tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52788496369070958562024-03-05T19:35:53.599-08:00Oxford ParkourUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-60670234881913086602017-05-09T04:27:00.000-07:002017-05-09T04:35:12.905-07:00Half a decade later...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/17545317_1920913918138184_116539440925962961_o.jpg?oh=1beb929325bfecd594e2a3142e98d240&oe=59823376" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/17545317_1920913918138184_116539440925962961_o.jpg?oh=1beb929325bfecd594e2a3142e98d240&oe=59823376" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
While Parkour has been a firm part of the Oxford's culture since as
early as 2003 (shout out to OxTricks!), this coming Saturday will be
Oxford Parkour's (as we currently know it) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/192743727896606/" target="_blank">5th Birthday</a>. So it's a good excuse to
dust off this old blog and take a peek at where we now are.<br />
<br />
<br />
Weird to think just how much this community has grown and matured over the last 5 years.<br />
<br />
What started with Alex being pestered by a few people to teach them to jump around and stuff, has now evolved into a dedicated team of people constantly looking for ways to reach more people, deliver more sessions and make those sessions of a higher quality.<br />
<br />
It's now rare for Oxford to have a day without a training session happening at some point, somewhere and we are seeing new faces appear on a pretty much weekly basis.<br />
<br />
As a result, we have a near 50/50 split of male and female practitioners and I can't even keep track of how many people of different ages and backgrounds I've had the pleasure of training with!<br />
<br />
Many of the practitioners who I first introduced to parkour are now constantly teaching me new things in return and having the same happen to them by people who they introduced to parkour!<br />
<br />
Communities can be wonderful things!<br />
<br />
PS: Our (well, Tom's) graphics design game is outstanding.<br />
<br />
PPS: If you are about in Oxford this Saturday, come say hi - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/192743727896606/" target="_blank">full event details are here</a>. Otherwise, we hope to see you out there some time soon!Nikolayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10295301843089963223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-66111776744907539442015-01-08T06:43:00.000-08:002015-01-08T06:43:17.501-08:00New Committee - Vote ResultsFor those of you who have been following our Facebook (<a href="http://facebook.com/OXFPK">facebook.com/OXFPK</a>) and Community (<a href="http://facebook.com/groups/OXFPK">facebook.com/groups/OXFPK</a>) pages, you'll know that this week we have held elections for the roles of President, Vice President and Treasurer.<br />
<br />
Results are in!<br />
<br />
President: <b>Nikolay Timofeev</b><br />
Vice President: <b>Harry Cruse</b><br />
Treasurer: <b>Holly Lees</b><br />
<br />
Any suggestions for what you would like to see or do this term are very welcome, that is the point of a committee after all - to make the needs of a community happen. Wish us luck!<br />
<br />
In other news, regular training sessions are slowly ramping back up into full swing - keep an eye out on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/OXFPK" target="_blank">group</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OXFPK" target="_blank">page</a> to see when and where the sessions are!<br />
<br />
See you all out there!Nikolayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10295301843089963223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-41727770497106687042014-12-17T04:02:00.002-08:002014-12-17T04:02:20.221-08:00Termly RoundupWe've just got to the end of Michaelmas Term 2014 (or, for non-students, December 2014 just started!), so we thought we'd do a roundup thing.<br />
<br />
<div _fallwcm="1" class="bdyItmPrt" id="divBdy">
<div>
<div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 14pt;">
<span dir="ltr"><b>Who are you:</b> Nikolay Timofeev</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 14pt;">
<span dir="ltr"><b>What was your involvement?</b><br />
President and 'coach' - Organised sessions, maintained communication
with people contacting Oxford Parkour with regards to... All sorts of
things really :/ Also managed various IT and web things (inevitably
breaking things along the way) and found some time
to jump on stuff in between all that.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 14pt;">
<span dir="ltr"><b>What did you think went well: </b><br />
Because we have more people able to organise sessions, we were able to
run around double the amount of sessions as we did last year. Better
yet, I have had the pleasure of training with SO MANY OF YOU! Thank you
to everyone who has turned up so far, I have
enjoyed getting to know you all immensely.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 14pt;">
<span dir="ltr">Hopefully
we have had more variety of session as well, combining both structured
and unstructured styles of training, as well as the odd gym session here
and there.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 14pt;">
<span dir="ltr"><b>What didn't go as well as you might have liked:</b><br />
One thing we haven't done too much of is stepped out of pattern very
much. We have the regular sessions, but as far as doing other one off
things, such as trips to other cities and communities, that has not
happened too much, which is a shame as that brings
communities together and shows all involved a fresh approach to
training, and pushes people out of their comfort zone, thus helping
progress. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 14pt;">
<span dir="ltr">We
have also not managed to organise a social, something like a parkour
movie night or just an meal or something like that, to bring our
community even closer together, which was something
we were hoping to do.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 14pt;">
<span dir="ltr">Finally,
we have not done very much exploration of Oxford and not done any days
where we explore new (or even just different) locations, which we could
do more of!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 14pt;">
<span dir="ltr"><b>What you hope to do next term:</b><br />
All of the above! And it would be nice to slowly start putting out more
media - Oxford's a wonderful city, full of great architecture - showing
more movements here will lead to more people joining and will make a
nice historic record for future practitioners
to look at and be inspired by.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<b>Who are you: </b>Alex May<br />
<b>What was your involvement:</b> I coached the Tuesday BCS and the Wednesday COM session, and trained a bit outside this too. And I helped discuss things and organise this with Nikolay and Harry (despite not being elected or on committee!).<br />
<br />
<b>What did you think went well:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>We got loads of interest at Freshers' fair, and the attendance in 1st week was huge (I think 60+ different people turned up to try out parkour). The two sessions were well attended, usually around 8 on Tuesdays and around 3/4 on Wednesdays, despite the weather. </li>
<li>The COM Wednesday session was a success, in my eyes, in encouraging diversity (in non-male form) into our community.</li>
<li>There's now a good number of people in the Oxford Parkour Community, which is great!</li>
</ul>
<b>What didn't go as well as you might have liked:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>I found that I was busier with the usual Oxford-stuff than I had thought, so didn't have as much time, meaning that I didn't get to train much aside from coaching and that I didn't put on any additional sessions as I had hoped.</li>
<li>Didn't do more advertising after the start of term - should have sent reminder emails to the mailing list to encourage more people to come along to the Tue/Wed sessions (though until 4th week, the sessions were full!)</li>
<li>The tshirt company I used was busier than expected, so took them longer to do the order than I had hoped, and they didn't arrive far enough before the end of term to sell them.</li>
<li>Security (from the university) seemed to be fairly active in asking us to leave various areas, which is a shame.</li>
<li>Nothing social. I've been wanting to host a parkour social for awhile, but didn't manage this term, partly due to busyness, partly because the one attempt I made to book a room in college got confounded by the rules on filling out event forms in advance.</li>
</ul>
<b>What might you do differently next term:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Put on some 'Focus' sessions, not aimed at beginners, for the non-beginner components of the community. And hopefully a bit more variety outside of that</li>
<li>Social! </li>
<li>Sell the tshirts!</li>
</ul>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Who are you: </b>Harry Cruse<br /><b> </b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>What was your involvement:</b> Vice President. I organised the
freshers' fair, organised many sessions and a few gym trips, designed
and ordered the business cards. I also gave my opinion and advised on
many issues and decisions that the group faced.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /><b>What did you think
went well:</b> We got a huge number of new members this term, mainly from
the freshers’ fair, it’s always nice to see new people trying out
our sport. We got them all off to a good start, and a decent number
of them stuck around. We’ve also had loads of sessions this term
(up to 4 or 5 a week) which is brilliant, the more parkour the
better!<br />Our new Facebook page has worked well, and due to it being
public it’s brought in a few people that don’t have Facebook.
It’s also nice to have an official entity that can post when the
sessions are, so it’s organised by Oxford Parkour rather than by a
person.<br /><b> </b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>What didn't go as well as you might have liked:</b> I think we
have been a bit forgetful and lazy in some situations. We never got
round to organising a social or a London trip, and the gym trips only
really started happening towards the end of term. It would also have
been nice to have more weekend sessions (which is entirely my
fault).</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /><b>What might you do differently next term: </b>Be more on the
ball! We should get better at organising things, and let people know
earlier in advance. We should definitely do a social, with at least a
week’s notice; and a London trip would be great, but I’m not sure
if that will actually happen. I think we’ll also advertise the gym
trips more often, and I’ll make an effort to put on more weekend
sessions.</div>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<br />
We would also love feedback from anyone who has attended - please be honest and direct, we won't get offended and it's useful for us to improve things!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Feedback form:</b><br />
What did you do with the group this term?<br />
What parkour experience did you have before training with us?<br />
What did you think was good about the sessions you attended?<br />What could be improved, either sessions or group organisation or anything?<br />
Thanks!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-13115262057954326212014-10-06T15:00:00.004-07:002014-10-15T04:26:00.237-07:00Why a Female and Trans training session?<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
This is to explain the decision to run a Female & Trans beginners
introductory session as part of the weekly sessions this term with
Oxford Parkour.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
<i>This was originally called "non-male", but the language has been improved to "female and trans". There might be some inconsistencies with how it's used due to this change.</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
It's slightly different with potential controversy, so I thought I'd
do my best to explain why I've decided to do it. Neither Oxford
Parkour nor the coach in charge of this have done this before, so
please excuse any poor use of language or misguided action.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u><b>What's the
general aim?</b></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
To increase participation of parkour (in Oxford) by people who identify as female and trans.
Parkour is for everyone, yet the participation is heavily cis-male, I
want to encourage participation outside this, and I think this will help.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
<i>*for those who aren't aware of the term 'cis-male', this means somebody who was assigned gender male at birth and currently identifies as male. If you don't know what this means that probably includes you, but it is in contrast with somebody who identifies as a different gender to the one they were assigned at birth.</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u><b>How will
this help?</b></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Hopefully, in a couple of ways:</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
1. For the marketing, to overcome the general perception of parkour
as being masculine. A direct counter is “actually, there's a female and trans
session you can come to, so it is for you!”.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
2. To make this minority* feel more comfortable about coming to try out
parkour. A kind-of 'safer space' for it to be tried out in with less
perceived pressure or expectation – there isn't any pressure or
expectation normally in our community, but that fact doesn't mean
people don't worry about it, so this measure is to deal with the
possible worry.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
<i>* minority within parkour - not within the population as a whole!</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
The 'segregation' is aimed to encourage female and trans participation, not
to keep them apart: all of our other sessions are open to anyone, so
this just gives more option to non-males to take part. </div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
This is also why the name is different and doesn't include the word 'parkour': a different marketing approach to try and shrug off some of the effect of the media misconception of parkour (imagine all you knew of running was from seeing the Olympics and thought that because you can't run 100m in under 11 seconds, you can't run at all!). I noticed that lots of the gym classes which are attended by mostly females have vague names that say little about the content or style or dogma of the session (Total Body Workout, Bodypump, Aerobics, Bums & Tums) and thought about coming up with a similar thing for a parkour session, which is what I've done here. (All of the example female gym classes could also apply to this - it will work your whole body, be aerobic, and use your 'bums & tums').</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u><b>Will the
coaching be different?</b></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
No, but a little bit.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Parkour is not gendered. We don't teach girls differently to teaching
guys. We teach individuals; all individuals are different: different
bodies, different personalities, different experiences. So in some
ways, coaching girls is no different to coaching guys.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
There are some general trends among individuals within the gender
classes. Guys tend to have both more ego and be more willing to take
risks and try things that may be less safe – there are exceptions,
of course, but a slight tendency. Guys are, on average, a bit
stronger and taller. So to a small degree, the content will be
different in that there might be less variation within the group and
so the content can be more tailored. But this is nowhere near the
sort of variety within, say, different aged practitioners: teaching 7
year-olds, 12 year-olds, 20 year-olds and 55-year olds is quite
different!</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
So it is no different to any random group of people, that the coach
will tailor the session content to fit the participants. And this is
not the reason for running a non-male session.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Here, though, it's more about <i>excluding</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> (cis-)guys to allow for a non--cis-male space, not about splitting off the
non-males.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
I must mention though, the coach will be male, as we only have male
coaches at the moment. I feel that's better than nothing though, and
will look into seeing if a female coach could come along at some
point later on in the term.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<u><b>Further Information</b></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Here are a few videos, incase you are interested (or not convinced that parkour is for you).</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
This one is an interview with a female practitioner and coach from London.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wK3X9cJxvHw?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
This one is a video of a youtuber doing parkour for the first time (without bias or vested interest as this was her first time).<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8g6u2-Q2EVI?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
And this one is my mum doing her first ever parkour session!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BwtUT2hk6R4?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-21687334883935510682014-07-20T07:22:00.000-07:002014-07-20T07:22:32.232-07:00Start of Summer Holidays and a Year in ReviewHello guys and gals - with Trinity term just about over, I imagine a lot of you guys will be heading back to your respective homes. It's been a fantastic year, and I guess, if we don't see you over the holidays, then we hope to see you at the start of the next academic year in October!<br />
<br />
Do keep an eye on the group if you can, as I will keep posting the usual helpful links and we will be sticking up votes for next year's committee (I realise I completely forgot to do the whole election thing this term).<br />
<br />
Looking back at the year, a lot has happened! Here's a round-up of the biggies:<br />
<h2 style="clear: both;">
Working on online Content</h2>
<h3 style="clear: both;">
Cherwell Tries - Parkour</h3>
We have been involved in the filming of a short documentary with <a href="http://www.cherwell.org/lifestyle">Cherwell Lifestyle</a>, which was fantastic fun! Here's the finished piece:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/6BKV76jCnBk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>
</div>
Huge thanks to both Tess Colley for giving parkour a go and to Lily Taylor for filming it! Was a pleasure meeting you both!<br />
<h3 style="clear: both;">
Parkour Map</h3>
Throughout the year we have been working hard on finding new places to train, and as a result, we have compiled a map of training locations. If you wish to collaborate, please get in touch!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://goo.gl/0DFSpq" target="_blank">Click here to see the map!</a><br />
<h2 style="clear: both;">
New Styles and Approaches to Training</h2>
<h3 style="clear: both;">
Unstructured Sessions </h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoD0qoFSE9QoNfUUU_qpbqTGZXVaKT6rC5_-CiZQYZHb5IdfLmCy34dkCT1z0lrnwgNRVnNS4F59yIGvOvY2-1hbemkDgdsTxb75U2NKvH0bBrnSVr93cUVDMUIUfWKNaea5NxSUOtAIWe/s1600/unstructured.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
Rather than continuing with the traditional 'coach and student' model of training, we have been experimenting more and more with the unstructured approach to training.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoD0qoFSE9QoNfUUU_qpbqTGZXVaKT6rC5_-CiZQYZHb5IdfLmCy34dkCT1z0lrnwgNRVnNS4F59yIGvOvY2-1hbemkDgdsTxb75U2NKvH0bBrnSVr93cUVDMUIUfWKNaea5NxSUOtAIWe/s1600/unstructured.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoD0qoFSE9QoNfUUU_qpbqTGZXVaKT6rC5_-CiZQYZHb5IdfLmCy34dkCT1z0lrnwgNRVnNS4F59yIGvOvY2-1hbemkDgdsTxb75U2NKvH0bBrnSVr93cUVDMUIUfWKNaea5NxSUOtAIWe/s1600/unstructured.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>
Typically this includes the usual group warm up and joint mobilizations, followed by seeing what people fancy focusing on that day. This dictates the locations we will train at and the time we take to spend there. But the movements that everyone spends their time training are completely up to the individual.
