Our newsletter was sent out on Thursday 11th May to all current subscribers, with advanced information about our next THREE Junior Beginner Courses and information regarding booking.
Subscribers get priority updates regarding new classes, courses and opportunities so please do sign up if you haven't done so already here.
We are pleased to announce that we are now LIVE for early-bird Junior Beginner Course tickets at Hadleigh Park, starting on the 29th May 2017. Early bird tickets for this course will be available until 8:59am Monday 14th May where full ticket prices will go live thereafter.
In the link below you'll also find details for the next 2 courses running afterwards.
If you're looking for sneak peak into our summer plans, coupons for our clothing store and more, click below and have a read.
>> Read The May 11th Newsletter Here<<
Showing posts with label parkour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parkour. Show all posts
Saturday, 13 May 2017
Tuesday, 14 March 2017
14th March '17 - Easter Junior Beginner Courses.
Booking is now live (and spaces are being taken) for out Next Junior Beginner Courses taking place second week of Easter at Hadleigh Park - EARLY BIRD prices available until 9am Weds' 15th March.
We've now updated information via our FB Events page where you can click "Get tickets" to book your space:
AM Session FB Event Link - https://goo.gl/9S9Bf5
PM Session FB Event Link - https://goo.gl/eoDuJa
Direct booking system link showing ONLY Beginner Courses here: https://goo.gl/q8IApq
Wednesday, 1 February 2017
Feb 1st 2017: February Updates!
Please find below the link to our February update detailing planned class changes for February and more information about our next Junior Beginners Course, which at the time of this post has only 1 space remaining.
Classes will run as usual over the February Half Term with the addition of daytime sessions at Hadleigh Park (they're handling these sessions), visit this link for info - https://www.facebook.com/events/718127688346843/
February Update here: http://preview.mailerlite.com/o3u1h4
Classes will run as usual over the February Half Term with the addition of daytime sessions at Hadleigh Park (they're handling these sessions), visit this link for info - https://www.facebook.com/events/718127688346843/
Missed out or found this out too late? Subscribe to our email newsletter to be THE FIRST to receive updates about new classes, class changes and exclusive offers. Subscribe here: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/c7b9x4
Thursday, 29 December 2016
29th December 2016 Newsletter, class changes for 2017
Last of the year!
Please find the link to our most recently newsletter sharing details about class changes, price changes and more updates. Quite an important one so please do have a read.
http://preview.mailerlite.com/o3t6d3
TL;DR Version - Update for January 2017:
More info in link above
- Class prices will be changing and block booking discount features added.
- Classes should start back up on the 4th January.
- Email will follow over the next day or two for last beginner course attendees regarding place payments
Please find the link to our most recently newsletter sharing details about class changes, price changes and more updates. Quite an important one so please do have a read.
http://preview.mailerlite.com/o3t6d3
TL;DR Version - Update for January 2017:
More info in link above
- Class prices will be changing and block booking discount features added.
- Classes should start back up on the 4th January.
- Email will follow over the next day or two for last beginner course attendees regarding place payments
Tuesday, 29 November 2016
28th November '16: Winter Class Changes and end of year dates.
Hi all, hope you're all out moving regardless of the colder weather sinking in! A few things to update you on moving into December.
Saturday morning adult 'beginner' classes will no longer be running for the rest of 2016 and due to start back up in 2017. A new provision will be established shortly.
Please find below the final class dates for 2016 for our weekly classes:
Tuesday Tiny Traceurs Class: 13th December
Thursday Foundations: 15th December
Friday Foundations/Intermediates: 16th December
Wednesday Adult Outdoor: 21st December
Details will follow about the 2017 schedule, re-start dates, changes and special offers over the Holiday break!
Many thanks and thanks for joining us for another great year, Brad @ SP.
Saturday morning adult 'beginner' classes will no longer be running for the rest of 2016 and due to start back up in 2017. A new provision will be established shortly.
Please find below the final class dates for 2016 for our weekly classes:
Tuesday Tiny Traceurs Class: 13th December
Thursday Foundations: 15th December
Friday Foundations/Intermediates: 16th December
Wednesday Adult Outdoor: 21st December
Details will follow about the 2017 schedule, re-start dates, changes and special offers over the Holiday break!
Many thanks and thanks for joining us for another great year, Brad @ SP.
Monday, 7 November 2016
7th November '16: New beginners course booking now available.
Yesterday, we sent out a newsletter for all subscribers with advanced links for booking the next available beginners course and now here's your chance!
The next Junior Beginners Course starts 7pm, Tuesday 22nd November at Southend High School for girls. This cohort has been condensed from 6 weeks into 5, with the 5th and final week being a longer session to finish before the Christmas break.
The next Junior Beginners Course starts 7pm, Tuesday 22nd November at Southend High School for girls. This cohort has been condensed from 6 weeks into 5, with the 5th and final week being a longer session to finish before the Christmas break.
