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What You Didn’t Know About Parkour and Free Running
Have you ever watched a parkour video and thought to yourself, I could totally do that? Well, before you go jumping off rooftops and scaling walls like a real-life ninja, here are some fun facts about parkour and free running that might surprise you!
Origins
Did you know that parkour has French origins? Yep, it was actually developed in the 1980s by a group of nine friends who called themselves Yamakasi which means strong spirit or strong body in Lingala, a Bantu language spoken in Central Africa. Their philosophy was all about overcoming physical and mental obstacles in urban environments, which is basically the essence of parkour.
Differences
While parkour and free running are often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference between the two. Parkour focuses on efficiency, getting from point A to point B in the fastest and most direct way possible. Free running, on the other hand, is more expressive and includes flips, spins, and other acrobatic movements for style points.
Popularity
Parkour and free running gained mainstream popularity thanks to action movies like District B13 and video games like Mirror’s Edge. Suddenly, everyone wanted to be a parkour expert, even if it meant tripping over their own feet while attempting a simple jump. Hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?
So, the next time you see someone leaping off a wall or somersaulting over a railing, just remember the rich history and philosophy behind these adrenaline-pumping sports. And who knows, maybe with enough practice (and a generous amount of padding), you’ll be the next parkour star in town!
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