Parkour- Meaning, History, Rules, How to Start Parkour (2024)

What is the Parkour game?

Parkour and freerunning definition is all about moving safely and efficiently through your environment, using your body and mind to overcome obstacles.

It’s not just about running jumping, flipping and spinning – it’s about being able to vaulting jumping, climb, swing, balance, and even crawl your way through any challenge you come across. It is all the part of Parkour.

Whether you’re in the city or the wilderness, the parkour game is about being adaptable, exploring your surroundings, and relying on yourself to get where you’re going.

It’s a great way to stay healthy, get creative, and build mental toughness. So next time you see a parkour game in action, don’t just watch – try it out for yourself! 

What does Parkour mean in Hindi?

पार्कोर क्या है? (Parkour kya hai?)

पार्कोर एक कला और प्रशिक्षण पद्धति है जो आपके मन और शरीर को किसी भी वातावरण, चाहे वह शहरी हो या प्राकृतिक, सुरक्षित और कुशलता से नेविगेट करने के लिए तैयार करती है। इसमें दौड़ना, चढ़ना, कूदना, झूलना, संतुलन बनाना और चारों तरफ घूमकर चलना जैसे आंदोलनों का उपयोग किया जाता है, ताकि सभी प्रकार की बाधाओं को पार किया जा सके।

अपने स्वभाव से ही, पार्कोर स्थिरता, अनुकूलनशीलता, अन्वेषण, आत्मनिर्भरता, स्वास्थ्य, रचनात्मकता और मानसिक दृढ़ता को बढ़ावा देता है। हालांकि फ्लिपिंग और स्पिनिंग कभी-कभी किसी विशिष्ट लक्ष्य को प्राप्त करने में पार्कोर एथलीट की सहायता कर सकते हैं, लेकिन ऐसे आंदोलन जो अनावश्यक या विशुद्ध रूप से सौंदर्यपूर्ण हैं, उन्हें आमतौर पर पार्कोर नहीं माना जाता है।

सरल शब्दों में कहें तो, पार्कोर आपको अपने आस-पास की दुनिया से एक अलग नजर से देखने और उससे जुड़ने की कला सिखाता है। यह किसी भी वातावरण में जल्दी और सुरक्षित रूप से आगे बढ़ने के लिए आपके शरीर और दिमाग की क्षमता को बढ़ाता है। यह एक शानदार फिटनेस गतिविधि है जो आपको स्वस्थ रहने, रचनात्मकता विकसित करने और आत्मविश्वास बढ़ाने में मदद करती है।

तो अगली बार जब आप पार्कोर के बारे में सुनें या देखें, तो बस उसे देखने तक ही सीमित न रहें, उसे आजमाएं!

कुछ महत्वपूर्ण शब्द:

• पार्कोर एथलीट: पार्कोर करने वाला व्यक्ति
• बाधाएं: दीवारें, रेलिंग, पेड़, या कोई भी चीज जो आपके रास्ते में आती है
• स्थिरता: पर्यावरण के अनुकूल होने और बदलने की क्षमता
• अनुकूलनशीलता: विभिन्न परिस्थितियों में समायोजित होने की क्षमता
• स्वास्थ्य: शारीरिक और मानसिक रूप से अच्छी स्थिति

मुझे उम्मीद है कि यह स्पष्टीकरण आपको पार्कोर के बारे में समझने में मदद करेगा। क्या आपके मन में कोई और सवाल है?

It’s all about Parkour’s meaning in Hindi. The Hindi language, people relate to it easily.

History of Parkour Game

Various athletic traditions that existed in different communities worldwide for centuries influenced Parkour, a movement that originated later. Indigenous tribes in Africa had practised similar movements for generations.

In Chinese culture, the discipline of qigong, a martial arts training technique with centuries-old roots, was taught at the Peking Opera School in the 20th century.

Notably, the school’s students, including Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung, incorporated qinggong into their acrobatic stunt work in Hong Kong action cinema from the 1970s onwards.

Georges Hébert

In pre-World War I Western Europe, French naval officer Georges Hébert laid the foundation for Parkour with his “méthode naturelle” (natural method).

Influenced by African indigenous tribes, he emphasized athleticism based on real-life experiences. Hébert’s belief in combining physical prowess with courage and altruism was reinforced during his rescue efforts in the 1902 Mount Pelée eruption.

As a physical education tutor, he structured his method around ten fundamental groups, aiming to develop energetic, moral, and physical forces.

Hébert’s approach gained prominence during World Wars I and II, evolving into the standard French military education system.

Inspired by him, a Swiss architect created the “parcours du combattant,” a military obstacle course, which later influenced civilian fitness trails and confidence courses.