Beginners courses are mandatory for all new students to gain a basic level of understanding about Parkour, movements and how to train in our classes. This will take place on a rolling basis but you will have to wait for the next once the current course has started/fully booked!
To cater for the high demand of our courses, evident from full bookings on each course since starting this specific provision, we are using a larger indoor venue and have increased the course size to accommodate for the need.
Details and booking is now live for all can be found here: https://bookwhen.com/southendparkour/e/ev-sqc5-20161122190000
Missed the newsletter? Subscribe here: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/c7b9x4
Missed the newsletter? Subscribe here: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/c7b9x4
CHANGES TO THIS WEEK: Due to a training course in London, Brad will be unable to take the Tiny Traceurs Class this week, any booked spaces will be transferred to the next available week by default. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
Friday, 23 September 2016
23rd September 2016: Don't hate; Educate - The Horsham "Ban".
For those of you who may not be aware, Horsham Council has moved to "Ban" Parkour in Horsham based on accusations of trespass, damage and disrespect to its public spaces, namely low roofing in the area. Below are a few articles to read around this news. (Please note news sources often describe Parkour inaccurately, so take things with a pinch of salt)
https://mpora.com/parkour/horsham-become-first-uk-town-ban-parkour-will-harm-good
http://www.wscountytimes.co.uk/news/parkour-to-be-banned-from-horsham-town-centre-1-7560439
I just wanted to comment on a few aspects of this issue, sharing my views of 12 years of personal practice, coaching and community building and guiding within the Parkour scene in the UK.
This blog post goes out to Traceur and non-practitioner alike to help shed some perspective and hopefully help us collectively come to some middle ground and mutual understanding.
1. Respect for the environment:
Parkour is a practice to help individuals overcome obstacles with movement, developing skills and understanding to improve oneself. - Obstacles and environments are an integral part of our discipline, without them we do not grow, develop, learn, engage, make choices etc. The UK community (as the vast majority) has always sung from the same sheet in that we look after the spaces we use. Damage can and may occur, even in respectful practice, but we do all we can to "leave no trace" and where possible make the space cleaner to be enjoyed not ruined.
I'll call it outright here, if you aren't working with the spaces you are using, treating them with respect (ultimately they are helping YOU improve, learn and grow) but sorry, that's not Parkour. You wouldn't slap someone in the face for doing you a kind thing or teaching you something, don't do it to the spaces you are in.
To me, accessing roofing to "train" or move across is an unnecessary height risk, trespass which obviously brings negative links to whatever you are doing - Parkour or not (Unless you own the space you are on). From a common sense aspect... roofing is generally not built for humans to be jumping and landing on, putting yourself at further risk of damage to self and property.
It's quite clear what practitioners should and shouldn't be doing, non-Parkour organisations need to take care not to tar everyone with the same brush. Parkour groups, organisations and individuals on the other hand, do need to consider their actions and the messages they propagate. Parkour can be very effectively practiced low, at ground level... those with social reach and a wide audience, need to remember that they are looked up to and set the example that others may follow. We can all indirectly, negatively impact other's understanding by what, where and how we do what we do.
You can't control how people perceive your actions but you can do small things to help them not get the wrong end of the stick. If you take steps to reduce the chance that people could take your message badly, you've at least done something and this is something we try to do with our content and coaching. We try to ensure that people understand what they're doing, not just encouraging/engaging an interest with little or no further guidance.
2. Parkour is PRO-SOCIAL.
The Horsham "ban" has been procured under a Public Space Protection Order, on grounds of antisocial behaviour.... Really...?
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1132525316809206.1073741832.651277858267290&type=1&l=5286022483
The above link documents photos of our, first-hand experience of communities from across the UK and Europe coming together, regardless of gender, race, age or background; sharing their own experiences for the greatest collective good.
This, ultimately has lead to an NGB establishment, coaching qualifications, formal recognition as a practice in it's own right (or very soon at least) and THOUSANDS of lives improved and brought together by movement.
We learn together, support each other and has been the ethos of Parkour's inception, be strong to be useful; having skills and using them for the benefit of others.
3. Criminalising physical activity.
Get Active, Change 4 Life, This Girl Can, Sportivate and Get Britain Standing are just a few national campaigns to encourage people to be more physical. This part of the "ban" is by far one of the most ridiculous aspects of using the PSPO in my opinion.
I understand the need to do something, I personally agree that IF people are damaging property and this can be adequately evidenced that certain individuals or groups are in fact responsible, then I'm all for the council doing SOMETHING and short time, this may make a positive impact in terms of protecting property and spaces. This is one of the main criticisms from the local Horsham Parkour community, is that it isn't practitioners but others who access places in a disrespectful manner.
Physical inactivity is a growing epidemic, costing the Council, NHS, Government and us all billions in taxes. Anything we can do to make people more active, more self sufficient and in ways that cost very little money (Parkour is a cheap practice), we should be bending over backwards to accommodate and develop, over ban and isolate..
