Parkour is a training discipline and physical activity that involves navigating through obstacles in an environment—such as urban landscapes, forests, or indoor spaces—by running, jumping, climbing, vaulting, and rolling. The goal is to move quickly and efficiently from one point to another using one's body and the surrounding environment, often in creative and fluid ways. Key Aspects of Parkour: Efficiency and Speed: Parkour practitioners (often called "traceurs" for men or "traceuses" for women) aim to move as quickly and efficiently as possible, minimizing wasted movement and avoiding obstacles. The emphasis is on fluidity and economy of motion. Obstacles: Practitioners use natural or urban obstacles like walls, railings, benches, stairs, roofs, and any other physical structures they can interact with. The idea is to overcome challenges in the environment without relying on special equipment, relying solely on physical abilities. Techniques: Common techniques in parkour include: Vaulting (over railings, walls, etc.) Climbing (walls, trees, or structures) Jumping (long or high jumps between obstacles) Rolling (to absorb impact and prevent injury) Wall Running (using the wall as leverage to climb or jump higher) Precision Jumps (landing on small or precise spots) Cat Leaps (jumping from a ledge and landing with the hands to absorb the shock) Mindset: Parkour is often described as more than just physical movement; it also incorporates a mindset of adaptability, creativity, and overcoming fear. Practitioners learn to navigate the environment with confidence, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Influences: Parkour was inspired by military training techniques (particularly from the French "parcours du combattant") and also influenced by martial arts, gymnastics, and street sports. It gained significant exposure in the early 2000s, largely due to viral videos and media appearances. Flow and Style: In addition to efficiency, there is an element of "flow," which refers to how smoothly a practitioner moves through the environment. A good flow is characterized by smooth transitions between movements, as well as creative and dynamic approaches to obstacles. Training: Parkour training usually includes practicing basic movements like rolls and jumps, building strength, flexibility, and balance, and gradually increasing the complexity of the obstacles or courses. Many parkour gyms offer specialized classes to help beginners and advanced practitioners alike.