<br />
This is how parkour began in this country and the beauty from this approach is that the practitioners who know what they need are able to train exactly that, whilst those not so sure are able to draw inspiration from those around them.
<br />
What you end up with is a melting pot of styles, techniques and experience levels. This is underpinned by the beauty of a parkour community - at any point, no matter who you are, you can approach a fellow practitioner and ask them for advice, or they may in turn offer some insight for you, if they have experienced a similar puzzle in the past or spot a fault which you may not have done.
<br />
<h3 style="clear: both;">
Buildering</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kcOgbD4-4YU-XlTyboPHeketIWhU9sOfpJcOrgDifmxaNnIQr0ZkiiKX4rvYpup1pugCI8jbL6oIvfD2-Z1SLk5tGwDfIWgpt7k6qPMQJbgRUYQaulqNNBfBvYgnDVn3x-2miyFc-wXC/s1600/buildering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kcOgbD4-4YU-XlTyboPHeketIWhU9sOfpJcOrgDifmxaNnIQr0ZkiiKX4rvYpup1pugCI8jbL6oIvfD2-Z1SLk5tGwDfIWgpt7k6qPMQJbgRUYQaulqNNBfBvYgnDVn3x-2miyFc-wXC/s1600/buildering.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dale Wood ascending the <br />
<a href="http://goo.gl/epCxVP" target="_blank">Botley Rd Bridge</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Due to more and more climbers joining our group, we have started finding more and more buildering puzzles in the Oxford Area.
<br />
If you are not sure what buildering is, then it's a if you have ever attempted bouldering (a rope-free form of climbing, typically trained at lower heights with shorter, more technical routes or puzzles), then it's basically the same thing, but on man-made structures. A great introduction to the sport is the Foundations of Buildering series by Julie Angel (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QqyscrQ04A#!">episode 1 can be found here</a>)<br />
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While climbing should be a very important part of any parkour practitioner's movement dictionary, it compliments the more traditionally dynamic form of parkour training very nicely.<br />
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New Indoor Training Locations</h2>
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Abingdon Gymnastics Club</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-w3nlbi1EvYuNDLFrRYqw5K-XZb5bHO7FqbY0zTP3YP_Ld4EMA6BqI_JHSadMrlGEEN1hnqTztMB8yacbO-N8YFfH8vbQnPfJaTXC0Y-f0L0Gu8V2PFQDANmq9534DfefiiczGtNILJZ/s1600/gym2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-w3nlbi1EvYuNDLFrRYqw5K-XZb5bHO7FqbY0zTP3YP_Ld4EMA6BqI_JHSadMrlGEEN1hnqTztMB8yacbO-N8YFfH8vbQnPfJaTXC0Y-f0L0Gu8V2PFQDANmq9534DfefiiczGtNILJZ/s1600/gym2.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keymore performing a <br />
standing Back Tuck</td></tr>
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We have also been lucky enough to have access to an indoor gymnasium available for us to train in. This environment is very different to what we are used to - the hard surfaces replaced with sprung floors and foam blocks. This is a fantastic location to begin your journey into tricking or acro, or to try any of those movements you have not been able to find a place for outside. To date, the sessions have been on Tuesdays, 8-9pm, however these are being replaced with Monday evening sessions, again at 8-9pm from the 28th July.
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Sundays at Pumphouse Parkour</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmxVl4Bgv2kufzyooUhUxg9ET6FXpr4I6G3jsdg-c-H5bkEOyC4VLO9PPwfyXLM-kVWnBf3iyucyvLHhKm47C609Q6kEVYr2QyU73QBxqjiO7uMtbAHXqQGttH59vO4Mj8Ylntu-uF8zm/s1600/pumphouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmxVl4Bgv2kufzyooUhUxg9ET6FXpr4I6G3jsdg-c-H5bkEOyC4VLO9PPwfyXLM-kVWnBf3iyucyvLHhKm47C609Q6kEVYr2QyU73QBxqjiO7uMtbAHXqQGttH59vO4Mj8Ylntu-uF8zm/s1600/pumphouse.jpg" height="200" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex and Sam training <br />
at the Pumphouse</td></tr>
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As if one indoor training facility was not enough, the Pumphouse in Faringdon have not got anything much <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/OXFPK" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> to make it happen! happening on Sundays lately, and thus has offered us the use of their space for our training! Not only do they have a large hall and stage area to train on, they also possess two sets of Freemove Portable parkour equipment, which is a great mix of vault boxes, platforms and scaffolding. These will be happening on an ad hoc basis, so please show your interest in this on our
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In Addition to this, Dale Wood and Rob Chamberlain still run classes on Saturdays in the same location. If you do grab the chance to check them out and get in touch over at <a href="http://www.thepumphouseproject.co.uk/">www.thepumphouseproject.co.uk/</a><br />
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The Holidays and Looking to Next Year</h2>
Over the holidays, we certainly will still be training in Oxford (and surrounding towns, such as Didcot, Tackely, Reading and anywhere else anyone wants to visit) among with anyone else, willing and able! I mean, with weather like this, it'd be criminal not to!<br />
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Looking forwards, we shall of course open up for a new committee in time for next year. The next big event will of course be Oxford Freshers' Fair, running from 8th-10th October. Any help with manning the stall anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated.<br />
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If you have any thoughts on how the year went and how to make it better, do not hesitate to let us know on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/OXFPK" target="_blank">facebook group</a>, or email us on <a href="mailto:president@oxfordparkour.co.uk">president@oxfordparkour.co.uk</a>!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJh73mncP8_aGWVvxxBXifeUETzhXx1FM5MfTQsY8yrvRN67-O9iR2a6bsCrtvzzdSc1AQ01fEtFt7bgSL8lWnMHIkah-764k4wZCHzETbIbVx2sSjHuS1N6KCOFzkJZg2Bziyv1WlGYaI/s1600/summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJh73mncP8_aGWVvxxBXifeUETzhXx1FM5MfTQsY8yrvRN67-O9iR2a6bsCrtvzzdSc1AQ01fEtFt7bgSL8lWnMHIkah-764k4wZCHzETbIbVx2sSjHuS1N6KCOFzkJZg2Bziyv1WlGYaI/s1600/summer.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dale Wood performing a standing precision at the Castle Mill Stream Lock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>Many thanks to Mu'adip Shakir (Keymore) and the Pump House for providing the pictures.
</i>Nikolayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10295301843089963223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-80034682333235103882014-05-19T13:05:00.001-07:002014-05-19T13:08:46.208-07:00Creativity, Parkour Vision, Adaptability, etc.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Take a look at the set-up in the photo. What do you see? Please, take a minute to consider what you could do here - if you "do parkour", make a list of all the different things you could train here (and I mean <i>all</i> the ideas you have); if not, think about it anyway. Compare it to any experience in any sport you have, or even to what someone might do in a fitness studio/gym to get stronger. What different ways might you (or another) be able to move here? [<i>The metal frame and trees behind it don't count, too overgrown, but the wall going along the side away from the stairwell does</i>].</div>
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This staircase is nothing special - I'm sure there are many just like it all over the place - but this one one was found in a park in either Padova/Mestre (Italy, right by Venice), where I had gone as part of an interrail trip to an event with a 10km-zombie-chase-game the previous night and a parkour jam on the Sunday (blog posts to be found <a href="http://www.alexmay.co.uk/2013/09/venice-adventure-travel-blog-i.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.alexmay.co.uk/2013/09/journey-to-end-of-night.html">here</a>). The park was huge, with a number of different full-size spots throughout (one with lines of rails and some steps, another a concrete built garden thing, a third with a disabled access ramp with rails/walls and a roof spot, etc), but a number of hours in we had moved to a big patch of grass against the plant structure you see in the picture above (but on the side of it), doing some tricks (I had ended up, somehow, being better at tricking than most of the people and was teaching butterfly kicks, twists and possibly a flip of some sort too) and sitting around. This then turned into movements with the flat wall (on a different side of the square plant structure, but the same wall that the steps in the photo are built into) before we came round the corner 15m to this stairwell.</div>
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I would guess that we spent ninety minutes on the wall surface and these stairs, mostly just four of us (two of the Italians involved with the event, and Finn from Cologne who had gone along too). We shared moves, both weird movements and well-known ones, that some of us could do and others not, learning and trying new things, and came up with various challenges, routes, things to play with on the stairwell. It was probably one of the best sessions I've ever had (though it's hard to pick looking back, as it's all an incremental development and there were others that led up to this point and that have continued from it), as it seemed that at this point my eyes and mind were open to the possibilites that existed in such a simple spot. On the flat wall we did at least ten different things, some of which I don't know the name of, and at least the same number of challenges and routes around the steps - but I'm certain there are many, many more that we didn't get to. Can you tac off the wall to get to the top? On both sides? Can you do this set of strides? This particular jump? Spin around like this? Do it with your eyes closed? How high can you jump up the steps? Can we all make this jump perfectly first time? And this? That? Heard of that move? etc. And the environment was great - because of the way this "training" was taking place, it was not a hierarchy of who was better like might happen at some spots which have lots of obvious standard movements and much more a melting pot of ideas of the four of us working together. Each of us had different things we could and couldn't do better, different eyes from previous experiences, etc, and so on. </div>
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The moral of the story for parkour people - or better, the slight insight I'm trying to impart - is along the lines of "play around with small spots lots". Maybe confine yourself in a session (or more) to a very small location and see what you can make of it - there's certainly something to be said for creativity happening when you set yourself limits to work inside of. And what is a "spot" anywhere - if parkour is about adapting to the environment, the concept of a spot doesn't make any sense. </div>
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As
for non-parkour people (if any of you actually read this to here), this
really makes me question the way we treat exercise/movement with gyms
(with a very specific set of movements, little variability for the body,
less mental exercise with playfulness/creativity/fun) or childrens'
playgrounds. </div>
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<i>Inspirations I've had towards this style are Steve Moss (when
he was in London with PKGen), capoeira that I dabbled in a bit last
semester, and videos from the people like Scott Houston, Naim
L'1consable ("Spots are Everywhere"), and some random German and Finnish
people, I've played with it more recently. Thanks to them, though most of them don't know I exist, and check them out if you're interested in it too.</i></div>
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PS Some of the words I've used are in "these", because the word "training" or "spot" or "parkour" is a bit of an odd word, which I might not agree entirely with the way it's used but is understood for what I'm trying to get across.</div>
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PSS This post also at my personal site <a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.alexmay.co.uk">Alexmay.co.uk</a>, which has more thoughts about parkour and non-parkour things., <i> </i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-58951658809016059492014-02-09T06:56:00.000-08:002014-02-22T11:19:20.689-08:005th Week @ Oxford Parkour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<u><span style="font-weight: normal;">5th Week @ Oxford Parkour</span></u><u><span style="font-weight: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This term we're running a special mid-term event in 5th Week with training every day and a variety of different types of sessions – probably something new for everyone!<br />
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If you will be joining us, please let us know here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/253758058132432/" target="_blank">Event Page</a><br />
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<i>This gives the overview for each session, there will be slightly more detail including a map of where we are meeting on our facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/OXFPK Don't be put off by the word “parkour”, it's just a label we use to refer to a certain style of movement/exercise/play/thinking which is probably quite similar to how you used to play as a child!</i><br />
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<u><b>Sunday 16th February – 1100 at <a href="http://goo.gl/Eu5Vwq" target="_blank">St Giles</a></b></u><br />
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<b>“Introductory Workshop and Training”<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbysU08ScV3XVxtQkUB4ayI0WcX8NHitLeyP4wGw6COLJKq2REh2djdMg7rxHwwhXWybFYKsOt8hJC094We1St8qoluZnzANQX4J3dDFrWzgnNlsCybM3rbFZeKy130OXVDGSGuv0rB7B5/s1600/599146_10152612924875541_350488315_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbysU08ScV3XVxtQkUB4ayI0WcX8NHitLeyP4wGw6COLJKq2REh2djdMg7rxHwwhXWybFYKsOt8hJC094We1St8qoluZnzANQX4J3dDFrWzgnNlsCybM3rbFZeKy130OXVDGSGuv0rB7B5/s1600/599146_10152612924875541_350488315_n.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></b><br />
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We're kicking the week off with a training session open to all abilities – especially complete beginners! If you're not really sure what it is we do, come along to this to find out. We'll have a few different coaches on hand to take you through basic movements (and more) and you'll probably finish the session surprised at what you can do!<br />
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We'll have some coached structured training to start with, then after that there will be free jam-style training (ie not coached and unstructured) for those who want to stick around!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv-nY5vWdKRH1oZzA-RrNyuxpGtMGt7nT82tDkhum8w8ht2fB3LghN-6c33uH74xl3VwR0WDQtkPDLqb-ItMyQ1N6WLOGjcZ4_BoeaVwALzLPPLPHQRtIG9aliRdhlax5uCSx9uSyF7mT/s1600/Photo+03-01-2014+12+55+12.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCmDafBXtoNNQXlcz70bxdjv_ht0rT5ADkwUY-g9V6dS2KyT35Yt6p1qMGXcXsIlEne0k-CTbGEPhvVrBxVm04TNb7fg46aWAiT5vLiNv7EpCw7e1AC42h9a2yTPCV5ZfHi3uLoolB8pK/s1600/225483_10152612922425541_676641945_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<u><b>Monday 17th February – 1930 at <a href="http://goo.gl/Eu5Vwq" target="_blank">St Giles</a></b></u><br />
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<b> “Hell Night”</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCmDafBXtoNNQXlcz70bxdjv_ht0rT5ADkwUY-g9V6dS2KyT35Yt6p1qMGXcXsIlEne0k-CTbGEPhvVrBxVm04TNb7fg46aWAiT5vLiNv7EpCw7e1AC42h9a2yTPCV5ZfHi3uLoolB8pK/s1600/225483_10152612922425541_676641945_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCmDafBXtoNNQXlcz70bxdjv_ht0rT5ADkwUY-g9V6dS2KyT35Yt6p1qMGXcXsIlEne0k-CTbGEPhvVrBxVm04TNb7fg46aWAiT5vLiNv7EpCw7e1AC42h9a2yTPCV5ZfHi3uLoolB8pK/s1600/225483_10152612922425541_676641945_n.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>Want to get stronger? Hell Night is a very physical type of session aimed more at building strength and discovering where our limits really lie than a technical <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCmDafBXtoNNQXlcz70bxdjv_ht0rT5ADkwUY-g9V6dS2KyT35Yt6p1qMGXcXsIlEne0k-CTbGEPhvVrBxVm04TNb7fg46aWAiT5vLiNv7EpCw7e1AC42h9a2yTPCV5ZfHi3uLoolB8pK/s1600/225483_10152612922425541_676641945_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>movement sort of session. It will be packed with a variety of different exercises to work different muscles and aspects. It'll be tough, but the point is to make us tougher. If you want to find out more about the idea, look up what Blane (the practitioner who popularised the idea) has written about it (though ours won't quite be at that level!).<br />
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This session will be coached. It's open to ability as the idea is that we all work at our own limits, wherever they are; all you need is some resolve and a desire to push yourself.<br />