Finally:
As much as the news has quoted another person who has quoted £36,000 worth of damage, to what extent is this price tag other potential factors which damage property, heavy rain, extreme heat or cold, high winds and time. Older properties with older materials require updating with time and this does come with a price tag.
To put a blanket ban on Parkour in an area has happened before in places across the UK, this isn't the first, but this is the first (from my research and awareness) that a PSPO has been used specifically targeting Parkour. Parkour benefits in terms of social development, individual improvement (physical, mental and emotional), economic (as Parkour coaching and organisations find their place in a business context) and philosophically. As Dr Julie Angel shared via her interview with the BBC, we need to have the discussion about how we interact with our spaces, how they are designed.... and this is where the problem seems to lay in my opinion.
Rather than educating, communicating with communities (a pro-social activity) a Council has made a possibly rash decision from a narrow viewpoint and avoiding something to try and make it a solution.
Instead of understanding the many benefits Parkour and Parkour communities can offer the WIDER community, criminalising a mostly caring, considerate and respectful group of people who believe in sharing and supporting others through positive and self-developing activities.
I'm aware that Parkour UK are working to create this dialogue and ensure a greater level of understanding from all sides of the "issue" and come to a positive solution for all.
https://mpora.com/parkour/horsham-become-first-uk-town-ban-parkour-will-harm-good
http://www.wscountytimes.co.uk/news/parkour-to-be-banned-from-horsham-town-centre-1-7560439
I just wanted to comment on a few aspects of this issue, sharing my views of 12 years of personal practice, coaching and community building and guiding within the Parkour scene in the UK.
This blog post goes out to Traceur and non-practitioner alike to help shed some perspective and hopefully help us collectively come to some middle ground and mutual understanding.
1. Respect for the environment:
Parkour is a practice to help individuals overcome obstacles with movement, developing skills and understanding to improve oneself. - Obstacles and environments are an integral part of our discipline, without them we do not grow, develop, learn, engage, make choices etc. The UK community (as the vast majority) has always sung from the same sheet in that we look after the spaces we use. Damage can and may occur, even in respectful practice, but we do all we can to "leave no trace" and where possible make the space cleaner to be enjoyed not ruined.
I'll call it outright here, if you aren't working with the spaces you are using, treating them with respect (ultimately they are helping YOU improve, learn and grow) but sorry, that's not Parkour. You wouldn't slap someone in the face for doing you a kind thing or teaching you something, don't do it to the spaces you are in.
To me, accessing roofing to "train" or move across is an unnecessary height risk, trespass which obviously brings negative links to whatever you are doing - Parkour or not (Unless you own the space you are on). From a common sense aspect... roofing is generally not built for humans to be jumping and landing on, putting yourself at further risk of damage to self and property.
It's quite clear what practitioners should and shouldn't be doing, non-Parkour organisations need to take care not to tar everyone with the same brush. Parkour groups, organisations and individuals on the other hand, do need to consider their actions and the messages they propagate. Parkour can be very effectively practiced low, at ground level... those with social reach and a wide audience, need to remember that they are looked up to and set the example that others may follow. We can all indirectly, negatively impact other's understanding by what, where and how we do what we do.
You can't control how people perceive your actions but you can do small things to help them not get the wrong end of the stick. If you take steps to reduce the chance that people could take your message badly, you've at least done something and this is something we try to do with our content and coaching. We try to ensure that people understand what they're doing, not just encouraging/engaging an interest with little or no further guidance.
2. Parkour is PRO-SOCIAL.
The Horsham "ban" has been procured under a Public Space Protection Order, on grounds of antisocial behaviour.... Really...?
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1132525316809206.1073741832.651277858267290&type=1&l=5286022483
The above link documents photos of our, first-hand experience of communities from across the UK and Europe coming together, regardless of gender, race, age or background; sharing their own experiences for the greatest collective good.
This, ultimately has lead to an NGB establishment, coaching qualifications, formal recognition as a practice in it's own right (or very soon at least) and THOUSANDS of lives improved and brought together by movement.
We learn together, support each other and has been the ethos of Parkour's inception, be strong to be useful; having skills and using them for the benefit of others.
3. Criminalising physical activity.
Get Active, Change 4 Life, This Girl Can, Sportivate and Get Britain Standing are just a few national campaigns to encourage people to be more physical. This part of the "ban" is by far one of the most ridiculous aspects of using the PSPO in my opinion.
I understand the need to do something, I personally agree that IF people are damaging property and this can be adequately evidenced that certain individuals or groups are in fact responsible, then I'm all for the council doing SOMETHING and short time, this may make a positive impact in terms of protecting property and spaces. This is one of the main criticisms from the local Horsham Parkour community, is that it isn't practitioners but others who access places in a disrespectful manner.
Physical inactivity is a growing epidemic, costing the Council, NHS, Government and us all billions in taxes. Anything we can do to make people more active, more self sufficient and in ways that cost very little money (Parkour is a cheap practice), we should be bending over backwards to accommodate and develop, over ban and isolate..
