Do you remember that first scene of "Casino Royale", when Sebastien Foucan scales walls and building sites without a harness? If you learn the art of parkour, you could soon be doing the same.
Parkour, or freerunning, is defined by a fairly simply creed: to get between two points, regardless of obstacles, by adapting to the environment. Although non-competitive, it involves a high level of physical prowess, driven by the desire to travel from one place to another using the body as the sole method of travel.
This simple philosophy is stretched to its very limits when it comes to seemingly insurmountable obstacles being scaled by an unencumbered human body.
Although originating in France, there has grown a considerable parkour movement in Sydney.
Sydney Parkour was established in 2003, marking the beginning of the movement in Australia. The group employs (without pay) qualified instructors to teach basic classes. The
classes are held on Sundays from 1.45pm to 4pm, regardless of the weather conditions.
Sydney Parkour is merely the Sydney-wing of the
Australian Parkour Association. The Association is the peak body coordinating the training courses available in Melbourne, Canberra, Perth and Brisbane.
Membership to the Australian Parkour Association will cost $10 to join with a fluctuating fee depending on the time of year joined.
In
Brisbane, parkour instruction is divided in two: indoor and outdoor. Indoor classes are in the
Somerville House Sports and Aquatic Centre. During these classes, safety mats, beams, and boxes are employed to assist in the development of parkour skills before taking to the streets. Outdoor classes, similar to those held in Sydney, are held at a variety of locations, including:
Jacob's Ladder,
Memorial Park, and
KP Rotunda.
In
Melbourne, another unique initiative is found in the provision of children's classes. The
kids classes are purportedly suitable for children aged between 5 and 12. These classes are held every Saturday, in the safe surround of the
Trace Facility. Children are also welcome at the
first time classes and the
basics classes, although parents should exercise their discretion before signing their children up!
