Topic: Techniques in Parkour

[Asa]

I'm typing this post in response to the apparent confusion of people in this forum when it comes to techniques in Parkour. To the casual observer, traceurs do "moves" to pass obstacles. A common misconception arises from this: that Parkour is a collection of "moves", and that there is a list of "Parkour moves" that, when preformed, are Parkour.

Individual techniques are not what makes up Parkour. Instead, it is your mindset that determines whether or not your actions are within the realm of Parkour. Without the correct intent, these movements are not being used for Parkour. This is what separates Parkour from other activities, the purposefulness.

There is no list that encompasses all motions that can be used in Parkour. This being said, there ARE some movements that are especially useful that many traceurs use as a base skill set in Parkour. These techniques are used very often because of their versatility and effectivness. These include the saut de chat (kong), saut de bras (cat leap), breakfalls, demi tour (turn vault), tic-tac, and passe muraille (wall climb) , among others.

However, as I said before, none of these movements are Parkour in and of themselves. Picture two cardboard boxes. One is filled with books, while the other contains nothing but air. At first glance, to the average observer, the boxes will be appear to be identical. Similarly, unless filled by the proper purpose, these techniques which would appear the same, are simply empty "moves".

[LockDown]

very good analogy.

[Thomas Edwards]

here! here!

this is a realization that took me some time to come to after i began 'doing parkour'

in addition to the great ideas in Pistolwhip's post, there is also the idea that when you go and drill kongs, or rolls, or whatever you are drilling, you are not 'doing parkour', or 'practicing parkour', you are 'practicing FOR parkour'

we practice our movements so that when we do parkour, we don't need to think, or concentrate on the individual moves.  they become simple 'tools' to 'go that way,' as opposed to 'tricks' to 'flow that way'

[SovXietday]

*Thumbs up*

Awesome job.

[Flippusmn]

Haha thats deep man.
Hope that everyone will come here for that view.

[michiganparkour]

i like it..easy to understand....good job with the analogy

[klaymen]

very nice. hey, do you mind if i post this somewhere else (giving credit to you of course)?

[Asa]

Of course, thanks for asking. Where are you planning to repost?

[klaymen]

a myspace group

[Frosti]

Definite applause on that one Asa, i wish we could just take this and show it to people and say: "HEY, look at this. NOW"

[Asa]

Frosti, we can! At least that's what I've been doing. The only hard part is stapling their eyelids open. :-)

Seriously though, the message that many sites send to traceurs is either mixed, diluted with masses of misinformation, or just plain incorrect. This site has been doing pretty well with keeping people supplied with the truth, in the forum as well as the site content, and it's my pleasure to supplement that :-)

[mkerunner]

I'd say that definitly goes with the statement of athletics in general being 20% physical and 80% mental. Very good write up btw.

[Josh Klute]

You definitely know what you are talking about (Asa), thanks for putting your write up in terms that we can all understand .  I definitely agree with you, parkour is all about combining the different "moves" in a way that helps you to move fluidly throught the environment around you.  Just a single move doesn't accomplish that much, I think thats why people that just happen to see a bunch of kids jumping around think of it as "delinquent activity".  When you combine a series a moves, not only does it look better, but anyone watching can actually begin to see the purpose of all the random movements. 

[jmanndriver]

yeah i was practicing for parkour by jumping off of a 8ft shed t a church and i got in trouble with the cops so i cant go there anymore. but i do live in the suburbs. asa i had been getting a lot of mixed messages about parkour but now i fell like i am walking in a straight line now. i know the purpose of parkour.

[Unique]

nice point

[The Fallen]

I think APK has helped alot of traceurs get back on the meaning of parkour. Good post Asa!   

[RhayneD]

Nicely put, Asa. I have to agree with the others, great analogy.

However, I have a question... or two.

You mentioned in your explanation and clarification that Kong's and other moves are used as a basic skillset. What if I feel that a certain "move," for instance the Kong or dash, is not efficient for me and I only drill them every once in a while. If I still have the same mindset of Parkour when actually DOING Parkour, but I don't use dashes or Kong's in the process, does that mean I'm NOT "doing" Parkour when the time comes?

I think I just confused myself a bit with that question, but I hope you can see what I'm getting at.

[Gearsighted]

Nope, you're spot-on. If a certain movement isn't the best way for YOU to overcome an obstacle, then it's not Parkour, as much as it may be a "standard" movement used by a majority of the Traceurs. The moves themselves are a foundation from which you find your body's most effective methods of moving over, around and through whatever obstacle may be in your intended path. If Kongs don't necessarily work for you, there are plenty of other ways to get where you're going

Asa, we might use this once we get our tutorial articles up and running on the main site. We had something similar written up, but it's always nice to get as much of the community involved with the content as possible, and you worded it perfectly

[Ryan Ford]

but adding on to what gear said, just because it doesnt work best for you doesnt mean it cant work best for you through practice and repetition. there are some general movements that are definately better than others if you have them mastered.

[Gearsighted]

Damn straight, very good point. Don't use that fact as an excuse to put-off training something that may be extremely functional. Nice catch Demon