Journey of a Parkour Athlete

Are you new to parkour? You have probably seen videos of unrealistic building jumps, Dom Tomato jumping off ledges, or the overused Office parkour scene. Maybe you haven’t and you’re not sure what parkour really looks like or what the lifecycle journey of a parkour athlete looks like.

First thing is first – what is parkour?

Parkour is the art of movement that focuses on efficient and creative ways to navigate obstacles using running, jumping, climbing, and vaulting. It originated from military obstacle course training and was developed into a full-fledged practice by pioneers like David Belle and the Yamakasi in France.

Unlike traditional sports, parkour is not just about competition—it emphasizes adaptability, problem-solving, and fluid motion in urban and natural environments. Practitioners, called traceurs (men) or traceuses (women), train to move smoothly and confidently through their surroundings, often in cityscapes, abandoned buildings, or specialized gyms.

To truly understand the essence and purpose of parkour, it is essential to explore its origins and philosophy.

Parkour Philosophy

At its core, parkour has Daoistic-like roots based on natural-based movement, continuous self-improvement, overcoming challenges, self-expression, self-actualization, health and longevity, exploration (physical and internal), freedom, and minimalism, efficiency, and finding meaning in life.

As people begin parkour, they will begin to develop mindsets and perspectives around this philosophy – seeing challenges through obstacles, the world as their playground, new uses for old spaces, and more.

The philosophy for parkour originates from the founders and early practitioners:

“The way of the parkour is to continue, not to stay here.”
— Sebastien Foucan
“Train not to get something right, train so that you can never get it wrong.”
— David Belle
“Obstacles are found everywhere, and in overcoming them we nourish ourselves.”
— David Belle
“You don’t need any [money] to do [Parkour], just a pair of good shoes and that’s all.”
— David Belle
“Parkour teaches you to be sure of what you are able to do.”
— David Belle
“First, do it. Second, do it well. Third, do it well and fast — that means you’re a professional.”
— David Belle
“One of the main points of the philosophy behind parkour is being able to help people...To teach them the way themselves, to gain confidence in themselves, building up from simple moves to more complex things, to teach them that they are worthwhile people.”
— Chris Hayes-Kossmann
 
 
“My thing from the beginning is to have it be useful, and be able to help others. It’s about being efficient and getting there as fast as you can. If people want to do it more artistically or in a freestyle way, I have absolutely no problem with it — that’s the way it’s going to evolve. It’s not my style, but if it’s other people’s [style], that’s perfect.”
— David Belle
“If someone puts you in front of a 30m high wall, tells you to get over it, and then comes back two years later and you’re still there, you’ve made no progress. You should find another wall.”
— David Belle
 
 
“Understand that this art has been created by few soldiers in Vietnam to escape or reach: and this is the spirit I’d like parkour to keep. You have to make the difference between what is useful and what is not in emergency situations. Then you’ll know what is parkour and what is not. So if you do acrobatics things on the street with no other goal than showing off, please don’t say it’s parkour. Acrobatics existed long time ago before parkour.”
— David Belle
“When you’re training parkour with passion, if you’re good, people will notice you. Don’t go around saying, ‘Hey look at this new move I got.’ No. We used to say, ‘If it’s good we’ll tell you.’ Do it for yourself first.”
— David Belle
 
 
“A lot of people in their mind think ‘If there is a problem, this is what I would do, this is how I would do it.’ But the truth is they don’t really know. Parkour teaches you to be sure of what you are able to do.”
— David Belle

What does the end result of parkour look like?

Parkour doesn’t always look like massive rooftop jumps, climbing the walls of skyscrapers, or walking on death-defying edges. There are many types of parkour and what the goals and end results look like. Examples include competition-based parkour, community-focused parkour, nature-based parkour, health and longevity-based parkour, and more.

See our competition article for previous videos

What Are the Pathways of Parkour?

Parkour is more than just a sport; it's a way of life. Unlike traditional athletics, where competitors often retire due to age or injury, parkour is a discipline that can be practiced for a lifetime. Many traceurs (parkour practitioners) transition into various roles within the community, making parkour not just a passion but a career. If you're wondering what comes next in your parkour journey, here are several pathways you can take.