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<u><b>Tuesday 18th February – 1800 at <a href="http://goo.gl/Lv0Lmj" target="_blank">Westgate</a>, 2000 at <a href="http://www.abingdongymclub.co.uk/Home/Contact-Us.aspx" target="_blank">Abingdon Gymnastics Club</a></b></u><br />
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<b>“Unstructured Training and Abingdom Gym”</b><br />
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There will be unstructured training in the Westgate area from 1800, after which we will go to the Abingdon Gym for indoor training at a fully-equipped gymnastics centre: foam pit, crash mats, high bars, a sprung floor and more! This gives a chance to those who want it to try out things which are less safe to learn outside, such as tricks and flips.<br />
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<u><b>Wednesday 19th February – 2230, at <a href="http://goo.gl/diXSHu" target="_blank">New College Lane</a></b></u><br />
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<b>“Parkour Nuit”</b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv-nY5vWdKRH1oZzA-RrNyuxpGtMGt7nT82tDkhum8w8ht2fB3LghN-6c33uH74xl3VwR0WDQtkPDLqb-ItMyQ1N6WLOGjcZ4_BoeaVwALzLPPLPHQRtIG9aliRdhlax5uCSx9uSyF7mT/s1600/Photo+03-01-2014+12+55+12.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv-nY5vWdKRH1oZzA-RrNyuxpGtMGt7nT82tDkhum8w8ht2fB3LghN-6c33uH74xl3VwR0WDQtkPDLqb-ItMyQ1N6WLOGjcZ4_BoeaVwALzLPPLPHQRtIG9aliRdhlax5uCSx9uSyF7mT/s1600/Photo+03-01-2014+12+55+12.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a><br />
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This session involves running around late at night in a near-silent follow-your-leader style. Inspired by David Belle's video of the same name, we'll be exploring the city long after the sun has set doing route-work in as close to silence as we can. <br />
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This session will be led and all abilities are welcome. <br />
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<u><b>Thursday 20th February – 1800 at <a href="http://goo.gl/Lv0Lmj" target="_blank">Westgate</a></b></u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoEMsn5MJ_WUXSNDuaaTjGgK-kRPUJXkoC8sBbb9CBT_Nre6ocHiOyxW1VeVSKc2mDNws7PXn4l_3DCV_C0CAsNsGCXY3qW0Jg3b1m96g-il1TMfBISGKzhgSbjqG02xN6uVsMOv1AflI/s1600/881978_536486883088753_492096967_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoEMsn5MJ_WUXSNDuaaTjGgK-kRPUJXkoC8sBbb9CBT_Nre6ocHiOyxW1VeVSKc2mDNws7PXn4l_3DCV_C0CAsNsGCXY3qW0Jg3b1m96g-il1TMfBISGKzhgSbjqG02xN6uVsMOv1AflI/s1600/881978_536486883088753_492096967_o.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Coached Session</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOXHzfDQ5xieuAhmHiKyvWS9jLl78xHoJssyZQtZURik2rrs2bK2EPACrEzSbWKH1kke3MwNLPt29FKInuafQT0gIPEHZVWxqoNXrZr_tp1zZgSfMuPBGtbzr4DIu2B3BGVjS2hKr3q4e/s1600/DSC_0926_22.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOqrq25-SQQf0tJWnGJZR9vEs33PfMJpW-bIniV7-CH1y-e4JCy31j9-tXCdGQEVbixW2F7hj4jYI_fte9M7MOUFNdcJp6cMRzSbVI3RR2UMRfJNRj8ZFDxWkshUi9rw_unVZ3rgkA0C4/s1600/313875_10152612941025541_832558549_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
This will be an example of the typical training session we have been doing throughout the year. Lead by Nikolay, it will be focusing above all on quality of movement. Typically, the session starts with a thorough warm-up. From there, you will be given challenges designed to work on specific aspects of movement, be it balance, fluidity, creativity, climbing or just the efficient application of power! All levels of ability welcome!<br />
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<u><b>Friday 21st February – 1600 at <a href="http://goo.gl/Eu5Vwq" target="_blank">St Giles</a></b></u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOXHzfDQ5xieuAhmHiKyvWS9jLl78xHoJssyZQtZURik2rrs2bK2EPACrEzSbWKH1kke3MwNLPt29FKInuafQT0gIPEHZVWxqoNXrZr_tp1zZgSfMuPBGtbzr4DIu2B3BGVjS2hKr3q4e/s1600/DSC_0926_22.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOXHzfDQ5xieuAhmHiKyvWS9jLl78xHoJssyZQtZURik2rrs2bK2EPACrEzSbWKH1kke3MwNLPt29FKInuafQT0gIPEHZVWxqoNXrZr_tp1zZgSfMuPBGtbzr4DIu2B3BGVjS2hKr3q4e/s1600/DSC_0926_22.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><b><b></b>Coached Session</b><br />
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This will be a “standard” Alex-style training session: all organised and coached with focus on certain techniques or aspects of parkour. Typically the session is split into slots 10-20 minutes long with a certain focus and changes between them. If you have any particular requests, get in touch!<br />
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<u><b>Saturday 22nd February – 1030 at <a href="http://goo.gl/L76cLM" target="_blank">South Parks</a></b></u><br />
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<b>“Games Session”</b><br />
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Remember being a child playing tig/tag/it in the playground and how much fun that was? For some reason, we play these games a lot less as we get older, even though they are quite fun (and you don't notice the fact you're “exercising” as much). And so we have a session focussed all around playing games! Expect varieties on chasing games such as manhunt and capture the flag, among other things. Feel free to invite anyone who might enjoy it even if they aren't interested in “parkour” specifically.<br />
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This session will be organised and led (but due to its nature, “coaching” isn't necessary!).<br />
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<u><b>Sunday 23rd February – 1030 at <a href="http://goo.gl/0JcqxB" target="_blank">Manor Road</a></b></u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOqrq25-SQQf0tJWnGJZR9vEs33PfMJpW-bIniV7-CH1y-e4JCy31j9-tXCdGQEVbixW2F7hj4jYI_fte9M7MOUFNdcJp6cMRzSbVI3RR2UMRfJNRj8ZFDxWkshUi9rw_unVZ3rgkA0C4/s1600/313875_10152612941025541_832558549_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOqrq25-SQQf0tJWnGJZR9vEs33PfMJpW-bIniV7-CH1y-e4JCy31j9-tXCdGQEVbixW2F7hj4jYI_fte9M7MOUFNdcJp6cMRzSbVI3RR2UMRfJNRj8ZFDxWkshUi9rw_unVZ3rgkA0C4/s1600/313875_10152612941025541_832558549_n.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><b>“Training Session: Walls 101”</b><br />
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Up-and-over. This is a coached training session with particular focus on going up and down walls, such as climb-ups and wall-runs. Focussing on a particular technique helps us to develop it more than the general approach to training usually would and this technique is one with a lot to it.<br />
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<i style="text-align: justify;">Sessions will typically last 90 minutes, including warm-up and warm-down, unless otherwise stated.</i><br />
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<u><b>Sunday 23rd February – 1230 at </b></u><b><u><a href="http://goo.gl/5raD3t" target="_blank">Castle Mill Stream</a></u></b><br />
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<b>“Oxford Jam!”</b></div>
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To finish on a high, I invite everyone to join us for a day of training all over Oxford! We will meet at <a href="http://goo.gl/5raD3t" target="_blank">Castle Mill Stream</a> (map: <a href="http://goo.gl/5raD3t">http://goo.gl/5raD3t</a>), near the station, warm up and train there for a while. From there, we will be moving from spot to spot and training everywhere we can, just like the good old days!<br />
Bring food, bring water and bring your friends!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-56742521705231398142014-02-05T15:15:00.003-08:002014-02-09T04:54:53.239-08:00Meeting notes, Alex's Return and the Week of Awesome!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
On Wednesday 29th Jan, Nikolay, Alex and Harry had a long and only slightly rambling chat with regards to how stuff is going and our plans going forwards.<br />
This was prompted by two things -<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Alex is coming back to Oxford for a few weeks and have we got some plans for you guys!</li>
<li>The fact that we had a new committee and it's nice to channel the burst of enthusiasm into something worthwhile.</li>
</ol>
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<br />
Here are the outcomes from the hour that we schemed for:<br />
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<h2>
Alex's Visit</h2>
First of all, lets do the exciting bit: Alex will be in Oxford for the entire week between Sunday 16th - Sunday 23rd Feb (and then a week after that as well)!<br />
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Let excited flailing of arms commence!<br />
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For those that have not met him, Alex is the guy responsible for the creation of this group and has been on a year abroad in Germany, for his studies, and is and if it wasn't for his hard work and dedication last year, then many of us would not be training today.<br />
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<h2>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/253758058132432/" target="_blank">16th - 23rd Feb = Week of Awesome!</a></h2>
Because of this, in part to welcome Alex back, in part because you guys asked for it and in part because we just can, we are planning to run training sessions near enough every day that week! Alex will be bringing his unique twist to the training sessions, where he will either be running or helping run the sessions. Because of this, variety will be the flavour of the week, and the goal will be to get everyone to experience as many new things as we can!<br />
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The event for this week is now up and running - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/253758058132432/" target="_blank">Join in now!</a><br />
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<h2>
Recap of how things have been going:</h2>
The state of the club itself is... pretty good I would say! We have ploughed on with between 2-3 sessions a week. Tuesdays are unstructured, "Old Scool" sessions, where we train the old fashioned way. Thursdays have been more structured, with much more focus on structure, perfectionism of the technique of the day and with more guidance. The turnout has been both consistent and filled with exactly the sort of spirit that we look for in a Traceur.<br />
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Yeah, you guys are awesome!<br />
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<h2>
New Members Drive</h2>
Some of you may have seen an email drop into your inbox. Because we will have Alex down, we are taking advantage of the extra coaching muscle and running a push towards getting new-members to coincide with his arrival. We will be running some beginner-oriented sessions to help people get started (or re-started!) with parkour. If you have been wondering if now is the time to start, then wonder no more! If you have had had that friend saying “yeah that sounds cool, I’ll try it out one day”, now is that day!<br />
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If you are reading this and want to learn about dates of what is happening when and where, or just almost sort of kinda want to see what all the fuss is about, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/OXFPK" target="_blank">Join the community on our Facebook group</a> and say hello!</div>
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<h2>
Financial Situation and Thinking Ahead</h2>
Financially speaking, we aren't in an awful place, but we could certainly be doing better. Since our creation only a year and a half ago, the group has been run in a state of perpetual debt, with the guys running it funding things upfront and hoping to recoup costs later - that is some of the members have personally paid up front for things like Freshers Fair, Site Hosting and T-shirts, then recouped the expenses from the club fees, once we have enough.<br />
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The initial costs for for these expenses tend to be well into the triple figures, and it would be very nice if we could reach the start of the next academic year without the need for an individual to be out of pocket for however long it takes to recoup that money.<br />
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As was always the plan, any money that is made above and beyond the basic running of the group will be spent directly on you guys, be it through hiring a coach for a day, subsidising transport for trips to other communities, the funds will give straight back to the community.<br />
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As such, for 100% transparency of what is going on, we are switching to an open book format, <a href="http://goo.gl/mMU031" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">which you are all able to view here</a>. Now, everyone is aware of exactly where we stand, what our targets are and what we are spending the money on. It's probably a bit bare-bones at the moment, but we'll be working hard to get our targets/goals and expenses up to date.<br />
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To start the ball slowly rolling, I (Nikolay) will be donating some money to the pot every session (including the unstructured ones). Anything that anyone else could contribute during our sessions would help us out a hell of a lot!<br />
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<h2>
Conclusion</h2>
Our plans for the coming weeks are:<br />
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<ul>
<li>More Alex!</li>
<li>More training!</li>
<li>More people!</li>
<li>More new experiences!</li>
<li>More Awesomes!</li>
</ul>
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Nikolayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10295301843089963223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-41079083494453589592014-01-22T13:02:00.001-08:002014-01-22T13:02:31.738-08:00Breaking a Jump<i>This post is my attempt to explain one of my parkour experiences with words, to try and convey what goes on inside my head when I did a particular jump.</i><br />
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Standing two metres high on top of a wall, I glance down to the ground below me, and then rub my hands on my thighs as if to rub them clean. I crouch down, looking across at a window ledge on the other side of the alleyway. My heart is pounding and my hands are shaking, not unnoticeably, from fear. There's an empty sick feeling in the upper part of my stomach.<br />
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I climb down from the wall again, angry at myself. Worse; disappointed.<br />
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I walk across the alleyway to the ledge, jump up and grab it. Hanging onto it, I pull myself up to test the grip, then check where my feet are against the wall, then spring up into the air and land on the ground. I do this a second time.<br />
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I hear myself say to Nikolay, my training buddy of the night who is waiting patiently underneath, that I know I can do it. And I do know it. The distance is comfortable. The height, though at a couple of metres off the ground, is not a physical problem. I can easily take the drop without risk of injury. The techniques have been practised more than enough to be instinctive: my feet will hit the wall first to take the impact and stop the wall slamming into me, to give my hands time to grab on, and to rotate my body so that my legs are below me incase I fall to the ground. I know that in the air, I'll first look at the wall and then concentrate on the ledge for my hands to grab.<br />
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The knowledge should be comforting, but fear isn't always a rational emotion. I wouldn't consider doing the jump if I thought there was a risk.<br />
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"I've got it this time", I say as I climb back up the first wall, bouncing up it with unconscious ease. Heart pounding, hands quavering, and feeling sick, I look towards the wall again. Two metres off the ground, it's scary again. I stare intently at the ledge, then crouch again to look across. Crouching means a different angle to help gauge the distances, means that it doesn't look as high, and because the ledge is only in line with my waist, I'll have to take off half from a crouch anyway.<br />
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Two minutes pass. Apart from some more crouching, mumbling and rubbing off hands on legs, nothing has changed. I climb down again, frustrated and defeated. A feeling of worthlessness comes over me. Physically, this is nothing difficult, and if I can't do something that's easy then what can I do? I'm filled with an odd mixture of frustration and despair.<br />
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It's about ten minutes since I started. I've been up and down the wall at least five times, and at least three people have walked past. I imagine that Nikolay and two others with us are bored. When I first climbed up, I knew that I had a small window of opportunity which I should use, before the wait and excess thinking built up a fear that this jump doesn't deserve. But I waited too long, the window passed and the fear grew.<br />