Finally:
As much as the news has quoted another person who has quoted £36,000 worth of damage, to what extent is this price tag other potential factors which damage property, heavy rain, extreme heat or cold, high winds and time. Older properties with older materials require updating with time and this does come with a price tag.
To put a blanket ban on Parkour in an area has happened before in places across the UK, this isn't the first, but this is the first (from my research and awareness) that a PSPO has been used specifically targeting Parkour. Parkour benefits in terms of social development, individual improvement (physical, mental and emotional), economic (as Parkour coaching and organisations find their place in a business context) and philosophically. As Dr Julie Angel shared via her interview with the BBC, we need to have the discussion about how we interact with our spaces, how they are designed.... and this is where the problem seems to lay in my opinion.
Rather than educating, communicating with communities (a pro-social activity) a Council has made a possibly rash decision from a narrow viewpoint and avoiding something to try and make it a solution.
Instead of understanding the many benefits Parkour and Parkour communities can offer the WIDER community, criminalising a mostly caring, considerate and respectful group of people who believe in sharing and supporting others through positive and self-developing activities.
I'm aware that Parkour UK are working to create this dialogue and ensure a greater level of understanding from all sides of the "issue" and come to a positive solution for all.
Thursday, 1 September 2016
September 1st 2016: We're almost there!
Apologies for the slight delay in having the September Term Time Schedule up and out to you. We will definitely be live by this weekend (latest) and available for booking.
So far we can confirm:
Adult (16+) There will be no changes to the adult classes on a Weds or Sat.
Adult (16+) There will be no changes to the adult classes on a Weds or Sat.
Junior Classes:
Friday night classes will remain at St Bernard's both brought forward by 15 minutes. (Foundations starting at 5:45pm and Intermediates at 7:15pm).
Friday night classes will remain at St Bernard's both brought forward by 15 minutes. (Foundations starting at 5:45pm and Intermediates at 7:15pm).
Tuesday night Tiny Traceurs classes will remain at 5-6pm at Chalkwell Hall Junior School for ages 5-7 years.
There will be new weekly classes opening up at Hadleigh Park for at least Junior Beginners and Foundations levels ages 8-15 years.
Keep posted via this page, our news page via the website and subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don't miss out! Please hold out for the new schedule and newsletter which will explain it all - Thanks
Wednesday, 17 August 2016
17th August 2016 - Why (Scott Jackson) hates trampoline parks!
Scott Jackson over at TRAIN HARD Parkour and Freerunning has said something via this blog which needs saying and we are wholeheartedly behind the information and points raised via this blog regarding a large number of tramp-parks.
It's a tough thing having another example of Parkour being exploited and misrepresented so regularly with these spaces. Have a read and see what you think!
The concerning things for us a coaches and responsible Parkour practitioners is that, once again Parkour is potentially being taken for a ride, to earn a few places a quick buck, muddying the waters further as to what it is we ACTUALLY do...
We're already and STILL combating the: "Do a backflip", "That's Dangerous", "You shouldn't be doing that", "You must hurt yourself a lot", statements from individuals who don't know any better.
Whether you're a Parkour student, parent of, or just someone who KNOWS more about what Parkour is and isn't, we need to make our voices heard, fight the good fight and educate further for future generations.
Head over to the blog here:
Monday, 18 July 2016
18th July '16: Summer Update!
Hi all, real quick update to restate the summer schedule details and add a little more information which will continue through/on to our social media sites and classes/booking page of the website shortly.
Please remember: During our Hadleigh Park Classes, the Parkour area will be closed to the general public for the duration of the class.
We have class changes/additions from the 23rd July with summer schedule officially launching on the 27th July: See below for details:
From the 23rd July:
Saturday: Adult (16+) Beginners Class at Hadleigh Park - 9am start
NEW WEEKLY CLASS continuing past summer!
From the 27th July:
Wednesday 27th July:
Adult (16+) Outdoor Class - Southend -7pm - Meet at Southend Vic (As usual)
Thursday 28th July:
Hadleigh Park Sessions - Book via: www.hadleigh-park.co.uk (Booking available soon)
Friday 29th July:
- Junior Beginners (8-15 years) - Hadleigh Park, 10am.
- Junior Foundations (8-15 years) - Hadleigh Park 12pm (Must have been invited by coach from beginners)
- Junior Intermediates (8-15 years) - Meeting at Southend Civic Centre 2:30pm (Must have been invited by coach from beginners/foundations)
From Tuesday 2nd August:
- ParkLives with Active Southend - "Parkour in the Park" - 10:30am - Chalkwell Park (Targeting ages 12-24)
- Tiny Traceurs (5-7) Chalkwell Hall Junior School - From 1:30pm -
Except for our adult classes, all other classes will cease by the 3rd September and our Term Time schedule will start back up on the week commencing 12th September 2016
Please remember: During our Hadleigh Park Classes, the Parkour area will be closed to the general public for the duration of the class.
