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Well, there are two different terms used for this sport, Parkour and Free-running. Both are similar. Parkour focuses on efficient movement, forward motion involving running, jumping, swinging, climbing, and vaulting over different obstacles. The idea behind it is to use agility to get out of sticky situations. Free-running was originally the name given to Parkour for an easier sound on the English speaking ear. Once the media got a hold of the sport in England and America, gymnast flair was added. Parkour purists want to make it clear that these are separate disciplines, but free running has the same fundamental movements of Parkour- with the emphasis being on aesthetics, fun and creativity.

The main source of its origin comes from the 'Natural Method of Physical Culture' developed by Georges Hbert in the early twentieth century. French soldiers in Vietnam were inspired by Hbert's work and created what is now known parcours du combattant. David Belle was introduced to the obstacle course training as well as Hbert's methode naturelle by his father, Raymond Belle, a French soldier who practiced the two disciplines. David is the founder of Parkour and was born in 1973 in Fcamp, France.

Parkour is now becoming a global phenomenon:

"To understand the philosophy of Parkour takes quite a while, because you have to get used to it first. While you still have to try to actually do the movements, you will not feel much about the philosophy. But when you're able to move in your own way, then you start to see how Parkour changes other things in your life; and you approach problems for example in your job differently, because you have been trained to overcome obstacles. This sudden realization comes at a different time to different people: some get it very early, some get it very late. You can't really say 'it takes two months to realize what Parkour is'. So, now, I don't say 'I do Parkour', but 'I live Parkour', because its philosophy has become my life, my way to do everything." - Andreas Kalteis, an Austrian traceur.

Yes, there are women who are into the sport as well, but it's still predominantly men and there are far fewer women who are into it in the US compared to other countries.

Learn more about this author, Joanna Nelius.
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