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I climb up the wall for a sixth time, again with a positive comment which, as the cliche goes, was clearly more to reassure me than anybody else. It's irrelevant if anyone else believes I can or will do it, we'll find out soon enough.<br />
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A minute more of pre-jump ritual glancing and hand rubbing. Suddenly, I lean forward slightly and my eyes sharpen. I've committed.<br />
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There's a point of no return with jumps. Now that I've leaned forward, I'm leaving this wall one way or another. It's dangerous to get to this point without the focus, as any mental dithering can cause something to go wrong: half-committing to something means you compromise the movement, and in this case would mean, at best, jumping safely down to the floor, or at worst, crashing into the wall opposite. Any habit of bailing midway is dangerous, but thankfully there's no possibility of that here.<br />
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Intensely focussed, time dilates slightly and my awareness heightens. My eyes narrow at the ledge; my arms start to swing to balance me and help tip forward; I can sense the corner of the wall beneath my feet as I keep grip. Crouching and tipping, I explode into the jump. My feet hit the wall and bounce slightly, then my hands catch the top of the ledge. My face is stopped from colliding with the ledge half a foot in front of it. Half a second later, my right hand slides down the sloped plastic ledge and I drop to the ground.<br />
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I tried the jump but didn't quite manage it. <br />
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Nikolay claps a couple of times. I feel a weird mixture of emotions. Relief and the happiness of success - in actually attempting the jump - flood warmly, but also with some frustration. Not just that I didn't manage it completely - overcoming the mental barrier was much more important - but that it was easy and I wasted so much time building up to it.<br />
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Grinning, I climb back up to the first wall. The second jump I usually find scarier and my hands are still shaking, but the experience from the first attempt makes it feel safer. Half a minute later, I jump again, and this time I end up hanging on the ledge. We call this cat position (or cat grab)<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7736039650912767610#top1" name="top1"><sup>1</sup></a>, hands on a ledge and feet against a wall, as that's what cats look like halfway through climbing up onto something. <br />
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I drop down again. Happiness spreads, but so does the adrenaline. Oddly, there's more adrenaline after the jump and I feel more scared, though there's no target of the fear. The sick feeling in my stomach is joined by warmth and I just want to sit down and hug myself. It's a strange feeling.<br />
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"Once is never", I say to Nik. The adage means that doing something only once is so insignificant that it may as well not count. I promise to do the jump three times.<br />
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The three jumps are over within a minute, once I drag myself out of my emotionally raw state. The focus is still there and the fear not completely gone, but the mental barrier is smashed. Broken. After the third, I decide I'd like a picture of it, and get Nikolay to stand down the alleyway with the camera pointing towards me. The camera is just an iPhone and the method is taking a video from which to extract a still. The quality of the picture isn't great, but it's the meaning behind it which is important. The success felt from the jump, from facing up to what built up to be a huge fear, is great, and has stayed with me for a couple of weeks.<br />
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This is what we call <i>Breaking a Jump</i> in Parkour: doing something which is mentally intimidating (sometimes because of physical intimidation, othertimes not), and the repeated facing of fear is a key part of parkour practice, one of the things that makes it stand out from other sport practices to me. From it we learn ourselves better, sharpen our mental aspect, and really see where our abilities stand.<br />
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<i>If you're interested more about fear in everyday life and parkour, here's <a href="http://www.fatburningman.com/dan-edwardes-parkour-generations/">a podcast I recommend</a> - download it and listen to it on a train or walk sometime. There's also <a href="http://blane-parkour.blogspot.de/2013/12/50-ways-to-be-and-to-last-in-parkour_19.html">a post here </a>written by a very experienced practitioner, though it's aimed at practitioners it should still be interesting. I find it hugely rewarding to challenge myself mentally and the experience is great for learning how to deal with your emotions. Also, doing this jump seems to be a slight turning point for my parkour: before it, I was low on confidence and didn't feel I could do much, but now I'm able to do a lot more - today I did a jump which, rationally, should be scarier than this one, but it took me less than a couple of minutes to do.</i>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="1"><b>1 </b></a>I've heard this was based on a confusion with french though. The french names saut de chat and saut de bras mean (unless I'm mistaken), meaning cat-jump and arm-jump, got confused by some of the early english practitioners. Cat-jump being cat-pass, or kong/monkey, arm-jump also known as cat leap like I was doing here.
<ahref top1=""><sup>↩</sup><br />
</ahref></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-56100247970144138012013-12-29T15:58:00.001-08:002013-12-29T15:58:41.571-08:00Michaelmas term in review<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbb_GsWG2fi-ds2H_97OPzvYJAV2nd8SkPDDx6y9U3TBiztLXKKo5NLEWmGxQevuKrTJrQchtIZMXLdoemfecC4VxhvbI4WgOfFRZPM2i4NycZrQKQjD9XyskuIYkbKrcg4T5yEztu8BhD/s1600/881978_536486883088753_492096967_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbb_GsWG2fi-ds2H_97OPzvYJAV2nd8SkPDDx6y9U3TBiztLXKKo5NLEWmGxQevuKrTJrQchtIZMXLdoemfecC4VxhvbI4WgOfFRZPM2i4NycZrQKQjD9XyskuIYkbKrcg4T5yEztu8BhD/s400/881978_536486883088753_492096967_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Training at Westgate, picture taken by Mu'adib 'Keymore' Shakir</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
With the first term of this academic year over, I wanted to give a huge thanks to everyone who made it what it was! It's been great to be able to train with so many different people this term, and it's a good time to look back over the year and remind ourselves what we have been up to.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Last term, our aim was to really inject some more variety to how we train and what we can train in Oxford. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Our sessions were organised every week and mostly ran on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Compared to last year, we've had more coaches, each with their own unique take on the discipline and their own eyes for movements. We have also scoured Oxford to find more interesting, varied locations, which has meant that the people training have got more choice of where to go.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Finally, we made a push towards encouraging non-structured sessions. As the name suggests, these sessions have been more about getting people directly into the spirit of training without the strict guidance that tends to come with the structured sessions. The ability to find movements and routes for yourself is a vital skill for a Traceur, used to progress your training in the direction that interests you.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Its been also been fantastic to have had some of you guys organising your own sessions and training on your own as well! I am hoping that more of these impromptu sessions keep happening next term, as it not only means that you guys are able to train more, but it also helps visibly spread parkour to others, meaning that our community is able to grow.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Talking of next term, you can expect more of the same to keep happening, but with one small addition: we will be putting on trips to visit other parkour communities in the UK. Nothing injects a spark of enthusiasm and inspiration as training with new people, be it in their local environments, learning to move through a new space, or getting another community to visit our home turf and cast fresh eyes on our now familiar obstacles.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Looking forwards to training with you all again in the New year! As ever, follow us on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/OXFPK" target="_blank">Facebook group</a> to see what you get up to!</div>
Nikolayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10295301843089963223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-49411791401315526522013-10-22T08:37:00.001-07:002013-10-22T08:37:42.687-07:00Cat BalanceI have a new respect for cat-balance.<br />
<br />
For those who don't know what it is, it's quadrupedie (crawling, but hands and feet, not knees) on a rail (or railing, as I'm told it's more properly called). It's called cat-balance presumably because this is how cats walk along the top of fences. You should move your hands and feet in same order as a cat - left hand and foot in the middle, right hand and foot front and back (or vice versa) and then alternate moving the back foot or the back hand. The reason for this is something to do with balance and making yourself closer into the middle and/or diamond shaped instead of parallelogram shaped to be more stable (I think), but try it for yourself and you should see.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMsb6sfVu2XJjDcm2iylV3yV3ZPfHZsMUpiObJmVXqP8bKsBtI5YlwYGcS0Efb-Cpq5Eu-GTqvmMeyC7Rt-DsvL9fvIAS92Gzj8PHmOsvqQe64RCPVzYRpidFXzj68wGGaOrZJp8iH0ID/s1600/IMG_7154.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMsb6sfVu2XJjDcm2iylV3yV3ZPfHZsMUpiObJmVXqP8bKsBtI5YlwYGcS0Efb-Cpq5Eu-GTqvmMeyC7Rt-DsvL9fvIAS92Gzj8PHmOsvqQe64RCPVzYRpidFXzj68wGGaOrZJp8iH0ID/s320/IMG_7154.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the best photo but hopefully you get the ideaalso</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I haven't done this drill properly for at least a year, despite knowing it's theoretical benefits, but with a minor ankle injury from a precision (very minor, it's barely noticeable only three days on but I'm giving it until next weekend) and a wrist weakness from a few months ago I thought it was an ideal movement to practice today. I was right. <br />
<br />
The first suitable rail I found was about 60m long going up a hillside path at the side of a road, the incline was noticeable but not huge. After testing it out and finding it harder than I'd anticipated, I set myself the challenge of getting from one end to the other, with a checkpoint on each 2.5m section for when I fell off. I probably fell off somewhere between fifteen and twenty times overall.<br />
<br />
From halfway, sweat started dripping off my face and my breathing was heavy. Then my wrists because sore, my arms started to shake, it became painful round the back of my shoulders and, right at the end, one of my quads started to cramp up. I would guess it took me around twenty-fine minutes to complete, but I wasn't timing and could have been longer (or maybe it just felt like longer!).<br />
<br />
It's a pretty good all round exercise! It works wrist strength, the general core (front and, I think, back too), and general upper body; it also works endurance for the quads (hence the cramping) and around the ankle, though maybe not quite as much; and last but not least, balance and coordination. It's also useful because it is non-impact (apart from when you fall off), so if you have some sort of wrist or ankle injury then this drill should be possible sooner than other movements (running or weight on hands). It can be done in all weather and all light conditions, so it's a pretty flexible drill. <br />
<br />
From this glowing feedback, you probably won't be surprised that I would recommend that you include cat-balance more in your training than it probably already is (if mine was anything to go by). If it's too easy, crawl downhill or backwards (or upwill-backwards). If that's too easy, also blindfold yourself. <br />
<br />
I remember being asked during a session (by Harry, I think) whether there's any practical application (in movement) outside of being a drill. Initially I was unable to answer, though it is definitely a drill worth practising anway, but I have since thought of one: climbing up (or down) something that's around a 45-degree angle. It's too steep to comfortably walk on, but not vertical enough that it can be climbed, so crawling works best. This isn't particularly common and this drill is more than worth doing just for the drill's sake, but it does at least have some possible application!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-13962192763926452932013-10-17T15:14:00.000-07:002013-10-17T15:14:01.829-07:00Parkour: Be Useful
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've recently read the (out-of-copyright) translation of David
Belle's book about parkour. It's definitely worth a read - tells you
more about parkour, in a way, but also isn't about physical parkour
and is more a discussion of his life and life philosophy, meaning
that even if you don't care for parkour it's still very interesting.
I also saw a couple of interview transcripts from David earlier
today, which were also quite interesting.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't want to talk about what parkour is or isn't. But I will
talk about a part of it. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One saying that David and the French guys had (they had quite a
few little slogans) was "être fort pour être utile". They
actually got this from George Herbert, the guy who developed Methode
Naturelle*, and I hadn't realised the extent to which Parkour
developed out of that. At one point David even says that people
should do two years of methode naturelle training before starting
parkour.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, this saying has been taken on by parkour too. Be strong to
be useful. I'm going to talk about it a bit and say what it means for
us in actual application.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first meaning I see is that we should be strong. Strong is
good for a number of reasons (I'll take it as given that you agree
that 'strong is good'). For parkour especially, when we're bouncing
around concrete, strength is useful. We don't want to damage our
bodies from this training (on the whole, we're making them better,
but there can be damage as part of this whole), both through normal
training and when we fall. Lots of experienced parkour people can
fall quite spectacularly but still be fine - for example, David Belle
here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A86eL9ynDXo - which is quite
incredible. Watch it and marvel. Another of the parkour sayings is
'etre et durer' - to do and to last - which I won't go into in more
detail (this post is long enough already), but thought worth
mentioning.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmW1DDfLKOcEYeZYLVX2EBh50J7VKCfPGAL80PSsAA4esV6AWZu1KtWrr2QobTuLk0TeE8I6-Kozx3FqMZXyX35-r6EJbBtorHZ003ElinnQM4DA6mHa91UvuFKykDGqHX3HudxJbNFdUb/s1600/225483_10152612922425541_676641945_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmW1DDfLKOcEYeZYLVX2EBh50J7VKCfPGAL80PSsAA4esV6AWZu1KtWrr2QobTuLk0TeE8I6-Kozx3FqMZXyX35-r6EJbBtorHZ003ElinnQM4DA6mHa91UvuFKykDGqHX3HudxJbNFdUb/s320/225483_10152612922425541_676641945_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of us doing some strength training. It's also 'functional'!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The second meaning I see is that it means that the strength we
want is useful strength. It isn't enough to be able to bench 100kg,
what's more important is whether you can get on top of a wall you've
grabbed with one hand, onto a bar you're dangling from, or how far
you can carry somebody, or all of these other useful things. In this
sense, what we want is functional strength. It's not about
bodybuilding but your physical ability to actually do, not just
muscles which look good and have some statistical strength. This also
means strengthening the tendons and ligaments and bones, which some
gym training doesn't really do.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
'Functional strength' is a phrase thrown about a lot among people
who exercise. I think it's commonly used to mean exercises which
aren't isolated liner muscle movements (like bicep curl or leg press)
but instead ones with a chain of muscles doing something, as
typically these have some actual use (function) to them. But there's
more to it than that. Not only does the body part of us have to be
strong enough to do something, but we have to be able to mentally do
it too. Obviously we need the technique for it, but we also need to
be able to do it. This sometimes means overcoming fear: you aren't
able to use your ability and be useful if your fear stops you (or
inhibits you, as it's usually harder to do things well while scared).