This historical development underscores the integration of athleticism, courage, and altruism in physical training, laying the groundwork for the modern practice of Parkour.

John Ciampa

Born in 1922, John Ciampa, also known as the Human Fly, the Flying Phantom, and the Brooklyn Tarzan, was a renowned acrobatic stuntman and entertainer.

His impressive feats included acrobatic buildering and freestyle tree climbing, reminiscent of late 20th-century Parkour. In 1942, Paramount Pictures showcased Ciampa’s talents in two newsreels coinciding with the release of the feature film “Tarzan’s New York Adventure.”

Raymond and David Belle

Raymond Belle, born in 1939 in Vietnam to a French physician and a Vietnamese mother, faced adversity during the First Indochina War.

Orphaned at seven, he endured a military orphanage, using secret obstacle courses to build endurance and resilience. After returning to France in 1954, he joined the Paris Fire Brigade.

David Belle, Raymond’s son born in 1973, disenchanted with school and traditional sports, discovered his father’s training philosophy called “parcours.”

Raymond’s emphasis on practical skills and survival resonated with David, inspiring him to train extensively. David eventually prioritized parcours over other commitments, laying the foundation for what is now known as Parkour.

Yamakasi

David Belle initially trained alone in Lisses but later formed a group with like-minded individuals, including his cousins, such as Sébastien Foucan, Châu Belle Dinh, Williams Belle, Yann Hnautra, Laurent Piemontesi, Guylain N’Guba Boyeke, Malik Diouf, and Charles Perrière.

They named themselves the Yamakasi, derived from Lingala ya makási, meaning “strong in one’s person.”

Inspired by Asian culture and martial arts, the group drew influence from Jackie Chan’s acrobatics and Bruce Lee’s training philosophy, considering Lee as their “unofficial president.”

Additionally, they were inspired by the Japanese manga and anime series Dragon Ball, where characters achieve extraordinary abilities through hard work and the martial arts films of Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Objective of Parkour

The objectives of a parkour game can vary depending on the specific title and its creative vision. However, some core goals tend to be present across most parkour games, offering players a thrilling and engaging experience. Here’s a breakdown of the common objectives you can expect to encounter:

1. Mastering Movement:

At its heart, parkour is about fluid and efficient movement through an environment using your body and surroundings. Parkour games capture this essence by translating it into challenging levels and courses.

Players must navigate obstacles, vaults, gaps, and walls, stringing together moves as jumps rolls, climbs, and slides to maintain momentum and reach the goal.

Mastering these movement mechanics and finding creative ways to overcome challenges is a core objective that keeps players hooked.

2. Overcoming Challenges:

Parkour thrives on overcoming obstacles, and parkour games translate this into diverse and engaging challenges for players to conquer.

Levels can be designed with specific objectives like reaching a checkpoint within a time limit, collecting items, or performing specific parkour moves.

Some games introduce additional elements like enemies to evade, puzzles to solve, or secrets to uncover, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the core movement gameplay.

3. Expressing Yourself:

Parkour is often seen as a creative art form, and parkour games allow players to express themselves through their movements.

Many games offer open-world environments where players can experiment with different routes, try out new tricks, and find their unique flow.

Some games even incorporate customization options for clothing, gear, and abilities, allowing players to personalize their traceur and add their flair to the gameplay.

4. Community and Competition:

Parkour is often enjoyed as a community activity, and some games cater to this social aspect. Online leaderboards allow players to compare their times and scores, while multiplayer modes enable them to race against friends or collaborate to tackle challenges together.

Some games even offer level creation tools, allowing players to design their courses and share them with the community, fostering a sense of shared creativity and competition.

Ultimately, the objectives of a parkour game should be to capture the essence of the sport while offering a fun, engaging, and challenging experience for players.

Whether it’s mastering movement, overcoming obstacles, expressing yourself, or connecting with the community, there’s a parkour game objective out there for everyone.

So, lace up your virtual shoes, get ready to move, and experience the thrill of Parkour in the digital world!

Governing Body

International Parkour Federation (IPF)

Since 2012, the World Freerunning Parkour Federation (WFPF) has prioritized promoting indoor parkour programs in gyms as a safer alternative to outdoor training, especially for young athletes starting at age 5.

WFPF’s Teaching Certification Program, led by Robbie Corbett, has certified nearly 800 parkour instructors in the US and Canada. In collaboration with USA Parkour, WFPF has provided insurance coverage for numerous gym and college programs in the United States and Canada.

The WFPF/IPF certification is now a prerequisite for insurance coverage for Parkour programs in British Columbia, Canada.

