Parkourists

Parkourists are individuals who practice parkour, a discipline involving movement through an environment by running, jumping, climbing, and vaulting over obstacles. The primary goal of parkour is to efficiently and fluidly overcome physical barriers using only the body's capabilities. Practitioners, often called traceurs or traceuses, focus on strength, agility, balance, and spatial awareness. The practice originated in France in the late 20th century, inspired by military obstacle training.

Parkour is not a competitive sport but rather a form of physical training and self-expression. It emphasizes self-improvement, overcoming fear, and developing a deep understanding of one's physical limits and the environment. The movements can be practiced in various settings, from urban landscapes to natural environments. Safety is a significant consideration, with practitioners typically starting with basic movements and gradually progressing to more complex techniques. This progression involves conditioning the body to withstand the demands of jumping and landing, as well as developing the mental fortitude to assess risks and make calculated decisions.

The parkour community is generally collaborative, with practitioners often sharing knowledge and training together. While it has gained popularity through media and online platforms, the core philosophy remains focused on personal development and efficient movement rather than performance for an audience. The discipline requires a high level of physical fitness, mental discipline, and a respect for the environment in which it is practiced.