Parkour (abbreviated PK) is a training method which focuses on rational movement in both the natural and urban environments. The focus is to move around obstacles with speed and efficiency. Developed in France by David Belle,
Raymond Belle
David Belle`s father
was born in French Indochina (now Vietnam). His father died during the First Indochina War and Raymond was separated from his mother during the division of Vietnam in 1954. He was taken by the French Army in Da Lat and received a military education and training that shaped his character.
After the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, Raymond was repatriated to France and completed his military education in 1958. At age 19, his dedication to fitness helped him serve in Paris's regiment of sapeurs-pompiers (the French fire service).
With his athletic ability, Raymond became the regiment's champion rope-climber and joined the regiment's elite team, composed of the unit's fittest and most agile firefighters. Its members were the ones called for the most difficult and dangerous rescue missions.
Lauded for his coolness, courage, and self-sacrifice, Raymond played a key role in the Parisian firefighters' first helicopter-borne operation. His many rescues, medals, and exploits gave him a reputation of being an exceptional pompier and inspired the next young generation, especially his son, David Belle.
Born in a firefighter's family, David was influenced by stories of heroism. Raymond introduced his son David to obstacle course training and the méthode naturelle. David participated in activities such as martial arts and gymnastics and sought to apply his athletic prowess for some practical purpose. At age 17, David left school seeking freedom and action. He continued to develop his strength and dexterity in order to be useful in life, as Raymond had advised him
Equipment A traceuse vaults an obstacle. There is no equipment required, although practitioners normally train wearing light casual clothing
- Light upper body garment such as T-shirt, sleeveless shirt or crop topif anything is worn on the upper body
- Light lower body garment such as sweatpants, some weartracksuitbottoms or shorts
Comfortable running shoes, that are generally light, with good grip, and flexibility are encouraged. Various sport shoes manufacturers such as Nike, with their "Free run" shoes, have developed shoes specifically for parkour and free running; and many other companies around the world have started offering parkour-specific products. Some use thin athletic gloves to protect the hands those who do not, prefer to "feel their environment" directly, develop thick callouses. Since parkour is closely related to méthode naturelle, practitioners sometimes train barefooted to be able to move efficiently without depending on their gear. Some traceurs also use the lightweight feiyuemartial arts shoes. David Belle notes: "bare feet are the best shoes!"
Here is a video of the main man David Belle