Parkour is the art of moving through urban environments. Jumps from rooftop to rooftop, climbing walls, somersaults over railings. It's not an extreme sport in the traditional sense, but rather a philosophy: to be fast, efficient, free. We tell you about its history, principles, risks, and heroes.

History and Creators

Parkour originated in France in the 1980s. The creators are David Belle and Sébastien Foucan. They were children of a fireman who taught them to climb. In the 1990s, parkour became famous thanks to the movie "Yamakasi" (2001) and "District B13" (2004). The name comes from the French word "parcours" — "distance, course." Now parkour is popular worldwide. In Russia, it has been since the 2000s.

The sport (or not a sport?) is still not recognized as an Olympic sport, but there are world championships (Red Bull Art of Motion).

Philosophy of Parkour

To be useful. Not for the effect itself, but for efficient movement. "To be strong to be useful" (David Belle). Overcoming obstacles as a metaphor for overcoming life's hardships. There are no competitions (in traditional parkour). It's a path of self-improvement. Respect for the environment (no breaking, no littering). Help others (if you see someone fall — help them).

Parkour is against competitions. You compete only with yourself.

Basic Elements

Jumps: for distance, from a standstill, with a run, with a turn. Climbing: up a wall, over a grate, up, down. Rolls: for shock absorption upon landing (reducing the load on the joints). Somersaults: forward, backward. Twists: somersaults (rarely, more in freestyle). Safety: trainers teach how to fall, to tuck in.

Important: do not perform tricks without preparation.

Equipment and Places

Shoes: sneakers with a thin sole (best grip). Clothing: loose, not restricting movement. Gloves: for hand protection (optional). Places: construction sites (illegally), special parkour parks (in Moscow — "Academy of Parkour"), urban neighborhoods. Important: follow the laws (do not climb on guarded objects).

In 2026, there are covered parkour gyms with foam pits in many cities.

Risks and Injuries

Parkour is dangerous. Fractures, sprains, concussions. Risk: jumping from a height, a bad landing. Especially dangerous is "free running" (parkour on rooftops without safety). There have been fatal cases. How to reduce risks: training on mats, gradual complexity, warming up, not overestimating yourself. And remember: life is more valuable than a like on Instagram.

It's better to start with a trainer.

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