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Fluidity is a female member of American Parkour,her infectious smile and enthusiasm exemplify what the Parkour community is all about. I've had the pleasure of being at several jams with her, and got to ask a few questions about how she feels about being a girl in the mostly male Parkour world...

What could be better that would help you feel more comfortable?

Hmmmmm... I'll try and find an answer.... Ok i'll start by saying all the good things i liked, Everyone is (as i said before) accepting. I didn't feel alienated and I didn't feel like i was unwanted. I liked that when i met you, you were very welcoming BUT you didn't make a big deal out of the fact that i was a girl (and the only one at that) at the jam... I felt like one of the guys! Which is great!

How do we make Parkour seem more open to girls?

Yet there is a benefit to being the minority! Girls may not yet be interested in Parkour because as you said they only see guys doing it.... but the more girls that are encouraged to do it and shown just how unique and fun it is I don't see why more wouldn't join. The guys definately don't alienate me because i'm a female... and heck there are things that I can do because I'm a girl that the guys can't... haha!

Are there things you were self-concious about doing in front of a group of guys?

To be honest, yes. I was nervous, not because I was the only girl, but because of the things the guys could do. Watching them didn't scare me though, it empowered me to copy them and follow what they were doing. To do it better. The guys spurred me on to achieve more than i thought i could. This made me realize that there was nothing to be self concious about. We were all there doing our things, and having fun.

How would you encourage other girls to join?

I would encourage them, well I would bait them with telling them how much fun and how easy it is... This is the most appealing combination! You are exerting yourself to simply "over come obstacles" but it can be so much more. Any girl who is scared should be shown how easy Parkour is. Heck, I picked it up with in my first two goes to the gym. If I can do it so can any other girl. It's also thrilling, you get a rush of adrenaline, and it leaves you feeling great!

Do you know any girls who would want to do this? (girls who have done gymnastics, rollerblading, skateboarding?)

I know plenty of girls who would love the idea of Parkour, but they haven't been told about it yet. I've been working on my immediately family, and close friends. They have seen videos, and heard about it from me, and they are willing to try it out. I think that is the first step though, that other girls hear about it from someone. Positive feedback is the best incentive.

How can guys get their friends who are girls to come out for a day?

Tricky question, because it depends on the girl. I was fully willing to try it out and see what would happen, but there are girls that more unsure. Guys should try to entreat them and tell them all the positive things and fun aspects of Parkour. Also a big bonus, that I discovered, was all of the amazing people I met at the jam. That was one of the best parts of the jam, and it should be told to hesitating girls that the guys are very accepting and willing to help! Thanks guys!

Would training sessions setup specifically as lesson be helpful?

Bingo! That would be a great idea! If you had sessions that would "train" and help girls who are unsure of Parkour, I'm positive that the number of girls who participate in Parkour and at jams would increase dramatically!  These lessons are a great idea!

What was your biggest challenge so far?

My biggest challenge, I would have to say, it was restraining myself to take smaller bites. What I mean is that once I understood the basics of vaulting and how to move my body, I wanted to move on immediately to what the guys were doing. All of their percisions and drops. I was so impressed and rushed to try. I had to stop myself and realize that I had to master the basics first. I had to take smaller bites. I can't wait til the next jam, because I am ready to try a lot new things!

What are your goals?

I don't have any specific goals as of yet. My main focus is on going to more jams, and learning more Parkour.

What are Any message to people who are thinking about starting or getting to a jam?

Go!! Go!! Go!! Don't be shy, there's nothing to lose. I went to my first jam and I had a blast! I have only good things to say about Parkour and the people who do it! Hope to see you around.

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