We speak to the directors of Parkour Generations, the largest and fastest Parkour organisation. Parkour masters Francois ‘Forrest’ Mahop and Dan Edwardes share a slice of Parkour life, blessing the art of movement in all its fearlessness and flexibility.
Dan at work in Tokyo
How long have you been a traceur?
Forrest: Nearly 11 years
Dan: 11 years, began training in 2002 when parkour was almost unknown to the world outside of the founding communities in France.
Why did you take up Parkour?
Forrest: I have done many sports before while I have always learned about myself, parkour was is another sport for me where I can learn other aspects of myself.
Dan: I had been training in fighting arts since I was 9 years old, always looking to become as capable and functional as possible, physically and mentally. Parkour immediately struck me as the ultimate challenge, a true test of one’s capabilities, strengths and commitment. I was hooked from the first day’s training. Parkour asks deep questions of who you are and how much control you have of your body, mind and fear. That self knowledge is incredibly valuable and rare, and of every discipline I have practised nothing has revealed more to me.
How do you prepare before you start a Parkour session?
Forrest: A solid Warm up
Dan: Parkour is a pure form of natural training, and requires proper understanding and maintenance of the body. A thorough warm-up is necessary before every session, to prepare for the physical demands of training and to prevent injuries – exactly like any other athletic discipline.
And what do you do afterwards to recover?
Forrest: Stretching session and a recovery session 1-2 a week.
Dan: Active recovery post-training includes adequate stretching, myofascial release, hydration and nutrition. Protein, nutrients and good carbohydrates are essential!
Where is your favourite location to practice Parkour?
Forrest: Everywhere is a potential parkour spots.
Dan: Anywhere. Parkour is a concept that should be applied anywhere and anytime. That’s one of its great strengths.
Would you say that Parkour has a strong accompanying culture, e.g. music or fashion?
Forrest: I think this sport is still very young with its own identity and it’s too early to provide a justified argument on this matter.
Dan: Practitioners typically like to wear clothing they can move comfortably in, so sweat pants and loose tops are preferred, along with light, flexible sports shoes. But all is personal choice and the practicing community is so massive now as to be very diverse.
- Run Forrest, run.
london traceur 