In 2014, WFPF founders established the International Parkour Federation (IPF), a US non-profit dedicated to advancing parkour globally and assisting in the formation of governing bodies worldwide.

IPF played a role in creating the Asia Freerunning Parkour Union and applied to the Sport Accord in 2014 for formal recognition of parkour as a sport with IPF as its governing body.

The WFPF teaching certification is expanding globally through partnerships with IPTC in Thailand, the UK, Morocco, and China.

IPF, in collaboration with WFPF, has sanctioned various parkour competitions globally, including the Urban Runners Challenge in Mexico City and the WFPF “Jump Off” Parkour Championship in Las Vegas.

Notably, in 2017, WFPF “Jump Off” Las Vegas hosted the first-ever all-female parkour competition division and judging panel.

The USAP College division, affiliated with WFPF, has continued to grow since its inception in September 2015 at U.W. Platteville, Wisconsin, USA.

Parkour’s popularity has surged, surpassing skateboarding in Google trends in March 2014.

IPF remains committed to WFPF’s mission of inclusivity and cooperation with parkour groups worldwide, aiming to elevate the sport alongside recognized disciplines internationally.

Basic Rules of Parkour Federation 

• Unless there are too few or too many competitors, two athletes run at a time.
• While female competitors only go in one direction, male competitors run the course twice.
• In the finals, no second run is allowed.
• An athlete will not be allowed to continue in that particular race if they cross the line indicating their lane.
• A timekeeping device that measures time in 1/1000th of a second is used.
• Players should not leave rubbish lying around as they will receive penalty marks for breaking or marking anything.
• Players must avoid sensitive locations like police stations, churches, and memorials. Above all, this is an expression of respect.

Parkour Safety Rules

Parkour, the urban acrobatics that transforms concrete jungles into personal playgrounds, is both exhilarating and empowering. But like any dance with gravity, it demands respect and a deep understanding of safety.

So, before you unleash your inner traceur, let’s delve into the essential rules that keep the flow going and the injuries at bay.

1. Know Your Limits:

Parkour isn’t about recklessness; it’s about pushing boundaries smartly. Start slow, assess your skills, and gradually progress. Don’t be tempted by moves beyond your current level, and remember, falling is inevitable, but graceful landings are a skill to be honed.

2. Warm Up Wisely:

A cold body is an accident waiting to happen. Invest in a dynamic warm-up that gets your blood pumping and muscles limber. Jumping jacks, lunges, and arm circles are your friends before you hit the walls.

3. Befriend the Environment:

Not all concrete is created equal. Inspect your training areas for uneven surfaces, cracks, and hidden hazards. Befriend supportive surfaces like soft grass or crash mats and avoid slippery or crumbling obstacles. Remember, Parkour is about adapting, not defying physics.

4. Master the Rolls:

Safety rolls are your parkour superpowers. Learn the proper technique for forward, backwards, and side rolls to absorb falls and protect your body. Practice makes perfect, and a well-executed roll can turn a potential tumble into a smooth transition.

5. Buddy Up or Spot On:

Parkour is often a shared journey. Train with a buddy who can spot you and offer feedback, or find a supportive community to learn and grow with. Spotting involves guiding and stabilizing the traceur during jumps and landings, adding an extra layer of safety and confidence.

6. Listen to Your Body:

Pain is your body’s way of saying, “Whoa, slow down!” Pushing through pain can lead to serious injuries. Take breaks when you’re tired, and don’t hesitate to rest or modify movements if something feels off. Remember, progress takes time, and respecting your body is key to enjoying the long parkour journey.

7. Gear Up Wisely:

Proper footwear is your foundation. Choose shoes with good grip and ankle support to navigate uneven terrain and landings. Comfortable and flexible clothing allows for uninhibited movement, and protective gear like knee pads and wrist guards can offer extra peace of mind.

8. Respect the Urban Canvas:

Parkour thrives in the urban landscape, but remember, you’re a guest in someone else’s space. Be respectful of private property, avoid disturbing residents, and leave no trace behind. Your parkour practice reflects on the entire community, so be an ambassador of respect and responsibility.

9. Embrace the Flow:

Parkour is more than just a set of rules; it’s a mindset. Focus on the flow, the connection between movement and your environment. Find joy in the creative problem-solving, the playful exploration of possibilities, and the sense of accomplishment as you conquer new challenges.

10. Never Stop Learning:

Parkour is a lifelong journey of exploration and evolution. Embrace the constant learning curve, seek guidance from experienced traceurs, and never stop challenging yourself.

Remember, the greatest reward isn’t the perfect jump, but the continuous dance with your limits and the unwavering pursuit of progress.

