What Is Parkour?
When most people think of parkour, they picture jaw-dropping videos of athletes flipping off rooftops, vaulting over railings, and leaping across massive gaps. While these feats are undeniably impressive, they only scratch the surface of what parkour is all about. On the surface, parkour is a discipline centered on efficient movement through any environment—often urban spaces—using nothing but the human body.
But parkour is so much more than a physical activity. It’s a culture, a mindset, and a way of life. To truly understand parkour, you have to look beyond the movements on the surface and explore its origins, values, and the everyday practice that shapes its community.
The Roots of Parkour
Parkour’s story begins in the suburbs of Paris, in the streets of Lisses and Évry. Unlike many sports that have a clear “founder,” parkour didn’t have a single creator. Instead, it emerged organically from a small group of friends and family who played together, inspired by a shared philosophy of strength, capability, and movement.
This group included notable figures like David Belle, his cousins Chau and Williams, Sébastien Foucan, and Yann Hnautra. While debates about who contributed the most to parkour’s development continue, it’s better to think of it as a collective effort—a natural evolution of play and exploration. For a deep dive into parkour’s fascinating history, I highly recommend Julie Angel’s book Breaking The Jump.
What Does Parkour Training Look Like?
At its simplest, parkour is about mastering fundamental movements like running, jumping, vaulting, and climbing. Practitioners train to become strong, precise, and balanced. But parkour isn’t just about physical skill—it’s also about mental strength.
One of the most transformative aspects of parkour is the way it changes how you see the world. What once seemed like ordinary structures—a wall, a railing, a bench—becomes a canvas for movement. Parkour trains you to see opportunity instead of barriers, and to approach challenges with creativity and resilience.
A Diverse and Evolving Community
The parkour community is as diverse as the discipline itself. People from all walks of life are drawn to parkour, and their reasons for practicing vary widely.
For some, it’s about going back to the roots. These practitioners focus on building resilience, strength, and mental fortitude, staying true to parkour’s original spirit.
For others, it’s about pushing boundaries. They’re driven by the athleticism of the discipline, working relentlessly to perfect their jumps, flow across challenging terrain, and create seamless combinations of movement.
And for others still, it’s about freedom and creativity. These practitioners blend parkour with acrobatics, dance, or martial arts, crafting innovative and expressive movements that redefine what’s possible.
Most practitioners, however, embody all of these elements. A single training session might include trying to nail a precise jump with perfect technique, improvising playful flows on a bench, or testing physical and mental limits with grueling strength exercises like wall climb-ups.
More Than Movement
At its heart, parkour is about personal growth. It’s about overcoming fears, embracing challenges, and constantly striving to improve—not just as an athlete, but as a person.
Whether you’re drawn to parkour for its athleticism, its creativity, or the sense of freedom it brings, one thing is certain: parkour transforms the way you see the world and yourself. It’s not about competing with others or showing off—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself, one jump, vault, or climb at a time.
So next time you see a viral parkour video, take a moment to remember: behind the spectacular flips and leaps lies a discipline rich in history, culture, and values. And for those who practice it, parkour is more than just movement—it’s a way of life.