Parkour is a sport that has been gaining prominence over the last two decades. It is a discipline that involves running, jumping, climbing, and flipping through urban environments to overcome obstacles.
Parkour originated in France in the 1990s and was initially called “Art du Déplacement” or “Art of Movement”. The original practitioners sought to develop their skills by training in natural and urban environments, such as forests, mountains, and city streets.
However, it was not until the early 2000s that parkour began to attract wider interest. YouTube videos of athletes performing seemingly impossible acrobatic feats, such as jumping from rooftop to rooftop, quickly went viral.
As the discipline became more popular, it evolved. One of the most significant changes was the shift from walls to rails. Initially, parkour was focused on vertical walls and buildings where athletes would scale and jump from one to the other. However, as practitioners gained more experience, they began to incorporate rails and other horizontal surfaces.
This change of focus led to the development of new techniques and tricks. Parkour athletes began to perform rail flips, vaults, and spins, which added a whole new dimension to the discipline. Now, it wasn’t just about jumping from high places but also about executing complex maneuvers on flat surfaces.
The evolution of parkour also led to the formation of communities and organizations that promoted the sport. Today, parkour can be found in cities all around the world, and there are countless schools and training centers where enthusiasts can learn and refine their skills.
However, parkour has not been without controversy. Some have criticized it for promoting risky behavior and endangering public safety. In response, many parkour organizations have advocated for safe training techniques and emphasized the importance of respecting public spaces.
Overall, the evolution of parkour from walls to rails has demonstrated the discipline’s versatility and adaptability. As it continues to grow and develop, it will undoubtedly continue to push the limits of what is possible for the human body and inspire new generations of athletes.
