"We all know the dangers of meeting strangers in real life, but if you take a few simple precautions, you can greatly increase your safety."
There will come a point in your Parkour training where you feel the need to train with others traceurs. Training with others is a very good way to improve yourself, as it exposes you to new opinions, techniques and concepts. These will either inspire you to change, or make you more resolute in your determination to follow your current course; both of them advancing and strengthening you. Considering the fact that Parkour has not hit the mainstream in the USA, there might not be other traceurs in your immediate network of aquaintances. This will more often than not lead you to the internet in search of traceurs to advance with. Now, we all know the dangers of meeting strangers in real life, but if you take a few simple precautions, you can greatly increase your safety.
1) The more the merrier. Generally speaking, there is safety in numbers. Attend a jam with several traceurs, rather than one-on-one meetings. The first jam I went to, my father came along and although I felt embarassed, I was safe. If you don't want to bring your folks, ask a friend to come along. Who knows, he might even be inspired to start Parkour!
2) Meet in a public place. Most traceurs meet up in public areas not only because they are easy to find and navigate to, but also because a crowded area is generally more safe than a secluded one. Some good meeting places include train stations, public parks and colleges.
3) Keep in touch. Carry change for payphones, or preferably, a cellphone at all times. This is not only useful in case of an emergency, but also if you are lost, or late to the jam and want to meet up with the group.
4) Be aware. On American Parkour the administrator and moderators will our best to look out for you, but there is no excuse for common sense. Be alert and be sure to bring any suspicious behavior to our attention immediately.
5) Be Prepared. Make sure you have everything you need for the day. If you aren't sure what to bring, ask the traceur who is hosting the jam, or consult the Jam Checklist (link).
Users' Comments
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1.
03-24-2008 19:29
2.
05-04-2008 10:51
For you lazy types, here's the jam checklist link. It's also available form the FAQ page
I enjoy jumping and active forms of movement, so I have decided to learn how to do it properly. I hope I can find what I need here.
3.
05-13-2008 05:29
this doesnt tell me how to find other people in my area..so can someone tell me..
soccerwatkins@hotmail.com
4.
07-09-2008 11:12
ok but what if your parents are so over protective that once you bring the subject of meeting someone and your not done explaining to them whats going to happen, and they say no?
5.
07-16-2008 13:11
okay, i feel really stupid training by myself, and i cant go in the parking lot across the street to practice, so is anyone in the southside of kenosha, wisconsin that i could train with??
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