This is true function: what the limits of your ability are. Sometimes
these are physical (I can jump so far, so precisely, I can do this
much weight, I can pull myself onto a wall this many times, I can get
up a wall this high). Also to take into account is consistency: being
able to grab a 14ft wall one time in ten doesn't help if you're being
chased by a dog and need to make it, for example. And third, as I
said, is the mental limits. "Yes, I can make this jump, but only
if I prepare myself for it." Or, "I can do a cat-leap 10ft,
but if there was a drop beneath my I'd be too scared to do it". </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GNS6txqfeoPTV2GF9ERzkP36fnmAInFOcc1L7yISh9dT4tzbJxEvmuvZ5ZYityPf0xDMc9R04N5qHQobcEURPimGk3r_xBEI-F0P8w3Q3Cm6pSY4XBg3napZ8YcRWo7CkqoETRkWSnbe/s1600/484984_10152612928180541_1176611246_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GNS6txqfeoPTV2GF9ERzkP36fnmAInFOcc1L7yISh9dT4tzbJxEvmuvZ5ZYityPf0xDMc9R04N5qHQobcEURPimGk3r_xBEI-F0P8w3Q3Cm6pSY4XBg3napZ8YcRWo7CkqoETRkWSnbe/s320/484984_10152612928180541_1176611246_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rail precisions are scary</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Until recently, that's all I thought this phrase meant. Be strong,
and have useful strength. Turns out there's more to it than that.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Be strong to be useful" doesn't just mean we're being
strong so that we're able to be useful (like functional strength); it
also means that with our strength we should be useful. It's a call to
actually be useful. This the same idea as "with great power
comes great responsibility": do something with your strength.
Carry someone's shopping, or a suitcase up the stairs, or whatever. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Interestingly, David Belle seems to
think that a key purpose (if
not the main one) of his parkour training was so that he could rescue
his family if need be - his family had a past of being fire fighters
(good ones, in the Paris squad which apparently has a great
reputation). Blane (Chris Rowat, now with PKGen in London, very
inspirational) has said a similar thing in the past.They train for other
reasons too (or at least get other benefits from parkour), but this is a
focus for them. This is probably utility fully realised, the ability to
save someone's life. Both physically and mentally (especially not being
overwhelmed by fear and being able to focus and do). This is why, for
example, height training is good, as that gives us fear, and practising
with fear helps you to learn to deal with it. Similarly with any jump
that needs breaking or a movement that makes you scared. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqC6R68hSEwnnUDZm0H7nCdfJAdTAF7JuYTATWqVYwgiljQDBQQwP88prZWWj6raLeuQgJnq5kltgeFAWwKnJslvMqR2WcnWGr4dKV8FVuZDgL5J2jpOux8O2wqxpO6ZHCklxUSMwztCD/s1600/DSC_0178.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqC6R68hSEwnnUDZm0H7nCdfJAdTAF7JuYTATWqVYwgiljQDBQQwP88prZWWj6raLeuQgJnq5kltgeFAWwKnJslvMqR2WcnWGr4dKV8FVuZDgL5J2jpOux8O2wqxpO6ZHCklxUSMwztCD/s320/DSC_0178.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moving over a wall quickly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Ok,
great!", I imagine you saying, "you talked in a philosophical way about
the discipline of parkour.". How about some application of all this to
training.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In
parkour, we must train to be useful. There's the obvious stuff: improve
what you can do, get stronger, overcome fear and other barriers. That's
what we do in parkour training most of the time (aesthetics are kind-of
irrelevant, and showing off is not the point and is bad for parkour).
Then there's the active step of actually being useful. But here's some
suggestions for how to train to be more useful.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1.
Train in all conditions. Not reluctantly, but embrace it. When it
rains, you've got this whole new environment to try out and challenge
yourself in (I've written about this before on the Oxford Parkour blog).
But you also need to become capable of moving in the rain, not being
scared, and knowing how the rain affects the environment for what you
can and can't do. Train in the cold, train in the heat, train in the wet
and the icy. If you have to use real parkour (instead of artificial
training) by running for the bus, escaping from something, or saving a
life, you can't choose the conditions, so get used to it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2.
Train in a more realistic way. I've noticed this when I've had to run
for the train this week: there's no warm-up and you need to be ready.
Try doing some training without doing a warm-up and wearing the clothes
you usually wear, and see what you can do. Go straight for the difficult
stuff (for you) and with speed, because when it comes to it you have to
get it right first time. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3.
You should always be ready. Physically, this means looking after it
with stretches/mobility/massage (lacrosse ball!) and nutrition.
Mentally, pay attention: be aware as you walk. Don't listen to music too
loud or get distracted by your smartphone; instead be aware of what's
going on and the environment you're in. When I'm out at night or in a
dodgy area or get a bad vibe, I pay more attention. But I do it at
normal times too: seeing where cars are, what other people are doing,
etc. (This has its own merit instead of being incase something bad
happens, it means I have fewer accidents and can do things like cross
roads at efficient times and wait less at traffic lights). Be always
ready, always alert, and ready to act without hesitation if you need to,
as if something happens you probably won't have time: for example if
somebody starts a fight, tries to steal from you, or a car is going to
crash into you.</div>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvdWnjgVG07BFX2fUjuv8oj2v9Uc5GeOMavxp3lqdRXSOHQ5J36RX1LLnK-vJuAqS5fugsvh6WdBVGPSRfKv4XiMnxqin1icoxbRvIqpjMFQ9A_9cQShtTRk_x00BJKSVWlZUETvD1b-p/s1600/29017_10152612938495541_1503292550_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvdWnjgVG07BFX2fUjuv8oj2v9Uc5GeOMavxp3lqdRXSOHQ5J36RX1LLnK-vJuAqS5fugsvh6WdBVGPSRfKv4XiMnxqin1icoxbRvIqpjMFQ9A_9cQShtTRk_x00BJKSVWlZUETvD1b-p/s320/29017_10152612938495541_1503292550_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So there are some thoughts of mine about parkour philosophy and training style!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
*Methode Naturelle (natural method) is a style of training meant
to be all-round and natural, including
running/swimming/fighting/climbing/lifting heavy things like rocks
and logs/other things. It's modern reincarnation is the MovNat
franchise (not sure if franchise is the right word), which is also
great.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />(This post is written by Alex, also at www.alexmay.co.uk, my blog which also includes non-parkour things)<br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-10847313532393603452013-10-13T15:56:00.001-07:002013-10-13T15:56:54.002-07:00Parkour Begins!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/5589be_6fe9bd861aca7ad4f30096bd557d7437.jpg_srz_1004_669_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/5589be_6fe9bd861aca7ad4f30096bd557d7437.jpg_srz_1004_669_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Training at one of our regular spots, Saint Giles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
2013's Term time is finally upon us!<br />
<br />
This week we have had a very successful 3 days at the University Freshers Fair. If we met you over there, then here's a big "Hello!" and a warm welcome to our little community! We have manage to <strike>coerce</strike> enthuse over 200 of you guys to take a peek at what we get up to, so without further ado - here is a message from Olly with regards to our plan for Week 1 of the 2013 term!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<blockquote>
Hi - and welcome to the most funnest and cooliest club in Oxford! </blockquote>
<blockquote>
It was great to meet all you guys at the Freshers' Fair last week. Seriously pleased that so many of you are ready to give Parkour a go for the first time - I know you're going to love it! </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Here, as promised, is the timetable for next week. Normally this info would only be on our FB page (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/OXFPK/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>groups/OXFPK/</a> - do join us right now!) but we'd like to keep things really easy this week.<br />
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1394948374" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday 15th October: 4pm</span></span>, <a href="https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.758589,-1.260228&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x4876c6a7ca86e909:0x226d8e9335b5456e,51.758589,-1.260228&gl=uk&ei=5OtaUqC_AYOx0QXMxoBo&ved=0CDEQ8gEwAA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">St Giles</a> Monument with Olly (me)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1394948375" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday 17th October: 6pm</span></span>, <a href="https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.758589,-1.260228&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x4876c6a7ca86e909:0x226d8e9335b5456e,51.758589,-1.260228&gl=uk&ei=5OtaUqC_AYOx0QXMxoBo&ved=0CDEQ8gEwAA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">St Giles</a> with Nikolay</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1394948376" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday 19th October: 11am</span></span>, <a href="https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.758589,-1.260228&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x4876c6a7ca86e909:0x226d8e9335b5456e,51.758589,-1.260228&gl=uk&ei=5OtaUqC_AYOx0QXMxoBo&ved=0CDEQ8gEwAA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">St Giles</a> with Josh (VP)</li>
</ul>
<br />
These first sessions at <a href="https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.758589,-1.260228&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x4876c6a7ca86e909:0x226d8e9335b5456e,51.758589,-1.260228&gl=uk&ei=5OtaUqC_AYOx0QXMxoBo&ved=0CDEQ8gEwAA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">St Giles</a> (click for a google map of where it is located) are going to be focused on beginners. The hope is that more experienced practitioners will be on hand to assist the official coach and offer any additional tips. All sessions are free to <i>everyone</i> in the whole club next week. Also, all first-timers are free <i>whenever </i>they make their first appearance,<i>whichever</i> week that might be.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
We can, by the way, introduce you to the sport at any time (even in week 7) so don't feel you've missed the boat if your all-consuming new interest in yodelling means you don't have time to meet us this first week. You can come to one, none or all of the sessions, no probs. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
There is no joining fee or special equipment needed to Join OXPK; just good trainers (flexible and grippy) and weather-appropriate clothing. From week two onwards though there will be a small charge (a few shekles) per session which will cover various costs that the club must bear, so make the most of week one to save your pennies! </blockquote>
<blockquote>
The times and places will certainly vary a bit each week, (Hopefully that will mean that there's always one or more timings that suit you.) Come and join our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/OXFPK/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FB page</a> and you'll always know what's happening. Even the above info is subject to change! </blockquote>
<blockquote>
We're looking forward to welcoming all you new members to the club, so please scribble your first parkour meet in your diary now! </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Cheers, </blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<b>Olly ~ OXPK President</b></blockquote>
Nikolayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10295301843089963223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-13529867023384590442013-10-03T13:30:00.001-07:002013-10-12T05:09:35.844-07:00Alex's Parkour Video<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<u><b>Parkour Video Blog Post</b></u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<i>Hey guys, Alex here. I made a parkour video - see <a href="http://youtu.be/PFKiiWrC3iE" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/PFKiiWrC3iE</a> - and this blog post is to go with it. I've been doing parkour for a
bit over three years, I think, though never training particularly
intensely for it it's been the sort of training I've been doing. I also started up a group in Oxford, which I coached for a year.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<u>Preamble</u></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: none;">1.
“</span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">This is not a
typical show-off video</span></i><span style="text-decoration: none;">”.
Lots of parkour videos are people showing how skilful they are and
how impressive what they can do is. I don't have anything against
those videos as such (although they can often corrupt the training
and make people train to make videos and show off, this isn't always
the case), but that isn't what I'm trying to do here. I'm not trying
to show off and showcase what I can do as such - I train for myself –
rather, I want to use the video with this post as a commentary to
explain what parkour is. I actually got the idea from talking to my
grandparents and other relatives and parkour is often hard to
explain, but I also want to use it to try to help friends (and
anybody else who sees this, if it gets shared) </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">understand
what parkour is, as parkour properly isn't about “jumping off
buildings and doing flips”. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">If
you watch it and think, “</span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">that
doesn't look too hard</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">”,
then maybe that'll encourage you to give it a go. I want to show
stuff that I actually practise in training, as show-off videos often
just show a small part of it </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">(the
more impressive stuff).</span></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
Along this theme, I also tried to make everything as realistic as
possible and not do lots of reshoots and show it perfectly for the
camera. Most of the clips shown are the first or second attempt at
that time, unless something went wrong with the filming, as I wanted
to show what is actually me instead of a polished version I put
forward (it was quite hard to resist that corruption). There isn't much in it that is particularly new, but that's
the point of having done training in the past: so that when you come
to doing something for the first time that time, it's better than
otherwise would have been.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">2.</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
I think it's best to read the blog and the video at the same time, as
the post will be a commentary on the video, explaining what I am
doing and why. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">I don't
know how easy this will actually be, but I'll put in time references
so you can do that.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">3.
This is the first video I've ever made, so the editing isn't great. A
lot of this is me, though sometimes the software did something wrong
(like mashing a fade or speeding up footage). I also didn't manage to
edit the sound out a bit. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">It
was filmed over three days while I was in Oxford to coach parkour,
and many of the ideas and filming came from Brendan Riley (coach with
EMP Parkour in the West Midlands).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
4. I'm not going to try and give a definition of parkour as such, and
a coherent one is quite hard to find. Some describe it as efficient
movement (which is only a part of it), but it's more like a
discipline of training or exercise, the idea as a whole of improving
your own capabilities and movement, including the mental side of it.
This video talks more about the different physical movements which
are a part of this. The physical training is all about movement:
instead of going to a gym and lifting weights to get muscle and look
big, it's about moving round the environment to train yourself to be
strong and useful (able to do things, instead of just lift weight).
It's good all-round training, working pretty much all of the body and
in different ways (strength and stamina), lots of variety in the
movement, and because there's lots of moving it's good for
flexibility and mobility too. As well as this, it's great mentally to
for challenging yourself, fighting fears, gaining discipline, etc.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<u><b>The Video</b></u></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>Introduction (0:00 – 0:31). </i>I had two ideas for an
introduction, the backflip with backdrop and me running into shot.
For the backflip, I originally wanted with the Radcliff Camera in the
background, as that's the typical Oxford picture, but it was covered
in scaffolding, so All Souls college (I think) is the backdrop. The
actual flip I put in too much power and staggered backwards, but I
like the shot with the backdrop.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
People argue that a backflip isn't strictly parkour, but I don't want
to get into that here. Parkour is movement training with a certain
philosophy, and I think a backflip can fit into that as being useful
for training. It means a lot to me as learning to backflip helped
massively with confidence and dealing with fear, and it took me a
long time to learn it (initially, even trying with two people to help
me round I was completely scared of doing it to me, and it's a
massive leap that I'm able to do them almost without thinking now).</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
The second shot was just a nice entrance in nice scenery, the point
was just to get the Oxford Parkour logo in there. It's a group for
parkour in Oxford (!) which I started last year, and it's been great
to bring together a small community to train together.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
With the text sequence, in editing I managed to mix up the order a
bit (as you can obviously see). That's my fault, I left it to the
last minute to finish the video (late at night when I was flying to
Venice the following morning) and didn't check it through and didn't
have time to redo it.</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>0:31-0:41</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. This was just a
little movement sequence in New College cloister</span><span style="font-style: normal;">s
to go in and out of the arches. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">A
vault through an arch, a spin on the wall, then a bigger vault out to
clear the table.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>0:45-1:05</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. These just show
different possible combinations of vaults going at different angles.
