Tyson Cecka

Tyson Cecka | NERDYmade

March 4, 2020

On Castbox.fm — Tyson Cecka | NERDYmade

How can the design and construction of Parkour obstacles and spaces influence training, creativity, and safety?

Designing Parkour spaces involves balancing permanence with adaptability to maximize creative potential and safety.

[… What] makes it really tricky with Parkour obstacles is that we adapt to the spaces that we’re in. We adapt really well to the spaces that we’re in. And so you don’t necessarily know what’s missing, or what might change when that space changes or improves in some way. I feel that you really need to continually challenge yourself in coming up with new ideas or trying out new things. Because you will be extremely surprised sometimes by how much potential that offers up.

~ Tyson Cecka (11:10)

The conversation explores the intricate process of designing and building Parkour obstacles and spaces, emphasizing the role of adaptability, safety, and creativity. There is a focus on how portable obstacles can evolve over time, providing a dynamic and ever-changing training environment. This contrasts with permanent structures that, while durable, may limit creative exploration once their design becomes familiar.

A key point of discussion is the importance of fastening and securing materials like plywood to ensure the structural integrity of obstacles. Tyson highlights how beginners often overlook these details, leading to potential failures or unstable equipment. The dialogue also touches on the value of fostering a community of builders who can share experiences, troubleshoot problems, and inspire new designs through collaborative learning.

Takeaways

Portable obstacles — Enable evolving and adaptable training environments that keep athletes engaged.

Plywood fastening — Essential for ensuring the stability and longevity of Parkour structures, often overlooked by beginners.

Community collaboration — A supportive builder community accelerates learning and design innovation.

Dynamic design — Spaces that shift and change encourage creativity and long-term engagement.

Beginner considerations — Well-built, stable obstacles enhance confidence and facilitate smoother progression for newcomers.

Resources

Tyson Cecka’s @tysoncecka

Sturdy Made (Facebook Group) — Online community for Parkour builders to share ideas, projects, and plans.

Art of Retreat — Annual Parkour leadership and education event where the conversation took place.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Tyson Cecka: Obstacles, artistry, and depression

December 18, 2019

Tyson Cecka: Obstacles, artistry, and depression

What drives the creation and refinement of spaces and objects for parkour, and how do personal and communal experiences influence this process?

Tyson Cecka unpacks his design process, how he began to build parkour obstacles, and where he finds inspiration. He discusses his current plans and goals, and explains why he doesn’t consider himself a great artist or creator. Tyson shares his experiences with depression, how it’s affected his life, and how he’s working through it.

Failure should be a lesson. If you’re doing your trials correctly, every failure would be a lesson that you could then apply going forward.

~ Tyson Cecka (5:12)

This conversation centers on the intersection of creativity, movement, and mental resilience. Tyson discusses how his initial interest in parkour evolved into designing and building obstacles, driven by necessity and a desire to refine and optimize solutions for movement challenges. He explains how his creations are deeply informed by observing others and learning from failures.

The discussion also taps into broader themes of community influence, personal struggles with depression, and the balance between maintaining control over spaces and embracing organic creativity. Tyson reflects on the importance of spaces that allow for exploration and adaptation while highlighting the iterative process that shapes his work and life philosophy.

Takeaways

Experimentation in parkour design — Tyson emphasizes the importance of iterative trial and error in refining obstacles to meet diverse movement needs.

Community influence on creativity — Coaches and students play a significant role in inspiring new designs and approaches to obstacle construction.

The emotional impact of movement spaces — Tyson discusses the deep connections formed with specific training locations and their significance to personal breakthroughs.

Resilience through failure — Each failure in design or execution is viewed as an opportunity to learn and improve future projects.

The intersection of art and functionality — Tyson frames his obstacle-building process as a blend of artistic vision and practical application.

Mental health and its influence — Tyson shares his struggles with depression and how it has affected his work and approach to life.

Creating spaces for preservation — There is a focus on ensuring the longevity and availability of spaces where parkour can thrive, safeguarding the discipline’s future.

Adapting to personal growth — Tyson reflects on shifting his mindset and embracing change as part of his evolution both as a designer and individual.

Resources

Parkour Visions — Nonprofit organization focusing on creating parkour opportunities and safe spaces.

STURDYmade — Online community and resource hub for parkour builders and enthusiasts.

Art of Retreat — An annual event that focuses on movement, culture, and coaching discussions in the parkour community.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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