You know, whenever I tell people or we tell people about what we do for fun (eg. flipping around and... well, jumping off buildings). People's first reaction would generally be..
"Oh WOW!! But isn't that dangerous?" LOL..
As a matter of fact, Parkour can potentially be one of the most safest sports around to practice. However, if practiced recklessly and incorrectly, potential danger is high... Plus, there has been very few reports of serious injuries due to Parkour and all traceurs are exceptionally healthy for top level athletes.
Here are a few things to remember when you are practicing, regardless of your level:
(And if you're too lazy to read, just scroll to the Summary)
1. Progressive Training is Key: Walk First, Then Run!
These days people only upload videos on youtube to show really advance moves. The thing is, as a beginner, Just Admire these moves as a start. Always start from basic and slowly develop your mind and physical self. There are no shortcuts to Parkour, it takes years of training to get where people like David Belle and Damien Walters are now. So take it slow.
2. Two Brains Are Better Than One
When attempting to Parkour, regardless whether you're doing basics or intermediate, always have someone who has done Parkour for at least 2 - 3 months CONSISTENTLY every week. They key word here is CONSISTENTLY. It's always better to get a second opinion before trying out something new in the urban jungle. You know, to analyze the situation, and to see if it's really feasible. I prefer to have at least 2 others (that means a total of 3 of us) around when I try something new.
3. Dressing Can Bring The Best, and The Worst Of You.
Yes, dressing up, or rather suiting up for Parkour is essential at the beginning. Always wear something light and that doesn't restrict your movement (eg. jeans and jackets are not advisable) Of course, one might say a traceur should be able to Parkour in anything they wear, but that can come later. Again, Progressive Training Is Key, start of with light stuff and with shoes, and later on once your basics and foundation are right, you can try in other outfits like a business suit with blazer and all that. Some even train barefooted for the challenge.
4. Plan Before You Leap
Parkour is an individual sport. The difference with other sports like soccer and basketball is you're interacting with inanimate objects. Which means you can predict what might happen. (Unless you've reach the level where u do moving cars) Soccer and basketball involves other players which makes it harder for you to predict what might happen and cause more serious injury. So plan before your leap, there's always a safer way around the obstacles you're facing.
5. Parkour After You've Completely Healed.
And in the case where you really got injured. Only start practicing again once you've completely healed. This is to prevent overusing your injured part and causing more injury to it than it already is. Further more, when you practice while you're still injured, you tend to avoid using the injured area more to avoid pain. This will form bad habits which you will find hard to correct later. So take it slow, and be patient. Parkour is not an over night thing. It takes years of conditioning.
IN SUMMARY:
1. Progressive Training is Key: Walk First, Then Run!
- Always start with BASICS.
- Higher level movements require Stronger Physical Strength and Skill
- So only admire Advance Moves as a beginner
2. Two Brains Are Better Than One
- Always train in pairs (I prefer a group of 3)
- It is preferable for your partner to have done Parkour CONSISTENTLY for 2 -3 months
- This is for analyzing the situation/obstacle, and whether you should do it.
3. Dressing Can Bring The Best, and The Worst Of You.
- As a beginner, start of with light, unrestrictive clothing and proper shoes
- After mastering the techniques, then you can start trying with other outfits (eg. business suit, some even try barefooted)
4. Plan Before You Leap
- Parkour is an individual sport
- You are interacting with inanimate objects.
- Crashing into it means you didn't plan or trace. (means its really your fault)
- So plan first before you do anything (or we like to say TRACE)
5. Parkour After You've Completely Healed.
- Only begin practice after your injury is healed.
- Prevent overusing the injured part to cause further damage
- And prevent bad habits from forming because your body automatically avoids from using that area.
