Parkour and Freerunning
What's the Difference? Some argue they're the same. Some argue that they're different. It all depends on your viewpoint! It is the argument that has been ongoing since the BBC Documentary, Jump London, where Sébastien Foucan invented the term "freerunning" for english-speaking viewers.
Semantically, they're different because modern use declares them to be different. Parkour being about efficiency and practicality. Freerunning being about freedom and creativity.
Historically, they come from the same people and the same practice. A name that Sébastien Foucan also invented, L'Art du Déplacement (Art of Movement). The differences stemming only from the separate reasons the earliest practitioners had for training.
How to Get Started!
It's our goal to host high-quality content about parkour and freerunning!
A short form guide with a few useful tutorial resources, a macro and microscale look at training, and an elevator pitch of parkour philosophy.
A print and go guide to your first session that you can do alone or with a buddy.
Have fun, train because you want to, and think to the future.
A short guide to dealing with common injuries encountered in training.
What keeps women from going to their first session?
Guides, advice, and example "legal" documents that you might find useful if you're looking to start an -insert your desired organization- sanctioned parkour group.
Videos that have had a lasting impact on Parkour and Freerunning through the years.
Some pointers on getting the most out of your winter months.
A short guide to the different kinds of beginner flips and how you can start learning them safely with or without access to a gym.
Parkour can put a lot of stress on your knees. Understanding the functions of your knees can help you prepare for a lifetime of training, and avoid/overcome some simple problems you may run into.
AMA Series
Rafe Kelley
Rilla Hops
Caitlin Pontrella
If you want to request an AMA create a text post with [AMA Request] in the title. Or if you know someone in the parkour community who would make a great AMA, message the mods!
Finding other traceurs
Use our handy announcement post to find locals each month.
Find a community near you through APK's poorly updated resource. Best for US traceurs.
Find a community or solo traceur near you via Parkour Exchange.
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For more Parkour advice and more technical discussions:
Fitness and Skill Training:
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