12/10/07 – Year one in review…

It’s kind of funny, whereas most people create a demo reel to highlight their cache of tricks and a certain progression in their training, I feel like this video serves more as a conclusion to a very long first chapter in my parkour life. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very proud of everything accomplished thus far and I can certainly see an evolution in my style, but this project, for me, has been a graduation of sorts. A reminder to depart from past successes and frustrations, but still take with me all lessons learned. Every clip in here comprises something meaningful that I will take away from my first year in training. 

Nobody’s perfect, and I certainly don’t claim to be. There is always room for improvement, and year two will focus on repetition and fine tuning. A perfectionist at heart, I’m never satisfied with my knowledge, ability, or understanding of my craft, be it film editing, parkour, freerunning, tricking, or anything else. So, I can only hope to foster the relationships with all the amazing traceurs I’ve met so far because you are my inspiration and motivation. As so many others have already realized, and many more will in the future, this discipline is more mental than physical. Sure, being a great athlete will make the transition a smoother one, but confidence, awareness, and sensitivity is what makes a traceur great. Someday, I hope to be one.

 
Over the last year, I can look back and track every mindset I’ve gone through. Beginning with wide-eyed awe, I’ve progressed through physical and mental growing pains to a level of humble recognition. I understand that I’ve been able to cover an almost unperceivable amount of ground in such a short amount of time, but also realize that had so many amazing traceurs not come before me, I would not be where I am now. You are the ones from whom I will still learn so much. 

The most valuable thing I’ve learned in my endeavors thus far has been humility. It helps keep me centered. When training, it’s the part of me that’s never satisfied, but also has the confidence to stop and not foolhardily push beyond my limits. When meeting new people, it’s the part of me that offers respect to my heroes without losing sight of those who have afforded me the opportunity to be there. The part that teaches patience, both within me and with others. 

So here’s to you, traceurs past, present and future… a toast to the collective movement that has swept me off my feet. I couldn’t be any more excited about what the future holds!

-NoSole

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