Parkour

Parkour is an action-packed sport. People called traceurs move through towns and cities by running, jumping, and climbing. They treat walls, rails, and rooftops like a giant playground. The goal is to get from one place to another in a smooth way. Parkour is like watching a real-life superhero.

Where It Started

Parkour began in France in the 1980s. A young man named David Belle created it. He learned moves from his dad, who was in the military. David wanted a sport that would help him be fast and strong. He and his friends practiced jumping over walls and climbing buildings. Soon, parkour spread around the world.

How to Practice

Parkour takes lots of practice. Beginners start with small jumps and balance tricks. They learn how to land softly by rolling. Over time, they try harder moves like wall runs and big leaps. It is important to stay safe and never try a move you are not ready for. Many cities have parkour gyms where kids can train.

Fun Facts

• The word 'parkour' comes from the French phrase 'parcours du combattant', which means 'obstacle course'.
• Parkour has been shown in many action movies.
• A similar sport with more flips is called 'freerunning'.

Did You Know?

The people who do parkour are called 'traceurs' if they are male and 'traceuses' if they are female. The name means 'path tracer' in French.