This is just to show a range of movements to get over something, and
the point is to move from one point to another through the obstacle
in as easy a way as possible. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">When
practising this sort of movement, it's important to practice all
manner of approaches and combinations and repeating them so it
becomes instinctive. There's not really a limit to the number of
different 'moves' to use to get over something, just depends on the
situation and the person </span><span style="font-style: normal;">which
work.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>1:06-1:13</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Again just a short
movement sequence to show moving through something. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Took
awhile to film as we had to wait for a gap in pavement-traffic.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>1:14-1:16</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. This is called a
cat-pass-precision: the cat-pass is the vault going over the first
wall, the precision means landing on a particular thing (the little
step). It just shows a vault being used to continue moving forward. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">I
find it quite a weird movement to do, as you have to gauge how much
power to put into the vault to get the landing right, and I hadn't
done much of this combination until relatively recently (Easter or
so). </span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>1:17-1.28</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Another
cat-pass-precision, this one going upwards. I think this is the best
(fastest/most efficient) of getting between the obstacles if I
removed the pause at the top. This was my second attempt at this, and
I didn't have enough skill to 'stick' the jump to the mill-stone
('stick' meaning land and stay on the spot instead of shuffling or
falling forwards). </span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>1.35-1.39</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. The parkour roll
is probably one of the most famous parkour moves, the obvious purpose
being to take a height drop without damaging the body. It's necessary
when there is downwards and directional movement as the legs alone
are only really useful for landing directly downwards (the knees
don't like having to stop you fall forwards/sideways), though there
are other ways such as landing like a monkey and using your hands to
help too. This was the first time I had actually jumped from the top
of the monument, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">having only
done it from the penultimate step before. It's great to have steps so
that you can practise different heights and work your way up –
beginners, start at the bottom! </span><span style="font-style: normal;">It's
surprisingly effective at dissipating the momentum from the drop, but
you have to learn the technique pretty well to do it safely; mine
isn't good enough that I can do it onto concrete without it hurting,
though I could do it fine if I needed to.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>1:40-1:54</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">The
clips are in r</span><span style="font-style: normal;">everse
chronological order, but I changed it because I like the way that the
guy in white points at what I'm going to do. I did the jump as filmed
earlier, and he was explaining to his friends what I had done. I
later had a chat with them about it and a couple of them tried a few
jumps themselves. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">This jump
I've practised lots of times, it's a bread-and-butter sort of
movement. </span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
This spot (the area between St Giles cemetery and war memorial) with
the two walls and the monument is probably the standard Oxford
parkour location, and is often the meeting point. I've spent many
hours jumping around these walls, which aren't much, and a couple of
the other places in the video are just round the corner from it.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>1.55-2:10</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">A
c</span><span style="font-style: normal;">lassic standing jump, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">called
a</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> 'precision' because it's
onto a 'precise' point. The important part is to land with balls of
the feet on the corner of the object at whatever angle you're coming
in at – your feet must be on the line between your centre of mass
and the part of the object, otherwise you slip forwards or backwards
or cannot stop yourself from moving forwards. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">The
jump down is trickier for the angle of it, to land on the corner
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">correctly, and in this one
I'm a little bit too far forward (you can see me tip a bit).</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>2:11-2:19</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">This
shows me jumping into a wall and bouncing off it, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">obviously.
The point is so that you can jump into a flat surface and bounce off
it – sometimes it's a useful way to get somewhere, for example if
you want to drop down into an alleyway or as a way to slow you down,
but it's also useful for practice incase you're trying to grab the
top of a wall and miss.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>2:20-2:30</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. These are just a
couple of routes around the rails, just being about fluid movement.
The Bruce Lee quote </span><span style="font-style: normal;">“flow
like water” is what we're aiming for. This isn't about finding the
most direct way through the obstacle, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">being
instead a way of practi</span><span style="font-style: normal;">s</span><span style="font-style: normal;">ing
foot placement, co-ordination and a connecting different movements
fluidly. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>2:35-3:18</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. This is just
balance training with a couple of jumps. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Jumping
onto a rail ('rail-precisions') </span><span style="font-style: normal;">is
obviously harder than jumping onto a wall and there is less margin
for error, plus the mental challenge, but that's why it's useful to
practice. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">When filming this,
I made both the jumps the first and second time, though previously I
had stuck it less than a third of the time I attempted it (the others
with overshoot or undershoot I would just bounce off). </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>3:19-3:35</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Running up a wall
is another parkour fundamental: getting over something. You can
probably see that reaching the top of this wall </span><span style="font-style: normal;">isn't
too tricky for me, I think the highest I can do is around 13ft –
typical walls can't stop us! </span><span style="font-style: normal;">It's
all about practice, power and foot placement. The shimmy along is a
method of moving and one that should be trained by repetition, as
sometimes it might be necessary to do it at height! It toughens the
hands as well as strengthening. I finish with a “climb-up” onto
the wall, though if I was trying to go over the wall to begin with
I'd do this with the wall-run to get on top. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>3:40-3:50</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. This just shows a
couple of precision-jumps from one thing to another. Thinking about
how many of these I've done in my three years of parkour, it would
probably be a few thousand, as in one session you can do hundreds if
that's what you're practising. As I said before, it's about landing
on the corner of the object (or if it's rounded, the bit you land on
has to be a straight line from your centre of mass to the centre of
the curve), otherwise you slip forwards or backwards. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">It's
important to start small and get good technique, as well as
practising getting it wrong on purpose – what happens if you put in
too much or not enough power or a foot slips – so that if something
does go wrong you know how to react to it. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Especially
if you're doing a jump with a drop on one side, you don't want that
to happen!</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>3:50-4:01</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Just showing some
different ways of moving </span><span style="font-style: normal;">in
these obstacles</span><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>4:03-4:08</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Another
cat-pass-precision, going over the first trunk and landing on the
second. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">I think this is where
I did my first ever cat-pass-precision.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>4:08-4:27</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. I'm attempting
another cat-pass-precision but further along the tree, so the bit I'm
landing on is higher (meaning I have to have more height on the jump
to make it). I think this was the third occasion I'd done this on, I
find them quite scary! I've included some of the mental preparation
in the clip to show how that works,</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
as that's often pretty significant. If a jump is mentally
challenging, we call it 'breaking the jump' – beating your fear and
doing it. This is only done when you know that you can attempt the
jump safely, but for some reason you're uncomfortable with it and get
a mental block or some fear; </span><span style="font-style: normal;">if
you aren't sure you can do it, it's daredevil stupidity, which is not
what parkour is about!</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">I think it took me two or three
minutes to actually do the jump once I decided I was going to do it –
sometimes it's about actually checking things like the slippyness of
the shoes, others things are just mental tics to go over to get
yourself into the right frame of mind to make the jump. I also
visualise the jump and run through it in my head – what </span><span style="font-style: normal;">I
will see when </span><span style="font-style: normal;">I'm in the air,
for example – to help me concentrate on it. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Sometimes
this is useful and necessary, but it's often just a waste of time and
one should just get one with it and let instinct deal with it
(definitely something I can improve). </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>4:27-5:22</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">T</span><span style="font-style: normal;">his
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">clip </span><span style="font-style: normal;">shows
me doing some balancing with a bit of height. You can almost never
train balance well enough – when you can run or walk briskly
backwards at height with a blindfold, maybe you're there. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">At
height you have to deal with the stress and fear of height too </span><span style="font-style: normal;">(</span><span style="font-style: normal;">which
actually makes balance worse and impairs you</span><span style="font-style: normal;">)</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">which is quite useful </span><span style="font-style: normal;">as
mental training too</span><span style="font-style: normal;">. I do a
couple of squats facing forwards, which are good for balance as well
as strength (and as Forrest point out to me, good practice for
landing rail-precisions), as well as single-leg (pistol) squats,
which are better for working strength and also the stabilising
muscles around the knee and ankle with the balance. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">This
clip was my first </span><span style="font-style: normal;">time up on
the bar this day (though I've done balance at height a fair amount
previously)</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> and I was up
there for a few minutes. The kid beneath me was watching and I spoke
to him afterwards – </span><span style="font-style: normal;"> I'm
sure some people will say that it was dangerous for me to jump and I
could have hit him, but I knew that he was far enough away that it
was fine, and </span><span style="font-style: normal;">if I thought
there was a chance I would hit him when I fell than I would've
grabbed the bar instead of landing on the ground and rolling </span><span style="font-style: normal;">towards
him </span><span style="font-style: normal;">(falling from lack of
balance is usually pretty controlled, and you'll only slip and wipe
out if you aren't concentrating or you're trying to run or
something).</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>5:18-5:30</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Unfortunately
there aren't many overhead bars in Oxford so I don't get to practice
swinging on them much, but here's a couple of fun things on them. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>5:30-5:40</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. This shows some
movement which is more directly applicable to getting from one place
to another. Yay for jumps!</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>5:40-5:45</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. This precision was
a big deal for me. The clip was the second occasion I've done it, and
the first time I did it it took me twenty minutes to 'break' as I was
really scared. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Physically it
was pretty easy, just about technically getting the right angle, but
because there was a 1m drop on the other side it </span><span style="font-style: normal;">gave
me loads of fear.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>5:45-5:50</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Backflip in Christ
Church </span><span style="font-style: normal;">college</span><span style="font-style: normal;">.
I went there to show Brendan as it's in Harry Potter </span><span style="font-style: normal;">(the
first one, the entrance to the great hall, where McGonnagal tells
them all to go into the hall to be sorted)</span><span style="font-style: normal;">,
but I also wanted to get a clip there. We got up a bit earlier than
usual to make sure we were the first tourists there. I just think
it's a nice clip for the surroundings!</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>5:50-5:54</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. These were a bit
scary, but that was the challenge! We thoroughly checked all of the
logs beforehand to see if they were stable and slippy – as I do
with everything I do, every wall I jump to, I test out the grip </span><span style="font-style: normal;">and
stability</span><span style="font-style: normal;">. It looks a bit odd
when I walk up to a wall and stroke it, but it's useful to do so th</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Vk1tSyoO1YJ-HLmUVeplJR1NY8L78cAVu738pD0plGTgiiPX8xjSiUvInECzZ6x_rTXghW-hFO5ar1yIr5POQFYI1bzzmpv0wvKIrhdxyKx8P_EeuZl8FVHjplEvxov4BtiE2VFbqXaY/s1600/20130925_142859.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
at
you don't slip unexpectedly and know how to treat the surface.
<br />
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<i>5:54-6:08</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. This is the same
cat-pass-precision as earlier, except this time I 'stick' it. This
was the first time I'd ever 'stuck' it, and up until this I had made
about thirty attempts. To get the right angle and land on the corner
you have to reduce the power of the jump a bit to actually get the
corner, and mid-air it can be quite scary as you might not think you
can make it. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
The guy in red at the end is Brendan. Big thanks to him for filming
lots of this for me (also thanks Vicky for filming other parts of
it!)! He's done parkour for eight years or so and is a coach and
performer around the West Midlands area – I owe a lot of my
parkour-doing to him, as attending classes he runs was how I started
parkour and he teaches me a lot.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
I hope you've enjoyed watching this and have a better understanding
of what parkour training is. If you think it looks fun (it is!) then
maybe you should try it out! It's a great way to keep fit for reasons
I said earlier, and is also much much less dangerous than everyone
assumes it is (silly prejudices and misunderstandings). If you have
any questions, feel free to ask, or just to let me know what you thought =)</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Vk1tSyoO1YJ-HLmUVeplJR1NY8L78cAVu738pD0plGTgiiPX8xjSiUvInECzZ6x_rTXghW-hFO5ar1yIr5POQFYI1bzzmpv0wvKIrhdxyKx8P_EeuZl8FVHjplEvxov4BtiE2VFbqXaY/s1600/20130925_142859.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Vk1tSyoO1YJ-HLmUVeplJR1NY8L78cAVu738pD0plGTgiiPX8xjSiUvInECzZ6x_rTXghW-hFO5ar1yIr5POQFYI1bzzmpv0wvKIrhdxyKx8P_EeuZl8FVHjplEvxov4BtiE2VFbqXaY/s400/20130925_142859.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snap from Vienna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-75059075172837132582013-10-01T03:04:00.000-07:002013-10-04T03:05:30.846-07:00A summer recapWith summer pretty much over, I thought I'd update you all on what's been happening lately!<br />
<br />
<b>What? Who is this guy?</b><br />
<br />
First of all, hello! I'm Nikolay with newly wrangled blogging privileges, ready to be abused! I first started training parkour back in 2005 and by trade, I am a software engineer. I've joined this happy family in May '13 following a bit of a hiatus from parkour, which I allowed to last far longer than it should have.<br />
<br />
As Oxford is a University town, a large portion of its population tend to live here only during term time and return home during the holidays. Thus, many of our regular traceurs have not been around lately, meaning that numbers have been down.<br />
<br />
<b>What's been happening?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