We have class changes/additions from the 23rd July with summer schedule officially launching on the 27th July: See below for details:
From the 23rd July:
Saturday: Adult (16+) Beginners Class at Hadleigh Park - 9am start
NEW WEEKLY CLASS continuing past summer!
From the 27th July:
Wednesday 27th July:
Adult (16+) Outdoor Class - Southend -7pm - Meet at Southend Vic (As usual)
Thursday 28th July:
Hadleigh Park Sessions - Book via: www.hadleigh-park.co.uk (Booking available soon)
Friday 29th July:
- Junior Beginners (8-15 years) - Hadleigh Park, 10am.
- Junior Foundations (8-15 years) - Hadleigh Park 12pm (Must have been invited by coach from beginners)
- Junior Intermediates (8-15 years) - Meeting at Southend Civic Centre 2:30pm (Must have been invited by coach from beginners/foundations)
From Tuesday 2nd August:
- ParkLives with Active Southend - "Parkour in the Park" - 10:30am - Chalkwell Park (Targeting ages 12-24)
- Tiny Traceurs (5-7) Chalkwell Hall Junior School - From 1:30pm -
Except for our adult classes, all other classes will cease by the 3rd September and our Term Time schedule will start back up on the week commencing 12th September 2016
Tuesday, 24 May 2016
W/C 23rd May and Half Term W/C 30th Updates!
Quick catch up for this week and next week!
Tonight: Explore Movement @ Chalkwell Junior - Only 2 spaces left.
Weds: Adult Outdoor - Good availability.
Thurs: Foundations @ Temple Sutton: Not running this week. (Sorry!)
Friday: Foundations @ St Bernard's: 6 Spaces left.
Intermediates: Spaces available (invite only)
There will be no adult indoor session this weekend and there will be no "Explore Parkour" session on the 30th due to the Hadleigh Park Opening event:
Event link here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1771255953104680/
All other classes are due to run as normal throughout the half term.
Details will follow about a couple of Hadleigh Park coaching sessions over next week's half term so keep posted here for news and details!
Monday, 9 May 2016
9th May '16 - May changes and summer schedule to follow.
No classes will be running on Thursday 26th due to a training course attendance in London, apologies for any inconvenience caused. On Monday 30th May (Bank Holiday), no "Explore Parkour" classes will be running due to the Hadleigh Park Parkour opening! Visit www.fb.com/southendparkour for the event page and details.
Hadleigh Parkour Park - Grand opening! - Event link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1771255953104680/
If you are new to Parkour and looking to join our classes, from the 10/5/16 you will need to join our beginners session: "Explore Parkour" which will run on a Monday night from the 16th May 2016. This is to ensure each student has a good foundational level of movement and understanding before tackling our weekly foundations classes. Details can be found via the link below.
The schedule as it stands will be running up to the summer holidays and then our summer schedule will kick in at new locations across the local area. Details to follow.
Timetable and new weekly schedule from next week available via www.southendparkour.com/classes
Hadleigh Parkour Park - Grand opening! - Event link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1771255953104680/
If you are new to Parkour and looking to join our classes, from the 10/5/16 you will need to join our beginners session: "Explore Parkour" which will run on a Monday night from the 16th May 2016. This is to ensure each student has a good foundational level of movement and understanding before tackling our weekly foundations classes. Details can be found via the link below.
The schedule as it stands will be running up to the summer holidays and then our summer schedule will kick in at new locations across the local area. Details to follow.
Timetable and new weekly schedule from next week available via www.southendparkour.com/classes
Thursday, 28 April 2016
28th April '16: Big update on it's way... still...
Hi all, I just wanted to message to again let you know, new classes are in the works but we're pushing for some final details which will mean we can confirm it all in one whack rather than in pieces. Our new classes, of which, information will be going out via our newsletter (Sign up here), Facebook and Twitter AS SOON AS AVAILABLE.
While posting, don't forget our next ADULT indoor session for beginners and regulars is happening THIS SATURDAY! CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND BOOKING! - Your chance to #GiveParkourAGo
Apologies for the extended wait but we want to get ALL info out to you in one shot. Please sign up to our newsletter and news will Parkour it's way over to you as soon as finalised. Apologies for the wait but we believe it'll be worth it!
- Thanks all!
Brad
Friday, 11 March 2016
11th March '15: Did you miss out??
We've just sent out our current newsletter with updated details about class changes, new classes, website updates and more!
If you haven't signed up to the mailing list already, click below to sign up and get important news straight to your inbox!
SIGN UP HERE: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/u0f7f8
READ THE MOST RECENT EMAIL HERE: http://app.mailerlite.com/v6b4w7
Thanks!
If you haven't signed up to the mailing list already, click below to sign up and get important news straight to your inbox!
SIGN UP HERE: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/u0f7f8
READ THE MOST RECENT EMAIL HERE: http://app.mailerlite.com/v6b4w7
Thanks!
Tuesday, 16 February 2016
16th Feb 2016 - IMPORTANT - Immediate class changes this week!!