By following these safety rules, you can transform the urban jungle into your playground, where every wall becomes a canvas, every obstacle an opportunity, and every movement a testament to your inner traceur.

So, lace up your shoes, warm up your body, and prepare to flow–the parkour playground awaits!

Bonus Tip:

Parkour isn’t just about physical training; it’s also about mental focus and discipline. Practice mindfulness, visualize your movements, and stay present in the moment.

This mental control will enhance your physical skills and keep you sharp as you navigate the urban landscape.

Remember, safety is the foundation of a long and fulfilling parkour journey. Embrace these rules, respect your limits, and let your inner traceur soar!

Types of equipment

Parkour, the thrilling discipline of navigating obstacles using one’s own body, requires minimal equipment. The beauty of parkour lies in its ability to transform everyday spaces into training grounds.

However, certain tools can enhance your practice, making it safer and more efficient. Let’s explore some essential parkour equipment for traceurs of all levels.

1. Training Wear:

• Comfortable clothes: Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing that allows for a full range of motion. Avoid baggy clothes that could snag on obstacles.
• Supportive shoes: Choose shoes with good grip and ankle support. Running shoes or cross-trainers are ideal.

2. Protective Gear:

• Shin guards: Protect your shins from scrapes and impacts with lightweight shin guards.
• Wrist guards: Guard against wrist sprains with supportive wrist guards, especially when practising vaults and landings.
• Knee pads: Optional for beginners, knee pads can provide extra cushioning for landings and jumps.

3. Advanced Equipment:

• Parkour walls: Portable walls of different heights allow you to practice precision jumps and vaults in a controlled environment.
• Vault boxes: Wooden boxes of varying heights and shapes mimic real-world obstacles for vaulting practice.
• Inclined planes: Adjustable ramps help you train for wall runs and other inclined movements.

 How to Start Parkour: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Parkour, the art of moving through your environment using your body’s natural abilities, can be an exhilarating and rewarding activity. But before you start scaling walls and leaping over obstacles, it’s crucial to lay a foundation for safe and effective practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Mindset:

• Safety first: Parkour is about moving efficiently, not recklessly. Always prioritize your safety and the safety of others.
• Start small: Don’t attempt advanced moves right away. Begin with basic techniques and gradually progress as you gain confidence and skill.
• Respect your environment: Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid damaging property or disturbing others.

2. Conditioning:

• Warm-up: Prepare your body with dynamic stretches and light cardio to prevent injuries.
• Strength training: Focus on exercises that build core, leg, and upper body strength for better control and power.
• Flexibility: Stretching regularly improves your range of motion and reduces the risk of strains.

3. Fundamental Movements:

• Landing: Learn proper landing techniques to absorb impact and protect your joints. Bend your knees and ankles, and roll with the momentum if necessary.
• Vaulting: Master basic vaults like the lazy vault and precision vault to overcome obstacles smoothly.
• Rolling: Practice rolling techniques like the forward roll and side roll to safely break your fall from heights.

4. Parkour Games:

Once you’ve grasped the fundamentals, try incorporating them into fun games to enhance your practice:

• Tag: Play a modified version of a tag using parkour moves to navigate the environment and evade capture.
• Obstacle courses: Design your obstacle course using parkour elements like vaults, climbs, and jumps.
• Follow the leader: Take turns leading the group through a parkour flow, incorporating different movements and challenges.

5. Seek Guidance:

• Find a mentor: Consider training with a parkour instructor or experienced practitioner to learn proper techniques and receive personalized feedback.
• Join a community: Connect with other parkour enthusiasts in your area to share experiences, learn from each other, and stay motivated.

Remember: Parkour is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process of learning, celebrate your progress, and most importantly, have fun!

Bonus Tips:

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow for a good range of motion and grip.
• Start on soft surfaces like grass or matting before transitioning to harder surfaces.
• Listen to your body and take breaks when needed.
• Be patient and persistent – progress takes time and dedication.

With dedication and the right approach, Parkour can become a fun and rewarding way to explore your environment, challenge yourself, and discover the potential of your own body.

Parkour Training

Parkour, or the technique of moving fluidly through your environment using your body and surroundings, can be a thrilling and exciting experience.

However, if you’re a newbie, you should start with the appropriate foundation to avoid damage and gain confidence. Here is a step-by-step tutorial on parkour training for beginners.

1. Warm-up and preparation:

Before you think about jumping and vaulting, warm up your body with some light exercise, like jogging or jumping jacks.

Arm circles and leg swings are examples of dynamic stretches that will help prepare your muscles for activity. Remember that good footwear is essential! Choose supportive shoes that have decent traction.