What, you mean other than <a href="http://oxpk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/freemove-event.html" target="_blank">FreeMove visiting Oxford</a>, the <a href="http://oxpk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/new-committee.html" target="_blank">new committee</a> being voted in, <span id="goog_101290292"></span><a href="http://oxpk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/faringdon-pump-house-project.html" target="_blank">The Pump House Project<span id="goog_101290293"></span> setting up shop</a> down the road in Faringdon and the humbling experience that was <a href="http://oxpk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/rendezvous-2013.html" target="_blank">Rendezvous 2013</a>?<br />
<br />
Lots of training, that's what! I've carried on training over the summer, what with the glorious weather we have been having. Apparently it's not gone unnoticed either as we have had quite a number of people join us for our training sessions, some with previous parkour experience, others completely new to the discipline and it's been amazing training with each and every one of you and watching you guys develop!<br />
<br />
On the subject of training sessions, during the holidays we switched over to a much more free-form, collaborative format of training. As such, until the start of term in October, all sessions have been organised on a drop-in drop-out basis, and as such have been completely free.<br />
<br />
I've added structure to sessions where it seemed appropriate and/or useful to, but for the most part it's been a case of getting traceurs together in one place and sharing experiences. Learning together the old fashioned way, in short!<br />
<br />
Anyone wanting to get involved, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/OXFPK" target="_blank">jump in on Facebook</a>!Nikolayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10295301843089963223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-29542405412432389812013-09-09T08:47:00.000-07:002013-09-09T08:47:33.228-07:00New Committee!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.toonpool.com/user/997/files/election_somebody_had_to_win_681805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://www.toonpool.com/user/997/files/election_somebody_had_to_win_681805.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As you may or may not know, Alex's studies are taking him to Germany for a year.<br />
<br />
Argh! PANIC!<br />
<br />
Alex has pretty much single handedly created the current incarnation of the Oxford Parkour community and done a damn fine job of it, going above and far beyond the call of duty! It's probably thanks to his work that many people are training in Oxford today!<br />
<br />
It would be a crime to allow all this work to be undone, but also a tall order to do as much as he was able to. Luckily, our new committee now 3 whole times bigger than it once was! At the start of June, public voting was held in order to pick the new committee, so I proudly introduce to you the Triforce that will now be carrying the torch!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5Ea879SmS1_B7BHIxLLdG2Z2A_IUMPIuN8zn5z0ThIKy8TfABLBuGB-PyGwCwi1NwEMnIqL4KqgWSi4OGKV_yhB77SDRTB5tEOs583z4jouc6uPkWMSeCZAoA-Y1Z4CLW8MFaeNiko4x/s1600/Olly2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5Ea879SmS1_B7BHIxLLdG2Z2A_IUMPIuN8zn5z0ThIKy8TfABLBuGB-PyGwCwi1NwEMnIqL4KqgWSi4OGKV_yhB77SDRTB5tEOs583z4jouc6uPkWMSeCZAoA-Y1Z4CLW8MFaeNiko4x/s1600/Olly2.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>President: Oliver Selway</b><br />
Oliver is a true generalist. He has experience in a huge range of sports, martial arts and other activities. He is also a certified instructor in Parkour's broader cousin, <a href="http://www.movnat.com/" target="_blank">MovNat</a> and a professional trainer at his company, <a href="http://www.woodland-workouts.co.uk/" target="_blank">Woodland Workouts</a>. In addition to this, he has written the book "<a href="http://instinctive-fitness.com/" target="_blank">Instinctive Fitness</a>", which outlines a very 'hunter-gatherer' approach to both diet, and exercise. Oliver has a fresh take on parkour and has a deep knowledge of bio mechanics, dietary impacts and fitness in general.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsH_4vjDXgbBzXqauK0DzETKrmh6A4oZuk2JOGTHnOTA_y_SoIsoGPAsv86knbNF9o4BuHaQe-u2QOSYXknXjQ6TGLcqwDo8FRXnB2sBjQZVG3o00j2rsP_LC4OBMF9-JZuAqrvwYsaLL/s1600/josh1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsH_4vjDXgbBzXqauK0DzETKrmh6A4oZuk2JOGTHnOTA_y_SoIsoGPAsv86knbNF9o4BuHaQe-u2QOSYXknXjQ6TGLcqwDo8FRXnB2sBjQZVG3o00j2rsP_LC4OBMF9-JZuAqrvwYsaLL/s1600/josh1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b>Vice President: Josh Peaker</b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Josh has been one of the most active traceurs during the last academic year and his passion and energy for movement has always been a great boost to everyone's motivation! He is also a Salsa Dancer and a 3rd year student of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Oxford.</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAeTW_-EWdsxW9F9SNuhbvgfZIOT-gW2iTiWNW94SOkEw7GIRDlR0NvqWlz63qdSBfmtwB6UT3yF5YTBGSWWj3J1bihl0mZKedCNMGYNIIl4CDc36Hq5UT1SlwfOaEt4V3iSCixsJhYBf/s1600/Jonathan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAeTW_-EWdsxW9F9SNuhbvgfZIOT-gW2iTiWNW94SOkEw7GIRDlR0NvqWlz63qdSBfmtwB6UT3yF5YTBGSWWj3J1bihl0mZKedCNMGYNIIl4CDc36Hq5UT1SlwfOaEt4V3iSCixsJhYBf/s1600/Jonathan.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>Treasurer: Jonathan Han</b><br />
Having spent his childhood running around woods, pretending to be a ninja (haven't we all!), Jonathan joined Oxford Parkour from it's very inception and has been diligently training ever since! In addition to parkour, he enjoys weightlifting and is looking at getting back into swimming and martial arts. Out in the real world, he is currently a 3rd Year Medical Student at Pembroke College.Nikolayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10295301843089963223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-31552166826287229532013-08-19T09:07:00.000-07:002013-09-11T15:35:42.765-07:00Rendezvous 2013<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAbjmUojZ6Qv-who0sLemnjkxSThk4_neUIUiuNtDgrfy3ptCJ5Hu3CAEKUZ1htbY1Z22rYMWQwOYCM18NN9JYDwEjLCsz08yV6HEH5WQchwpUwoVaDjzOvIAamUyT5_rrUVmqnESPIQW/s1600/RDV2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Large gathering of about 200 traceurs, with the Rendezvous 2013 logo above them." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAbjmUojZ6Qv-who0sLemnjkxSThk4_neUIUiuNtDgrfy3ptCJ5Hu3CAEKUZ1htbY1Z22rYMWQwOYCM18NN9JYDwEjLCsz08yV6HEH5WQchwpUwoVaDjzOvIAamUyT5_rrUVmqnESPIQW/s400/RDV2013.jpg" height="266" title="Rendezvous 2013, End of Day 1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group shot at the end of Rendezvous 2013, Day 1. <br />
Levels of awesome in this photo are too damn high!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Alex, Oliver and I had the pleasure of going to <a href="http://www.parkourgenerations.com/events/rendezvous-2013" target="_blank">Rendezvous 2013</a> this year. It is an annual event hosted by Parkour Generations, who are also joined by other coaches from around the world, to one spot with the aims of spreading the knowledge. Joining the coaches (and the reason the event is called what it is) were two members of the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOYpHLHg6io" target="_blank">Yamakasi</a> (this year it was <a href="http://www.parkourgenerations.com/node/9252" target="_blank">Chau Belle</a> and <a href="http://www.parkourgenerations.com/node/9254" target="_blank">Williams Belle</a>) also come along for the ride, offering their knowledge and experience.<br />
<br />
As you can see from the photo above, the turnout was huge. It was a two-day event and each day had a different location:<br />
<br />
- Day 1 was hosted at the <a href="http://www.parkourgenerations.com/LEAP" target="_blank">LEAP Park</a> in Westminster.<br />
- Day 2 was held at various sports in the Canada Water area.<br />
<br />
We were all split into five groups based on experience/ability and moved around different locations; in each we would be further split into smaller groups for the size of each location or exercise. It was fairly knackering and I think we all had to pace ourselves so that we could keep on going at the end. It was great to be training with so many other people and with such a great collection of coaches, and I'm sure we all learnt and progressed because of it.<br />
<br />
Alex's thoughts: "Initially I didn't think I'd learned loads from the event, but thinking back on it I did. I'd never tried cat-to-cat (hanging on a wall, jumping 180 to another wall) before, but at the event threw myself in without thinking too much and found I could do it, which would not otherwise have happened. I also really enjoyed a 30-minute rail-balance exercise with a 2m drop into a canal on one side - really challenged you mentally to stay calm and focussed."<br />
<br />
<br />
More images of the event can be found here: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/parkourgenerations/sets/72157635233280553/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/parkourgenerations/sets/72157635233280553/</a>Nikolayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10295301843089963223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-69279478190072783672013-07-26T12:00:00.000-07:002013-09-06T02:41:10.360-07:00Faringdon Pump House Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thepumphouseproject.co.uk/communities/8/004/012/023/148/images/4596383903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Photo of equipment and traceurs, taken at the Pump House in Farringdon" border="0" height="265" src="http://www.thepumphouseproject.co.uk/communities/8/004/012/023/148/images/4596383903.jpg" title="Photo taken at the Pump House in Farringdon" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More photos of the space and equipment can be found in their <a href="http://www.thepumphouseproject.co.uk/gallery-parkour/4578186358" target="_blank">Gallery</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Almost out of the blue, regular parkour coaching has become available at the Faringdon Pump House, courtesy of <a href="http://www.thepumphouseproject.co.uk/" rel="" target="_blank">The Pump House Project</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Pump House Project story is a great one - a community project started by the parents of two young traceurs to give them somewhere local to train parkour, they gained charity funding from the community (including from Lord Faringdon himself) and help from the council in converting a disused theatre into a usable hall. Along the way, they also got parkour added to the PE curriculum of the local school, which is quite rare!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's great to have a community get behind parkour when so often it gets really negative treatment, and hopefully it'll grow well in the future. Previously, the parents were having to drive to Basingstoke or Abingdon for parkour training (though the focus there was more on learning tricks than parkour essentials!) or, once we established ourselves, across to Oxford.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's right in the middle of the town of town and has a great community feel to it: the space is also used to host other youth activities such as Slacklining, Dance, Media, Radio and a Tuck Shop, with more activities being added and supported all the time!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.parkourgenerations.com/node/9123" rel="" target="_blank">Dale Wood</a> is a Parkour Generations developing athlete and incredible traceur in his own right. He is currently providing parkour coaching on Fridays and Saturdays, and teaches on dedicated parkour-specific equipment (built by <a href="http://freemove.co.uk/" rel="" target="_blank">FreeMove</a>), which some of you may have got to play with during the <a href="http://oxpk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/freemove-event.html" rel="" target="_blank">FreeMove event</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All in all, grab the chance to train with these guys while you can as spaces are limited and come term time, preference will be given to the youth, that this charity aims to support!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Public transport between Faringdon and Oxford is limited to a single bus route 66 (<a href="http://www.mkdayout.co.uk/oxford_swindon_times.htm" rel="" target="_blank">link and timetable</a>), but that just means that getting there is possible :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For more information, visit their site: <a href="http://www.thepumphouseproject.co.uk/">http://www.thepumphouseproject.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Keep track of them on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThePumpHouseProject">https://www.facebook.com/ThePumpHouseProject</a></span>Nikolayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10295301843089963223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-2289832387031392302013-05-11T08:14:00.003-07:002013-05-11T08:25:24.350-07:00Freemove Event<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; }</style>
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Hey everyone,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
There's a great parkour event happening
next Tuesday 21<sup>st</sup> May/5<sup>th</sup> Week). The summary
is:
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
one-day parkour park with great
equipment and coaching</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
1400-1500 talks; 1500-2000 parkour</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It's at the Oxford United Football
Club's Kassam stadium. 15 minute bus ride + 5 minute walk</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
You have to register (link at
bottom)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
You should definitely come, it
will be awesome</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Here's the more detailed explanation;
alternatively, watch the video linked at the bottom for what it
looked like last time.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The company Freemove makes parkour
equipment, probably the best in the world, and is doing a
roadshow/tour for publicity. They're rocking up in Oxford with some
low-loaders and setting up a parkour park for the day. There will be
an outdoor park and also indoor equipment set up, and there will be
coached sessions run every hour (and the option of just doing your
own thing, I think).
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If you haven't done parkour, that's no
reason not to come. Trying new things is generally good and you have
nothing to lose. It's basically just a playground but for adults. You
can climb on things, swing on things, jump between things, etc – in
part, that's all parkour is. It's also good exercise as it uses your
whole body in different ways, and the idea is to move in a natural
way. There's no such thing as “not being any good” (unless also
as a child you never went to a play area) because the idea isn't that
we stand around judging you on how good you are, it's that you have
fun and join in. Enthusiasm is all you need. It's also not dangerous
like everybody thinks it is – yes, if you try and jump off a 10ft
wall or do a backflip you will hurt yourself, but beginners start
with the basics and they are pretty safe. Nobody's forcing you to do
anything so whatever you do is controlled by you – it's only
dangerous if you do silly things.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If you're interest in coming to talks
by the national governing body, the coaching group Parkour
Generations, and the company, then they start at 1400. If you just
want to jump around on things, that's from 1500-2000. I don't mean
you have to come for the whole thing, just that the event is during
those times, so come any time during that period. To make the most of
it I'd say come for a couple of hours, but longer is good too (I'll
be there the whole day). There's some bus routes which go from Oxford
to quite nearby (link at the bottom) taking around 15 minutes, which
really isn't much. The event is free but you have to register (link
at end).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It's going to be really good and
everybody should definitely come and bring their friends/
family/tutors/etc. If you have a tutorial/lecture/class in the afternoon, get on the bus afterwards (bring food with you, don't wait for dinner); if you have work to do, get it done in advance or do it afterwards. If you're a finalist, then it's a shame you'll miss it and best of luck.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Here's a video from the roadshow they
did 2 years ago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxjMclkzdiY</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The link to the event:
freemoveoxford.eventbrite.co.uk/</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
How to get there:
www.oufc.co.uk/tickets/gettinghere/</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-6273980166793060042013-04-26T13:50:00.001-07:002013-04-26T13:50:49.965-07:00One step at a time
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<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Hey all,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Few things to say in this post. I'm
really happy with how parkour is going so far this term, it's great
to have 12 people at each session when 6 was the average last term,
and it seems that some of the newcomers are going to stick around,
which is great! I've also found a couple of new locations for
sessions so we can increase the variety so we don't get bored now
that we're doing 3 sessions each week. Also the OxStu is writing an
article about us which I'm told will be in print on Thursday, so we
might even get more people joining us after that!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This does give the problem that it's
harder to coach a larger group (the recommended ratio and limit for
insurance is 8:1, not that it matters because I'm not a proper coach
or insured), but that's a fairly nice problem to have and I'll do my
best with it and split the group up and/or give more freedom and less
structure.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Second thing I've got to say is a
couple of announcements. Firstly, the Freemove tour is hopefully
coming to Oxford – they're a company which make parkour equipment
and they're doing a national tour for publicity and want to come to
Oxford. They turn up with some low-loaders and vans and make a
parkour park for one day, I went to one a couple of years ago and it
was great. It's on the 20<sup>th</sup> May 2pm-8pm and there will be
sessions coached by proper coaches as well as freedom to play –
hopefully we can introduce a load of new people to parkour there too!
