What Is Parkour? A Beginner’s Guide to the Art of Movement

Parkour is more than big jumps on rooftops. Parkour is a way to move. You use running, jumping, climbing, and vaulting to go from one place to another. The goal is to move fast and smart. You make your body do what it needs to do. You learn to read the place around you.

Where Parkour Comes From

Parkour started in France. It grew from exercises that help people move well and stay strong. Some people who helped shape parkour are David Belle and the group called the Yamakasi. They wanted to be able to move through the city in a smooth, strong way. Read more here about the history of parkour…

Parkour uses ideas from training, play, and being ready for many things. The moves are meant to be useful. They help you get up, get over, and get through obstacles.

Parkour vs Freerunning

Parkour and freerunning look similar. But they have a different heart.

Although in Taiwan we all call it Parkour, but around the world there are some differences between parkour and free running

So what is the difference:

• Parkour is about going from A to B the best way. It is simple and useful. The focus is on speed, flow, and getting through obstacles.
• Freerunning adds flips and style. It is more about how things look. People use tricks and show creativity.

Both are fun. Both help your body. Parkour is about use. Freerunning is about show. We do both and just say; “I’m doing Parkour”.

How Parkour Helps You

Parkour makes your body strong. It builds power in your legs and arms. It also helps your balance and timing. Your brain gets better at solving problems. You learn to plan your path and pick the best moves.

Parkour also boosts confidence. When you clear a step or climb a wall, you feel proud. You learn to try, fail, and try again. That helps in school, work, and life.

There is a big community of parkour people. They share tips, cheer each other on, and train together. You can meet friends who like the same things.

Safety First

Parkour can be safe if you are careful. Always put safety first.

• Warm up well before you start. Run, stretch, and move your joints.
• Start small. Learn easy moves before hard ones.
• Practice on soft ground or mats at first. (if possible but not needed)
• Learn how to land. Good landing saves your knees and back.
• Learn the roll. A roll helps take away impact when you fall.
• Train with a coach or a friend when you try new moves.

Basic Moves for Beginners

Here are some simple things to learn first. Practice them slowly and often.

1. Precision Jump — Jump from one small spot to another. Aim for control, not distance.
2. Landing — Bend your knees and use your hips. Land on the balls of your feet, then let your heels touch.
3. Roll — Roll across your back to spread the force of a fall. Practice on grass or a mat.
4. Vaults — Move over a rail or low wall. Start with a simple step-vault and learn more as you get brave.
5. Climb and Pull — Learn to pull up on a ledge and get up safely. Use your legs as well as your arms.

What You Need

Parkour needs little gear. You mainly need good shoes and comfy clothes.

• Wear shoes with good grip and cushion.
• Use clothes that let you move well.
• You can train at parks, playgrounds, gyms, or a parkour box gym.

How to Start Training

Here is a simple plan for your first few weeks.

1. Find a safe park or a parkour class near you.
2. Warm up for 10 minutes.
3. Practice runs and simple jumps for 15 minutes.
4. Try landing and rolling for 10 minutes.
5. Finish with easy vaults and climbs for 10–15 minutes.
6. Stretch and cool down.

Keep it fun. Do this 2–3 times a week. Rest when you feel tired.

Parkour Etiquette

Be kind and smart when you train.

• Respect places and people. Don’t damage property.
• Ask permission if you train on private land.
• Share space with others. Take turns and help others if they ask.
• Keep places clean. Leave no trash behind.

Progress and Goals

Set small goals. Maybe aim to jump farther or to do a smooth roll. Track your wins. Little wins add up fast.

As you get better, try new moves slowly. Train your strength and flexibility. Mix play with serious practice. That keeps your brain and body happy.

The Joy of Movement

Parkour is also play. It lets you explore cities and parks in a new way. You start to see places as a path, not just as objects. That brings a lot of fun.

It can feel like dancing with the city. You move, you breathe, you find new lines to travel. That feeling of flow is what many people love.

Where to Learn

Look for local parkour groups or gyms. Many cities have coaches and lessons for kids and adults. Online videos can help too, but real coaching is best for safety and fast progress.

Try It Today

Want to try parkour? Start with a walk in the park. See steps, rails, and walls as small puzzles. Try a few safe hops and a roll on grass. Smile when you do it. Tell a friend to join. Learning with someone is more fun.

Parkour is for everyone. You don’t need to be a superhero. You need curiosity, care, and a wish to move. Come and feel the freedom of movement. Your body will thank you, and you will find a new way to play.