Please read the most recent newsletter release regarding changed and cancellations to this week's classes. - http://app.mailerlite.com/w2l1d0
Missed this email first time around?? Please sign up to the Southend Parkour newsletter here: https://www.facebook.com/SouthendParkour/app/558781764146601/
Missed this email first time around?? Please sign up to the Southend Parkour newsletter here: https://www.facebook.com/SouthendParkour/app/558781764146601/
Friday, 12 February 2016
12th Feb 2016: Shoes, glorious shoes!
From day one in the UK scene, one of the first few questions when getting into Parkour is "what shoes should I get" and while the question itself does have some merit and value, it's a very loaded question with so much that could be said and considered.
Some of my current students have been asking questions recently on the subject so I thought I'd make a quick post sharing my suggestions/guidance for both current and future students to make an informed decision.
As much as the information below is here to help and inform, shoe choice is still a very personal preference to use this information as you see fit based on what and how you train.
1. Protection, Feel and Grip.
Protection: We're not built for hard surfaces so shoes offer protection against artificial textures and terrains which we wouldn't have experienced hundreds/thousands of years ago. In today's urban environment shoes support the protection of our feet against numerous hazards like glass, sharp stones and other rough/sharp objects, as well as certain movements which may hit, bruise or damage skin, joints or bones.
Personally, I have spent some considerable time training barefoot (Inside and outside) as a challenge, to toughen the skin on the feet, strengthen the feet and ankles through HAVING to use them more. This also helped develop a better understanding of my body's limitations in relation to the environments used. What you would and wouldn't do in terms of certain movement's/impacts really gets you thinking about what's best for your body both in and out of shoes. (If you plan to try going barefoot, get used to walking and strengthening the skin of the feet first, this can take weeks/months of committed bare-footing from my experience, as ever, do some googling and do some research!)
Some movements used in Parkour can include impact and sliding utilising the foot (think arm jumps), so having some protection when doing this on wood, bricks etc is useful, if not essential for some situations/larger impact movements. This is why it's generally always a good move to think smart about your movement and keep impacts lower/softer where possible to protect yourself.
Feel: As much as protection and an amount of absorbency (cushioning) is useful, we should also be making decisions about the suitability of each movement ensuring our choices are working WITH our body, not just using (and for some, abusing) it. Having an amount of sensitivity or "feel" through your chosen trainer is very important when surfaces/textures are vastly different from one terrain to another. A hard-solid sole for example would be difficult to wrap around a narrow bar/rail during balancing. Too much cushioning can/will also dampen the amount of feel and your sensitivity to your environment which may negatively affect your movements based on feel or the lack of.
Grip: This is perhaps the most focused on thing with a newer practitioner, mostly as strength and technique are still developing and techniques are being found difficult. Grip absolutely helps, however all surfaces will differ from one another, further affected by weather, temperature, paint types etc.... it's very difficult to find something that would grip (at all times) so it's important to note the limitations of our footwear and grip. Moving yourself effectively utilising what you've got rather than having the "perfect shoe" to depend on, I believe is a better approach. Strength and technique will improve your ability to use a variety of shoes so I'd suggest thinking about this rather than shaping your training/movements around the shoe and your dependence on it.
2: Examples of footwear:
As pictured above here are a small selection of preferred shoes currently. You will notice that all of these have some protection/abrasive resistant qualities around the toe/nose of the shoe which can be useful in protecting the toes from unplanned impact (Stubbing toes) and can stop the material developing holes exposing the toes to the elements.
------------------
Merrel/Vibram Shoes:
I picked these up in TK MAXX for around £20, Merrel are generally an off road,trail running company quite thick and beefy shoes. I found these slimmer, fitted shoes and was interested as they'd teamed up with Vibram for the sole of the shoe... they provide a number of soles for varying applications but you may have heard of their "vibram fiverfingers" and as such, pride themselves on creating a "natural feel" with regards to the soles of a shoe.
You will notice the soles look very "foot like" in shape with a very low profile/low cushioning and reasonably thick rubbered sole across the majority of the sole albeit in a few separate sections (Left to right: Orange heel section, yellow and orange forefoot). The fact that you have a grippy rubber sole for the width and length of the foot means wherever you land on your underfoot, you should have some grip. The separate rubber sections (not one solid piece) around the forefoot provide a very flexible shoe, moving well with the foot itself during crouching and (on-toes" movements, however, during certain movements (arm jumps), some sections of the yellow grip have pulled away from the shoe which could trip you up/ruin the shoe if not glued back down and repaired. Due to this happening often if you have separate sole sections, I tend to look for a whole grip sole such as in Fieyue's or seen in the Puma Naritas. That being said these are very comfortable which again, is an important element in general, if you feel comfortable it should translate into your movement.
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"New feel" trainer from Decathlon:
I bought these out of necessity during my Level 2 Parkour Coaching certification week. I wore some very simple, light, shoes (Fieyue's: discussed later) and needed something with a bit more protection due to the amount of physical work being completed over the consecutive days. I was quite surprised how good I got on with these, as they were only around £15.