Pathway 1: Competitions

Competitive parkour is on the rise, offering athletes a chance to showcase their skills on a global stage. Competitions typically fall into categories like Speed (fastest time through a course), Style (flipping or flow-based movements), and Skill (precise execution of difficult challenges). Major organizations such as World Chase Tag, and Red Bull Art of Motion have paved the way for competitive parkour. While this path demands peak physical performance, it also provides exposure and sponsorship opportunities for top athletes. NEPK hosts local competitions while the USPK funnels athletes up into regional and national competitions.

Pathway 2: Community and Lifelong Practice

Unlike many traditional sports where players retire in their 30s, parkour is a lifelong journey. Many traceurs continue practicing well into their later years, refining their skills, adapting their movements, and staying connected with their local and global communities. Whether through meetups, jams, or mentorship, being part of the parkour community fosters a sense of belonging and purpose that extends beyond competition.

Art of Retreat

Pathway 3: Coaching, Management, and Gym / Program Ownership, Business Consulting

One of the most popular pathways is coaching. Becoming a certified parkour coach allows you to teach the next generation while reinforcing your own skills. Many traceurs open their own gyms or manage existing ones, offering classes and workshops for all ages. Running a gym comes with challenges—business operations, marketing, and safety regulations—but it also provides long-term sustainability in the parkour industry.

Pathway 4: Institutions, Certifications, & Online Programs

As parkour continues to gain recognition, more institutions and organizations are formalizing training methods through certifications and educational programs. Institutions like ADAPT Qualifications and USPK Coaching Certifications offer structured coaching courses that help ensure safety and effective teaching practices. These certifications not only enhance credibility but also open doors to professional coaching positions worldwide.

Many athletes are taking advantage of online parkour programs that provide structured learning without the need for in-person training. Platforms like ParkourEDU and various Patreon-supported coaches offer in-depth tutorials, movement breakdowns, and progressive training plans. These online resources help practitioners refine their skills, learn coaching methodologies, and even gain business insights for starting their own parkour-related ventures.

Pathway 5: Leadership in National Governing Bodies

Parkour has national and international governing bodies such as USPK (United States Parkour Association) and ParkourEarth. These organizations work to protect parkour's identity, promote safety, and advocate for its recognition as an independent sport. Becoming a board member or an active participant in these organizations allows you to shape parkour’s future and contribute to its global growth.

Pathway 6: Stunt Work, Entertainment, Photography, Videography

Many parkour athletes transition into the entertainment industry, performing stunts for movies, TV shows, and live-action performances. With parkour’s dynamic and visually stunning movement, traceurs are highly sought after in action choreography. Notable traceurs like Damien Walters and Pip Andersen have built careers in Hollywood, using their parkour backgrounds to bring thrilling action sequences to life.

Pathway 7: Content Creation, Professional Athletes, & Merchandise Stores

Social media has revolutionized parkour, with athletes gaining recognition through platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. By sharing tutorials, training clips, and challenges, many traceurs build personal brands that attract sponsorships, merchandise sales, and online coaching opportunities. Content creation allows for creativity and financial independence while expanding the reach of parkour globally.

 

Pathway 8: Academic & Research Contributions

For those interested in the science of movement, parkour offers opportunities in academia. Some athletes study kinesiology, biomechanics, or sports science to understand how parkour affects the human body. Researching injury prevention, efficient movement patterns, and training methodologies helps advance the discipline and provides valuable insights for both beginners and professionals.

Pathway 9: Urban Design & Advocacy

As cities evolve, parkour-friendly spaces are becoming more necessary. Some parkour practitioners collaborate with architects, city planners, and urban designers to create public spaces that encourage movement. Additionally, advocacy work helps ensure that parkour remains legal and accessible, fighting against anti-parkour regulations and supporting the integration of parkour parks in urban landscapes.

FlowParks – IMAX location from London (Waterloo Station)

Pathway 10: Parkour Equipment Design & Construction

Building high-quality parkour equipment is another viable career path. Companies like Tyson Cecka’s SturdyMade specialize in designing parkour builds that cater to gyms, events, and outdoor training spaces. Professional pathways can require expertise in engineering, material durability, and movement safety but plays a crucial role in shaping how parkour is practiced worldwide.

Conclusion

Parkour isn’t just a sport; it’s a diverse field with multiple career opportunities that stems from finding identify and purpose within movement. Whether you're drawn to competition, coaching, content creation, or governance, there’s a pathway that fits your skills and interests. Parkour’s flexibility as a discipline means you don’t have to follow just one path—you can combine several to create a fulfilling and sustainable career. The journey never truly ends; it just evolves.

Mitchell Tillwick