2. Master the basics:

Parkour is all about efficient movement, so start by nailing the fundamentals:

• Balance: Practice standing on one leg, walking on curbs, and maintaining control over your body in different positions.
• Landing: Learn how to absorb impact safely with soft knees and a slight forward lean. Practice jumping off low heights like curbs or benches and focusing on a soft landing.
• Falling: It’s part of the game! Get comfortable with rolling techniques like forward rolls and side rolls to break falls safely.

3. Move on to basic movements:

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to introduce some parkour-specific movements:

• Vaults: Start with simple vaults over low obstacles like logs or benches. Focus on using your arms for power and momentum and landing softly on the other side.
• Precision jumps: These controlled jumps help you land on specific points, like the top of a wall or a platform. Practice jumping to a target with both feet together and landing softly.
• The wall runs: Learn to use walls to propel yourself forward or sideways. Start by running along a wall with your hands lightly touching it for balance, then gradually build up speed.

4. Train your strength and conditioning:

Parkour needs a strong balance of strength, agility, and stamina. Bodyweight exercises such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and pull-ups will provide the necessary foundation. Cardio workouts like running and leaping will help you build endurance for longer parkour sessions.

5. Find a community and practice safely:

Parkour is frequently best appreciated in groups. Find a local parkour club or gym where you may learn from experienced traceurs (parkour practitioners) and practice in a safe setting. Remember that safety is always a primary priority. Don’t try moves you’re unprepared for, and listen to your body.

Bonus tips:

• Start small and progress gradually. Don’t rush into complex movements before mastering the basics.
• Focus on quality over quantity. It’s better to do a few moves correctly than many moves poorly.
• Be patient and persistent. Parkour takes time and dedication to master.
• Most importantly, have fun! Parkour is about expressing yourself and enjoying the freedom of movement.

Parkour is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the learning process and improve as a traceur, and you’ll be able to move around like a parkour pro in no time!

Parkour Capital of India

Leaping into India’s Parkour Capital: Rampur

Forget the concrete jungles and skyscraper climbs; India’s parkour movement thrives in a pretty tiny village hidden on the Ganges plains: Rampur. This silent town in Uttar Pradesh has earned the unofficial moniker of “Parkour Capital of India,” and for good reason.

From Humble Beginnings to Leaping Heights:

Parkour originated in Rampur with a young lad named Mujahid. Inspired by YouTube tutorials, Mujahid began practising obstacle navigation using his own body and the environment in 2008. What began as a lighthearted endeavour quickly evolved into a deep addiction.

Mujahid’s dedication was not limited to personal practice. He began training others and turned his backyard into a makeshift parkour park. His contagious zeal and natural aptitude attracted a growing group of traceurs (parkour practitioners).

The Rise of a Parkour Paradise:

News of Rampur’s parkour abilities spread like wildfire. Mujahid’s gravity-defying feats in the town’s tiny lanes and historic walls attracted national notice. Rampur soon hosted parkour workshops and contests, and it even attracted international traceurs.

Today, the town has a specialized parkour park, complete with walls, rails, and inclines designed particularly for training. Traceurs of all levels congregate here to test their limits and improve their talents.

Beyond the Parkour Park:

But Rampur’s parkour spirit goes well beyond the designated training field. The town’s architecture appears to be designed specifically for parkour fans. Narrow passageways, crumbling walls, and historic rooftops offer limitless possibilities for creative movement and exploration.

It’s fascinating to see traceurs flow across these places. They smoothly transition from rooftop to windowsill, utilizing every inch of the urban landscape as a playground.

The Legacy of Rampur:

Mujahid’s experience serves as an example to aspiring traceurs across India. He has not only established Rampur as a parkour hotspot but also challenged conventional ideals of fitness and athleticism.

Rampur’s parkour culture is more than a sport; it is a community. It’s about pushing limits, facing phobias, and expressing oneself through movement. It exemplifies the power of passion and determination, demonstrating that even the most improbable locations can produce greatness.

So, if you’re ever in India and searching for a unique trip, visit Rampur. Witness the magic of Parkour emerge in this odd location, and perhaps you’ll be encouraged to find your flow.

Last Word

It is not all about others sports like Throwball, Netball, Korfball and also Cricket, Football. It has high risk, so use safety equipment and practice more.

Ready to push your limits and conquer your urban jungle? Parkour isn’t just about flips and runs, it’s a discipline that empowers you to move creatively and confidently through your environment.

Now that you’ve got the knowledge, it’s time to step outside, find your parkour playground, and start your journey. Remember, every parkour master began with a single step. So lace up your shoes, and unleash your inner traceur!

FAQ

Krishanu

My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.

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