The Father of Parkour was in Portugal
a New Urban Art

When you see someone dropping down a 3 meter high wall or jumping over a trash can, you maybe face to face with a traceur. Don't have a clue?
What if we tell you that that's the name given to a parkour praticioner? Getting the ideia?
The father of the art, David Belle, was recently in Lisbon with his team in the commercial launching of Aquarius, a Coca Cola Company beverage.
The demonstrations at Parque das Nações where followed by a small talk with MU.
With 33 years of age, he has the privilege to be able to dedicate his life to what he loves doing, besides travelling the world and work with renamed film directors.

article by Lina Manso for Mundo Universitário

.What influence did you're father and grandfather (both conected to the fire department and the military forces -where you also were)in the invention of Parkour?
DB: I began getting interested in what they were doing, until the point I asked myself: what is there beyond this? I turned what I learned into a kind of game, with a lot of silence, flexability and agility.

.that takes us to the second question. Is this a sport, a lifestyle, a hobby or a philosophy?
DB: It's an art of life. It is as much urban as it is contemporary. (this part I think something got lost in translation from french to portuguese by the journalist..)

.Care to expand?
DB: Before anything else, is to learn how to be carefull. And never underestimate physical training. And it takes harmony between the practicioner and the space where he practises.

.And who can practice it?
DB: Everyone!

.I don't think I could jump off a 3 meter high wall...
DB: That comes with training! If you had a Lion chacing you, would you stand still?

.I read some placethat it can help you strengthen you'r self confidence and overcome you're fears.
DB: The main objective is to know youreself and learn how to overcome youre limits.

.How do you see the way Madonna has been promoting the art (seen in the video "Jump", from her last album, or in the coreographies of the "confessions Tour" shows.
DB: I simply think she uses Parkour to sell her music not her music to promote Parkour.

.The first time I heard about parkour was in the movie "Yamakasi". Do you have anything to do with that group?
DB: Yes, they're cousins of mine I initiated in the art.

.So what have you done to promote the art (since you've been doing it professionaly since you were 18)? (Again I think the translation during the interview was not that good...)
DB: I've been, for exemple, in the film "Banlieu 13", from director Luc Besson. I am now shooting another movie in Prague(Chec Republic), and I think there may be another movie coming soon, in Holywood.
Besides that I've been in several commercials for numerous brands like TMN (here in Portugal), Nissan or Nike.

. Talking about brands, Is there any kind of special shoe for Parkour?
DB: Nothing specific yet, but we would like to have our own brand...

. What do you think of the Portuguese traceurs?
DB: They have a tremendous potencial, a great climate that always helps... I think Parkour can go a long way here.

. Will you be comming back soon?
DB: Yes, maybe with my girlfriend (I really liked it here).

. Talking about women... where are the female practinioners?
DB: The same way that there are women who like football or boxing, there are does who like Parkour. They're around..in hidding.

. Going back to what you said about Parkour could go a long way here in Portugal. I got the sensation that you did'nt say everything...
DB: It's because besides the fact that the traceurs are in harmony with the city (they're not going around destroying private property), I admire the fact that most of them still study (I left school at the age of 15).

. If you had the time, would you go back to school?
DB: I learn alot on my own! When I travel I like to read about the History and Geography of the places I visit.

. Tell us something about Portugal then!
DB: I've heard of Sintra and was thrilled about it's mistical side! I love the ideia of the existence of an Ocult side.

Translated by Lusoking at .NET