Still waiting on confirmation of a venue for that though, Oxford is a
hard place to find space in!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The second announcement is regarding a
parkour project in Faringdon. Called “PumpHouseParkour”, a group
consisting of a couple of teenage practitioners parents has managed
to find funding and got a lease to turn an old theatre into an indoor
parkour venue. It won't be completed until our summer term finishes,
but hopefully we'll be able to use it sometime next year - it's a
~40 minute bus ride or drive away but sounds like it's going to be
pretty good! This also means that there is a parkour coach not too
far away who we might be able to get to come to Oxford, but that's
just an idea at the moment.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Apart from that, I just thought I'd
share a reflection I've had the last couple of weeks. Over the Easter
break I managed to learn a couple of new tricks which I've now
managed to do outside, and looking back on it, I've realised that
I've got to a level of parkour that I'm quite happy with. I can
remember when I started out with parkour I had massive mental blocks
with doing flips and a few times was considering giving up (I took a
half-year break at one point) and saw some of the things I can now do
as really difficult and scary, but without noticing I've brought
myself up to that level I looked up to. I'm not claiming to be great,
but I've got to a stage that I had doubts I would get to, which makes
it encouraging looking to the future about what else I'll find myself
able to do.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
With this, I had the thought that
although it's nice to have a vision of where we want to get to, that
can often limit us by making it seem too far away. Instead, what's
important is that we keep improving ourselves and making continuable
progress. Often we don't notice the change as it's gradual, until we
go back somewhere and have vague memories of something which is now
done with ease being difficult at some point – I know that's what's
happened with me. It's also important not to get stuck in a rut –
focussing on one particular thing or movement might get us stuck, but
forgetting about it and coming back to it after doing some other
things often helps. I tried learning backflips for three to six
months, then gave up on them for half a year, and when I tried again,
the first one I did was the best one I had ever done!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A journey of a thousand miles always
starts with a single step – and you're only ever getting one more
step further from when you started.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-69219437732442374482013-04-01T10:16:00.004-07:002013-04-01T10:16:24.455-07:00Using time and training smart(ly)Aged 15, I spent one two-week school holiday doing nothing apart from playing computer games. At the end of it, I felt pretty terrible: I looked back and realised I had wasted two weeks and got nothing out of it. I resolved to do better next holiday, and the following holiday I ran 3 miles every day for two weeks. To begin with, it felt like a chore, but towards the end I was enjoying it. That was definitely better than the wasted holiday, but looking back I could've done better. The point of this post is firstly, to encourage you to use holiday time to train, and secondly, to try to give some tips on how to train well.<br />
<br />
I'm sure if you sat and thought about it, you'd agree that it would be beneficial to exercise - it probably isn't too much of an exaggeration to say that during holidays we waste a lot of time, and I know I could easily fit in a lot more than I currently do. So what are you waiting for - do it! A couple of weeks of decent conditioning will mean that when it comes to parkour next term, you can spend more time learning and improving and less being tired. So use your will power. Don't procrastinate - if you're watching TV or on your computer and have nothing better to do, do something right now! Or put it as part of your schedule in the morning, either before or straight after breakfast.<br />
<br />
So, now that you've got off your bum to do something, what do you do? Whatever it is, make sure you're training smart (or <i>smartly</i>, for those who follow rules of grammar) - at this point my example of running 3 miles each day was not such a good one. Firstly, mix it up: don't repeat the same thing, as while it will be beneficial, the benefits are limited, and without variety it's harder to continue improvement once you reach your first plateau. If you want to get fitter, don't just do continuous running: do interval running, vary your speeds, etc. This applies both to speed work and endurance work (there's more variety than that, but we'll keep it simple). So an example of different sessions that a distance runner might use: 30 minute continuous run, 20 minute fast run, 5 x 2 minute runs (2 minutes break between), 15 x 200m runs (but break it up, so 3 lots of 5 or 5 lots of 3, with a certain time between each 200m - can be 30 seconds or 2 minutes depending on the speed you want to run!), and so on. The same is true for speed stuff: sprinters do sessions which range from 20m to 600m with a variety of recovery.<br />
<br />
But we don't simply want to get good at putting one foot in front of the other: this is true for all exercises. For press-ups (for example, a staple upper-body exercise), don't just do as many as you can every day in one sitting - yes, this will help, but a smarter workout would help more. Mix it up between explosive press-ups (for example clap press-ups, but if that's too hard then just try and get a bit of airtime) and slow ones (taking 10 seconds per press up). Make it so that on some variations the most you can do in one go is 3, and on others go up to 15. Also repeat it - don't just do one lot, but give yourself a few minutes rest and go again. So, an example: three sets of press-ups with 5 minutes inbetween, in each set do as many of a certain type as you can. Another way of making press-ups harder is by raising your feet (incline press-ups) so that more bodyweight goes through your arms.<br />
<br />
Make sure you're working towards a certain target too. If you want to be explosive, do exercises that work muscles explosively. If you want improve your endurance, do exercises that work that, remembering that what you're working is endurance at a particular strength. For example, if you want to improve your strength, don't do 20 press-ups, as this works the endurance more (it will improve your strength, but not as effectively as something targeted). Instead, find an exercise where your maximum is around 5.<br />
<br />
Mix up your exercises too. Don't do standard press-ups all the time - I can think of around 15 different variations on press-up that work the same areas of muscles, but in different ways. Wider or lower hand placement or uneven hand placement, for example. Doing panthers/dive monkeys (same thing, two names - google it!) are also good for this.<br />
<br />
As well as mixing up your exercises, make sure you're working the whole body - legs, core (both abs and back), chest, arms, and upper back.<br />
<br />
I'm not going to list exercises or plans - there's plenty of information out there - but if you are stuck feel free to ask me anything.<br />
<br />
Aside from standard conditioning, get out there and practice parkour! I improved my balance a lot simply by using the road sign at the end of my street - every time I went past it I would jump on it. Either two-footed facing it, taking off one foot facing it (alternating feet), or running from behind it and trying to jump on and carry on running. Once you're on it, walk up and down, turn around, try standing still facing forwards, or even do squats (or one-legged squats!) to practice balancing. Similarly, there's a lot to be done on a simple kerb or wall. Doing ten minutes regularly will make a noticeable difference! Again, if you're out of ideas, search the internet or ask me.<br />
<br />
This has dragged on a bit, but hopefully you can see there's a lot you can and should do!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-53691078285379853432013-03-25T08:14:00.002-07:002013-03-25T08:17:41.922-07:00Next TermHi everyone,<br />
<br />
It's been awhile since any update to the blog and despite my earlier enthusiasm, I don't think that'll change much. But today I've been doing a bit of admin stuff for the group and thought I would write one about next term.<br />
<br />
The group started small in Michaelmas, but we persevered and we got to a nicer size in Hilary. Despite needing to train in the snow and the rain, we still had an average of 6 people per session, double the previous term. The people who've been around since the start have really improved and that's really nice to see. The sessions were hopefully enjoyable - I tried to keep the normal ones to a decent standard of variation and fun (as well as hard work!) but we also had a couple of jam sessions, a trip to london, and a games session.<br />
<br />
Next term it's going to be more of the same, but increased to 3 sessions a week. I'll try and do a poll closer to the time to decide when they are but it should be a variety of times - weekend and weekday, morning, afternoon and evening, and may change each time. Also, hopefully nicer weather and longer light will improve this. I've also been thinking about what the sessions will be and with 3 sessions there's more scope for improvement and variation.<br />
<br />
There will be more conditioning - and this isn't a bad thing! I've been reading a couple of blogs which reminded me of the importance of this, and a phrase often heard is "to be and to last"; also on the London trip, the guys who came remarked that the session run for us by Steve, one of the PKGen coaches in London, was much tougher than our usual ones and that we needed to step up!<br />
Given that we are throwing our bodies into and off hard things in movements they may not be used to we need to make sure they're up to the challenge. It also helps to strengthen our minds to deal with pain and fatigue and give us more resolve. Whether I designate a certain session to have lots of conditioning or just add in bits to each session, I'll try and make sure there's more. <br />
<br />
I'll also try and involve more games in our sessions. We had a games session towards the end of last term where we played tag, capture the flag, chase and last man standing. I've used some of the group funds to buy some bandanas which we can use as tags (like tag rugby) or to designate teams for games, so we'll be putting these to good use!<br />
<br />
The other minor things is that there's now a membership form which I'll be pushing next term; I'll try and actually get us a committee sorted to help with the admin stuff and prepare to continue the group next year when I'm not around; website update hopefully to be done in the next few weeks; and I'm trying a publicity drive through some newspapers (again) and I'll hit the email newsletters when term starts.<br />
<br />
Hope you're all managing to keep moving over the vacation!<br />
AlexUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-33871795283499777882013-01-20T08:07:00.002-08:002013-01-20T08:07:48.777-08:00Snow need for an awful pun about the fact we kept training in the snowIt snowed. We still trained. Rugby was cancelled, athletics was cancelled, the libraries shut early (fair enough, they do need to get home), and I'm sure many other sports were cancelled, but parkour was not! And why should we? It's only a bit of snow.<br />
<br />
Admittedly in the days before it I was considering not running a session, but then I remembered that we just don't do that. Part of parkour is about adapting to your environment, and weather is just a part of that. I saw a blog post awhile ago about treating different weather as a blessing: you can go to the places that you usually go to, but it's different. The environment has changed. The same way that we shouldn't seek out an easier obstacle for a certain move, we shouldn't expect certain weather. It makes a lot of things more difficult, and we should be glad for the challenge. It helps it to stop being boring when there aren't many good places to train in Oxford.<br />
<br />
It also forces you to be technically better. In the dry, you might be able to get away with a poorly angled landing with the grip on your feet, but when it's wet you can't. It's a good way to improve the precision of your movements, and there's also the added mental challenge to go with it. In addition to this, I felt a bit smug about the fact that we were still going when other sports had given up - surely that shows we're better?<br />
<br />
Anyway, sessions will continue to be twice-weekly this term. There was talk at yesterday's session of maybe having extra sessions now and then, including possibly a trip a London class (only 1 hour's drive and definitely worth it), an early-morning conditioning session, and a potential social.<br />
<br />
Sessions also now cost £2 each, up from £1. This is so that we can start looking a bit more long-term and have a bit of funding to play with, as well as paying off the cost of the website. It could be used for buying a bit of equipment or paying for a coach from london to come and run a session for us. But I'll make it accountable: we currently have £44, and at some point I'll try to sort something out so that we have an actual 'membership' (though it won't exclude anyone, it will mean we have a core of people who are regular) and some elected positions (president, etc). This is all stuff I've said before and I'm repeating it, whoops.<br />
<br />
I'm also going on a little publicity drive (email notices and asking Cherwell/OxStu if they want to write about us), so feel free to share the website on your facebook or invite friends individually. Though we haven't got too much space to grow (it starts getting difficult if more than 8 turn up to each session), there's still ample space for more people.<br />
<br />
Train safe/see you soon,<br />
AlexUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-23094174859817749392013-01-07T04:03:00.003-08:002013-01-07T04:03:39.833-08:00New Term and TrainingYesterday I went to Winterval, which is a day of parkour training and coaching with the ParkourGenerations group in London - there was six hours of exercise with only a lunch break in the middle and today almost every part of my body is aching (including the underside of my mouth, which is odd) held at an outdoor parkour training structure. <br />
<br />
I'm back in Oxford this Wednesday so I'll start organising training sessions for the following week at some point. I've had a few people get in touch with me over the holidays saying that they do parkour but aren't interested in coming to coached sessions. I've also realised that having entirely structured sessions means that you only practice things which I tell you to practice, so you don't get to do your own thing as much.<br />
<br />
When I started the group I wasn't intending it to be me coaching sessions all the time, I was more expecting to find a couple of people (including some experienced people) to train with (instead of people for me to train). But as it happened, there were beginners wanting to learn, so that's what I did. Maybe I've got slightly too caught up in this and was focusing too much, if not entirely, on this type of training.<br />
<br />
I have always been running things based on what people want though - if people want something different that's fine with me, I'm only doing anything based on what other people want. So it's up to you!<br />
<br />
Instead of structured sessions where I'm telling you what to do all the time, we could instead do more open sessions (maybe where I run a warm-up but then you're free to do whatever you want, but we stay as a group in a location) or have a 'jam' format (jams are just unstructured where everybody trains however they want). In the more structured sessions I'll also be varying it more so that there are 'open' parts to it where you do you own thing.<br />
<br />
There is a caveat though: less structure means more individual responsibility, and for beginners it's often hard to know what to do given less experience and less understanding of the discipline. Lots of people start off thinking it's all about doing more difficult, bigger or stylistic moves and with more open sessions people may end up training in a way which will mean that is more dangerous or progresses and improves more slowly. It's much more important to get really good at the basics before trying to push yourself and equally as important to make sure your body is strong enough too. I've been reading "The Parkour and Freerunning Handbook" by Dan Edwardes (PKGen founder, he was one of the first Brits to start parkour so has loads of experience) and he stresses this, pointing out that tendons and ligaments strengthen a lot more slowly than muscles and pushing yourself too quickly too soon makes you much more likely to get injured in the following months and years. There's also a blog put up by one of the PKGen team (http://www.parkourgenerations.com/blog/ad-infinitum - give it a read!) talking about the importance of stressing the basics and he's observed a lack of understanding by a lot of the parkour community.<br />
<br />
Anyway: next term, hopefully more variety in sessions, training with some more experienced people, and also more conditioning! See you in a week or so =)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278849636907095856.post-75555150720653782602012-12-17T15:36:00.001-08:002012-12-17T15:36:50.115-08:00CoachingHey everyone,<br />
<br />
I've been fairly sedentary over the last week after my neck seized up last Tuesday, leaving me unable to look at one thing for more than ten minutes, in bed for most of the day and unable to exercise for a few. But it's better now, yay.<br />
<br />
Tonight I finished my final supervised assisting session for my level 1 coaching course, so I'll send it off and have that sorted soon. Another yay. For you guys it makes little difference - I'm still only an assistant coach so it doesn't do anything for us - apart from the fact that I've improved my doing it (hopefully anyway).<br />
<br />
I've now been coaching for a few months, both at kids sessions at home (the main coach being injured I'm covering for him a bit) and the Oxford sessions, and I think I've learnt quite a bit, though definitely still a lot to learn. It's hard to say what I've learnt, apart from that hopefully I'm just better at being organised and giving tips, aside from creativity in coming up with things to do. After the first couple of weeks I started doing a wider variety of things. At the beginning it was always in the same place, though still with variety, but this moved on to having sessions in four different places and doing more things at each. I would often be stuck for ideas only to have a look round the day before and suddenly see lots of things to do.<br />
<br />
The other thing I have learnt is about using routes - instead of just doing one movement over one obstacle come up with a path which uses many. They're great for making things more natural so that you do them without thinking too much, as well as working on things other than the movement itself (ie fluidity and foot placement) and being good for making you fitter (the fact that it works different muscle groups and in different ways (short bursts of power as well as the continuous base) makes it really tiring! There's definitely still a use for practising isolated movements, but I usually try and include a route each session.<br />
<br />
There are still a lot of challenges. For one, coming up with a continued variety, though hopefully people won't mind too much if there's some repetition. Secondly, now that people aren't complete beginners it's a lot harder to come up with things more challenging than getting the basics perfect. I'll look for places with slightly move difficult vaults in, but I haven't seen much yet. It's also harder when there are more people, but that's to be expected and I should get used to managing that soon.<br />
<br />
I've also got a few ideas for next term.<br />
<br />
One is to have more sessions, one of them dedicated on doing conditioning, as we don't do enough of that. I'm hoping to do it at Iffley track as we'll be allowed to be there and there's grassy space and bits of equipment.<br />
<br />
Another is to focus a bit more on the repetitive movements (ie doing something 50 times well) and the personal challenge side of it, though not much. I went to a session last week where the entire thing was doing loads of pull ups, push ups and box jumps and doing a number you didnt think you could do of them, which is important to do.<br />
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A third is to have a session where it's up to you to be creative and find new movements instead of me telling you what to do. I'll probably save this for when I have no ideas.<br />
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A final idea is that I'm going to try and get one of the ParkourGenerations coaches to come as a one-off to run a session, which will be good to see a different coaches perspective as well as one who is just better.<br />
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Anyway, there's a few thoughts about coaching I've thrown down. Have fun holidays =)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0