim to consolidate Parkour communities under a collective association to represent the U.S. globally.

Youth development — Projects like the Youth Parkour League (YPL) work to introduce structured competition circuits for younger populations.

Data and future growth — Initiatives to collect and analyze data on gyms, demographics, and growth rates aim to inform and attract investors.

Resources

PK Move — Nonprofit organization promoting adaptive Parkour for special populations, including seniors and cancer survivors.

American Parkour (APK) — A leading Parkour gym and community in DC promoting education and outreach.

Urban Evolution — Parkour gym offering structured programs and classes in Northern Virginia.

United States Parkour Association (USP K) — A collective organization aiming to unify Parkour communities across the U.S.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

Weena Pauly-Tarr: Therapy, motherhood, and impulse →

Published May 29, 2019 · All posts on May 29 · Movers Mindset

Weena Pauly-Tarr: Therapy, motherhood, and impulse

What experiences and practices shape the transition from structured movement disciplines to embodied, intuitive forms of movement and healing?

Weena Pauly-Tarr shares her history of dance, her brief encounter with parkour, and how those experiences have led to where she is now. She unpacks her work with somatic therapy, and the profound changes motherhood has brought to her life and practice. Weena reflects on her current interests in embodiment and impulse, and discusses her search for what is next.

The only thing I’ve ever wanted in my life—clearly and said out loud—was to be a mom. not to be a dancer, or not to move to New York… none of that was the thing. It was to be a mom. […] And so when I became pregnant, it was like the biggest gift I’ve ever been given. It was like getting the one thing you’ve always wanted, your whole life. It’s terrifying. Because what if it gets taken away, all that starts to come up. So I think what happened is, I had to grapple with receiving the thing I’ve always wanted.
~ Weena Pauly-Tarr (30:31)

The conversation covers how personal experiences with dance, Parkour, and somatic therapy intersect in a lifelong exploration of movement and healing. Weena’s dance background, including work with impactful movement styles like Streb’s Pop Action, shaped her understanding of strength, fear, and embodiment. Parkour later emerged as a natural extension of this interest, allowing for further exploration of dynamic movement in unconventional settings.

Motherhood significantly shifted her perspective, introducing new layers of vulnerability and embodiment. This experience influenced her shift from performance-based movement to therapeutic and somatic practices. She discusses her evolving approach to working with clients, focusing on impulse, somatic healing, and authentic movement. Her exploration of trauma through somatic experiencing highlighted the connections between past injuries and subconscious movement patterns.

Takeaways

Impact and strength — Early dance experiences emphasized the importance of using strength and physicality in movement.

Embodiment through trauma — Somatic experiences can reveal how unresolved trauma manifests in physical patterns.

Motherhood’s transformation — Motherhood shifted priorities and expanded the practice of vulnerability and authenticity.

Parkour as extension — Parkour became a natural extension of visceral, impact-based dance forms.

Healing through movement — Movement serves as a method for personal and emotional healing.

Impulse as guidance — Allowing movement to arise from impulse promotes deeper embodiment and awareness.

Reframing fear — Both Parkour and somatic practices teach reframing fear and failure as growth.

Resources

Weena Pauly-Tarr @weenapaulytarr

Elizabeth Streb’s TED Talk — Discusses Pop Action and the concepts of impact-based movement.

Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy — A form of somatic healing that bridges bodywork and talk therapy.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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

Published May 22, 2019 · All posts on May 22 · Movers Mindset

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.)

Teresa Vazquez-Dodero: Motherhood, stereotypes, and risk →

Published May 15, 2019 · All posts on May 15 · Movers Mindset

Teresa Vazquez-Dodero: Motherhood, stereotypes, and risk

What impact does practicing Parkour have on personal transformation and navigating the challenges of motherhood?

Teresa Vazquez-Dodero describes the changes and sacrifices of motherhood, both in body and mind. She explains her initial experiences with parkour, how the community drew her in, and her views on defying stereotypes in parkour. Teresa discusses her unique perspective of risk, her studies in multiculturalism, and finishes by sharing the benefits of parkour for all ages.

I would describe this relationship as the most liberating body— or relationship with my body and relationship with my environment that I’ve ever had in any sports situation.
~ Teresa Vazquez-Dodero (1:14)

The conversation explores the transformative effect Parkour has on physical and mental well-being, particularly through the lens of motherhood. It highlights the dramatic changes and sacrifices involved in raising twins and the physical challenges that accompany it. Through Parkour, Teresa discovers a liberating relationship with her body, which contrasts starkly with her previous struggles after pregnancy. She emphasizes how Parkour reconnects her with movement, allowing her to reclaim aspects of herself that were sidelined during motherhood.

Another focus is on breaking societal norms and defying stereotypes, particularly those surrounding age, gender, and motherhood. Teresa reflects on her initial fears of not fitting into the Parkour community but ultimately finds acceptance and encouragement. Her insights extend to broader topics such as risk perception, personal responsibility in maintaining physical health, and the importance of continuous movement. She draws parallels between movement, personal growth, and larger societal observations derived from her academic background in multiculturalism and race studies.

Takeaways

Parkour and self-liberation — Parkour provides a liberating relationship with the body and environment, fostering freedom beyond structured gym environments.

Motherhood and physical transformation — Pregnancy, particularly with twins, significantly alters the body and challenges personal movement, leading to a long recovery process.

Reclaiming identity — Parkour helps reclaim aspects of personal identity that are sidelined during the demands of motherhood.

Risk and societal perceptions — Risk in Parkour is often perceived differently from within the practice, where the emphasis is on maintaining health and preventing long-term issues.

Age and movement — Parkour offers a pathway to sustaining movement and health as individuals age, challenging norms that equate aging with physical decline.

Community and inclusivity — The Parkour community welcomes diverse participants, valuing different perspectives and experiences regardless of age or background.

Resilience through adversity — Parkour serves as a metaphor for overcoming life’s challenges and rebuilding physical and mental strength post-adversity.

Cultural insights and race studies — Teresa draws connections between movement practices and her academic studies, highlighting broader societal patterns and introspective analysis.

Resources

Parkour Generations — A resource for Parkour classes and training, referenced as the community that supported Teresa’s Parkour journey.

Smith College — Teresa’s alma mater, where she studied literature, multiculturalism, and race studies.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

§16 – Don’t be that guy →

Published May 10, 2019 · All posts on May 10 · Movers Mindset

This entry is part 28 of 37 in the 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 →

Published May 8, 2019 · All posts on May 8 · Movers Mindset

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 →

Published May 1, 2019 · All posts on May 1 · Movers Mindset

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 →

Published April 24, 2019 · All posts on Apr 24 · Movers Mindset

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.)