These shoes velcro-up which might not give as much stability at laces but fits well. There is good sole "rubber" coverage across the shoe apart from the arches but we shouldn't be landing there in general. The main thing to ensure is not hard plastic sections in the arches, because if you DO happen to misplace a landing on a rail and make contact with the plastic, you are either cracking it, or more likely sliding which rarely ends well when you are trying to grip/stick it. Again, a low profile good sensitivity and does the job for feel, grip and protection.
Puma NARITAS V3:My favourite shoe at the moment, hands down. A very low profile sole/heel which supports a good sense of feel/sensitivity of your surfaced is futher supported by 2 large thin rubber soles which provide excellent grip (helped me up the warped all on Ninja Warrior UK) without running the risk of the soles pealing off like I mentioned with the Merrel shoes above.
The thinner cushioning and sole mean that with rail balancing you can really wrap your feet/toes around the bar to get better purchase and feel of whatever you are on. The only limitation I have found with these is that the soles grip (groove) are not too deep so can become slick after a few months which affect the grip in wet/slippery conditions moreso than when they are now, so be away when the pebble grip becomes worn.
Honorable mention for all.....
Fieyue Martial Arts Shoes:
These are often used for Wushu, Tai Chi and other related martial arts, however, Parkour practitioners have adopted these as the are cheap, offer fantastic grip and feel, while having a low profile, feeling very natural on the foot.American Parkour sell them via their site and in my opinion are the perfect blend for protection, sensitivity and grip. They force you to land better due to the limited cushioning and as long as you are listening to your body can support in strengthening the feet and ankles due to their basic nature. They stretch out to fit the foot quite well, once you find the perfect size for you, enjoy! The only real limitation is the sole can degrade quite quickly if you are doing big slidey arm jumps and wallruns, so these are more for small, technical movement training.
In conclusion:
"Barefoot is the best shoe" has been stated by David Belle and in my opinion, holds some merit, if you wouldn't do X, Y or Z movement out of shoes... perhaps you should be thinking about the impacts you are taking and is it the best thing for your body.
If you're looking for a shoe I recommend:
- Low profile, low cushioning to ensure a good "feel" of your terrains.
- A solid, flexible, rubber sole that can move with your foot when flexing, and extending the toes and ankles.
- Avoid shoes with plastic in the arches of the shoe.. plastic + metal = slide. (Not that you should be landing there anyway)
- Avoid shoes with smaller glued sections of rubber sole, a larger one or two piece shoe (like the naritas) are less likely to pull/peel off. Make sure the rubber sole is on the majority of the soles.
- Make sure you're comfortable in them.
- Have a look at the build if you see things that might pull off, rip out or wear through quickly, perhaps keep hunting!
While there are some companies pushing out Parkour specific shoes, in my opinion, they often fall short and are pricey, the following options should be cheaper and fit for purpose.
Useful links:
Fieyue's: http://www.taichifinder.co.uk/products#!/Feiyue-Shoes/c/632653/offset=0&sort=nameAsc
(I've always had a very positive and prompt experience from these guys)
Puma Naritas: http://www.sportsdirect.com/SearchResults?DescriptionFilter=puma%20naritas (Sports Direct Link)
Wednesday, 23 December 2015
23rd Dec 2015: Important Updates for 2016!
Please take a few minutes to read this newsletter, it contains very important information about classes in early 2016 and provides you with an opportunity to save money if you book classes before the 1st January 2016.
Read the newsletter online: http://app.mailerlite.com/f8c8h2
Don't want to miss out? Get this all future newsletters delivered STRAIGHT to your inbox by subscribing here.
I hope this information is of use and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday.
- Brad at Southend Parkour.
Read the newsletter online: http://app.mailerlite.com/f8c8h2
Don't want to miss out? Get this all future newsletters delivered STRAIGHT to your inbox by subscribing here.
I hope this information is of use and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday.
- Brad at Southend Parkour.
Monday, 7 December 2015
7th Dec '15: December Newsletter: Important dates, videos and more!
December's newsletter can be found via the following link: http://app.mailerlite.com/j8t4q6
To ensure you don't miss out and to get this sent straight to your email inbox sign up to the mailing list either via this link: https://goo.gl/0RMgGH
To ensure you don't miss out and to get this sent straight to your email inbox sign up to the mailing list either via this link: https://goo.gl/0RMgGH
Friday, 30 October 2015
30th October 2015 - Southend Parkour recognised by Southend Sport Awards.
Southend Parkour wins the Innovation Award at the 2015 Southend Sport Awards 2015!
