It’s a little early to call, but I’d say the new idea I’m testing out for parkour classes is working out very well. So far there have been three classes of it through PSCS and one class through
Background
The basic idea behind them is to focus on finding creative challenges in our environment rather than teaching straight technique. The technique is learned naturally when it is actually needed to complete a challenge. This hopefully leads to students training more on their own in places near to where they live, as well as building a greater appreciation and understanding of how to usefully apply parkour movements to everything they do. There is some more information in my “creativity training” post on ideas for the classes.
To start with though, we focus on building the necessary strength, sensitivity, and recovery skills (what I’m calling parkour armor thanks to Blane), normally through challenging follow the leader type exercises. As everyone starts getting stronger and more aware of what their body can safely do (and more importantly cannot do), we’ll move on to a more open curriculum where students are basically experimenting on their own to find and share new challenges (identifying what steps they make each day towards completing that challenge as well).
The Future
These classes are all still rather experimental though and done on a totally volunteer basis. Eventually I hope to take what I’ve learned, share with it other instructors, and run a official parkour intro class through the PNWPA. Hopefully raising some money for the nonprofit in the process to pay for insurance and community outreach programs. Right now I just feel like I need a way to make it appeal to a broader range of people and run as safely as possible no matter the skill level (difficult things to figure out when all of your students are quick learning teenagers). But all good things in time.
And on a totally separate note, I finally have the capability to shoot video in HD! It only took 4 months longer than it should have 
(but it looks absolutely amazing)
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What you are doing is awesome, and is actually a style of education that’s receiving a big push these days. I’m not sure if you are aware of this, but that particular style of teaching is referred to as “constructivism.” In this method, the teacher becomes a “facilitator” of knowledge…and the students are given the freedom to figure things out on their own. With appropriate controls (educational goals, themes, etcetera…), the students are allowed to find their own path, figuring out what works for THEM. While this has been taught to me in school with references to geometry and art education, it’s especially appropriate to parkour, where you truly must find your OWN path.
Like I said, awesome dude!
–Nathan
I didn’t know what it was called, but it definitely fits in with what I’ve been seeing at PSCS and reading about recently.
Anything that emphasizes more play is good in my book. Thanks Nathan!
Im a big fan of free running and parkour, but Im new to washington state and I can’t find anyone to give me lessons. I would really like to sign up and volunteer for your curriculum and expierence the awesomeness of this life changing sport. Would you happen to have any references in the Washington area.
Unfortunately I’m not running any classes right now, the only classes going on right now are the gym jams you can find on http://washingtonparkour.com
There is actually an intensive parkour seminar Rafe and I are holding up in Belingham you may be interested in, details are here: http://www.jogogym.com/
But I recommend just joining the community at WAPK and experiencing the jams.
Happy training!
hey buddy,
congrats on this amazing thing that your doing. Honestly it is no less than amazing. ive been following parkour for many months now, and i happen to be a filmmaker specialized in cinematography and camera operation. I want to take parkour to new levels of visual play with some really innovative and funky techniques to shoot in HD and 35mm film.
I also believe that i can use it to enhance the limits of my body just like meditation has enhanced my mind and try and discover new levels of human capablities.
I am based in toronto, canada, currently and really want to get some sort of orientation or apprenticeship with someone for this, preferably if you are planning to drop by here. if not, could you recommend someone here? I can take this to Pakistan and India which r my homegrounds and where the architectural and cityscape challenges are unlike anywhere in the world.
Please help… i have a strong feeling that this art ( i dont see it as a sport…) is calling out to me.
keep raising the bar
Sabeeh.
Thanks! I’m probably not going to be in Toronto any time soon, but you can check in on their local scene here: http://www.pkto.ca/ Some cool traceurs there, good luck!