Parcour

'Parcour is all about movement efficiency and self expression'.

What is Parcour?

Parcour, also known as freerunning, is an urban movement discipline that originated in France in the late 1980s by David Belle who is the son of a real life Parcour Warrior. David and his friends re-enacted special forces training from his father in the urban concrete jungle of Lisses, FRANCE. It's title with French origins means, a course, a path or way through. Essentially, to get from point A to B as efficiently and creatively as possible. It involves navigating obstacles in the environment with speed and efficiency, using a combination of running, climbing, swinging, vaulting, and jumping. Parcour isn't just about physical skill; it's an art of movement that engages the mind, body, and spirit.

Activity Examples

Parcour practitioners (or treceurs) Run, Jump, Climb, Vault, Swing and Balance to overcome obstacles. Treceurs perform skills such as Precisions, Parcour Rolls, Wall Runs, Cat Hangs, Tik Taks, and Lache's.

Physical Aims of Parcour

Cardiovascular Endurance: Parcour is a high-intensity activity that challenges the cardiovascular system. It increases heart rate and improves the efficiency of oxygen delivery to muscles, enhancing overall cardiovascular fitness.

Muscular Strength and Power: The various jumps, vaults, and climbs in parkour require significant muscular strength and power. Regular training improves muscle tone, strength, and power, particularly in the lower body and core.

Flexibility and Mobility: Parcour involves a wide range of movements that stretch the limits of the body's flexibility and mobility. Over time, parcour athletes develop improved range of motion, flexibility, and body co-ordination.

Neuromuscular Coordination: Precision, balance, and coordination are essential in parkour. The complex sequences of movements enhance motor skills and proprioception—the body's ability to sense its location, movements, and actions.

The Psychology of Parcour

Beyond physical prowess, parcour demands mental resilience and adaptability.

Fear Management: One of the main psychological aspects of parcour is fear management. Overcoming the fear of heights, falls, or challenging movements is part of the training, promoting courage and self-confidence.

Problem-Solving: Each environment or obstacle presents a unique challenge. Parcour practitioners must evaluate possibilities quickly and choose the most efficient path—turning every run into a problem-solving exercise.

Flow State: Achieving a 'flow state'—a mental state where an individual is fully immersed in an activity—is common in parcour. This requires concentration, focus, and a harmonious balance between skill level and challenge.

Student to Coach ratio. 10 : 1 

Age Requirement: 6-16years

What to bring: Bring a water bottle, and any essential medicine. (Puffer, medications etc.)

Clothing: No jewellery, bring shoes, hair tied up and dress appropriate for physical activity. 

Child Anxiety: Students may experience anxiety on their first visit which is normal. Our staff are experienced & we have a level of intervention which may involve parent involvement. We strive to build confidence in kids, so within 2-3weeks the student should be settled, learning, and having fun. If this is not the case please let us know.  

Enrollment Period: School Terms (10 weeks)