Below are some social media posts from the night! (It might take a few seconds to load the embedded posts and images)
Thank you everyone who came 2 #sossportsawards last night. Fantastic eve recognising local sporting talent #Southend pic.twitter.com/ylzPuQ3dXO
— activesouthend (@activesouthend) October 30, 2015Congratulations to you all :) https://t.co/KEsce9Fyhf
— AGE Concern Southend (@ACSOSSouthend) October 29, 2015Saturday, 10 October 2015
Why Coaching Matters, Part 1: 10th October 2015
It has been just over a year since starting coaching sessions in the Southend area for adults and it's been great to see so many people giving Parkour a go and exploring movement. Things have progressed from 1 adult class class to 4+ classes a week for children and adults (with more opportunities planned). This clearly shows the interest and the need for quality Parkour learning opportunities in the local area and further across the UK, being met by a growing plethora of dedicated coaches.
For this blog series, I wanted to share some experiences from training and coaching over the past decade and share some thoughts about Parkour coaching, guidance and it's importance for learning through a practice as diverse as Parkour.
Coaching & The Internet:
When I first started Parkour, we had Snail-paced internet and no YouTube. We shared ideas, questions and videos via forum links and YouSendIt.com (Shoutout!). We often left things on download while we'd head out training for the day sitting ready for us to watch by the time we got home!
Given that Parkour was 'new' to the UK, only a handful of mostly forum based websites existed to help each other learn together, Parkour.net (A focused Parkour forum) being a primary resource of current information and discussion... and Andi. ;)
Without the internet, we wouldn't have had opportunities to meet up, formulate ideas, learn about the history, share experiences, discuss techniques, organise communities, learn from more experienced people and formulate our own views and opinions based on the evidence and discussions available at hand. Internet forums were a searchable, ever evolving resource, documenting the ongoing learning and evolution of Parkour, predominantly focused on movement aspirations stemming from a tiny pool of videos, interviews and literature of the early pioneers.
A few words I use to describe these videos and those in them: raw, powerful, simple, fast, strong. See what I mean?
Today, the internet is the first port of call for information, it is a massive part of our lives, our culture, our businesses, our learning.... however it needs to be remembered, it is all still very young.
It's still learning how to effectively share and regulate information and we're still learning how it affects us.
Today, with any subject, anyone has the means to create a "how-to" video and share it; on occasion this content may is good and help things develop, but mostly, content shared lacks in the intricacies which may need to be conveyed, this content neglects the hours and hours of training and failures and focuses on the end-result, the spectacle... and this is the best of the bad stuff.... the rest may be viral-focused, views-hunting, subscription-wanting video content .... "junk-food", pushing stuff which more often than not, malnourishes the practice and those searching for it.
The internet is unregulated, anyone can post and say anything, experienced or not. At least with coaching in the UK and learning in person with a qualified coach, there have been steps and in reality, years worth of checks and balances put in place to ensure experience, understanding and a good level of coaching ability. These skills have been developed and assessed in order to provide students with a good level of information and guidance. This provides instant feedback, opportunities to be challenged and supported to learn and grow in that moment, there and then alongside a high degree of care and accountability.
I'm not knocking the internet at all, it's such an amazing resource to share and learn through and it has helped massively in the growth and development of Parkour; nor am I saying "old content" was the perfect example, but with the community being smaller and having less available, there was or seemed to be a greater level of accountability. We had pages and pages of forum comments following a video and generate further, worthwhile discussion on the positives and negatives of the video's content, realising the benefits and limitations of what was being shared so that we can all grow and learn together (this is far removed from the youtube trolling comments from people that may or may not care about Parkour).
The speed and ease of distribution of information may be more of a hindrance to real knowledge than a benefit as is often assumed, in particular individuals who do not question information presented.
The unregulated nature of today's content; the impressionability of young people and for beginners who may not know any better, can be a potentially harmful thing.
The information we feed the mind and body, manifests in our lives and actions, the higher the quality and greater balance of information taken in, will provide a greater, more rounded and healthy understanding of the whole practice.
For some, the internet may well still be the primary option for learning... so as long as you research, challenge and question what's provided, it can absolutely help you on your journey. If you have the opportunity to access a coach nearby, (certified, experienced and clearly lives by what they teach) it make's a lot of sense to use them, chances are they've been there and done it and will guide you to find your own way of doing things and help you in find what's important, in both training and life.
With great power comes great responsibility. Question it all, challenge it, explore it.
Coaching & The Internet:
When I first started Parkour, we had Snail-paced internet and no YouTube. We shared ideas, questions and videos via forum links and YouSendIt.com (Shoutout!). We often left things on download while we'd head out training for the day sitting ready for us to watch by the time we got home!
Given that Parkour was 'new' to the UK, only a handful of mostly forum based websites existed to help each other learn together, Parkour.net (A focused Parkour forum) being a primary resource of current information and discussion... and Andi. ;)
Without the internet, we wouldn't have had opportunities to meet up, formulate ideas, learn about the history, share experiences, discuss techniques, organise communities, learn from more experienced people and formulate our own views and opinions based on the evidence and discussions available at hand. Internet forums were a searchable, ever evolving resource, documenting the ongoing learning and evolution of Parkour, predominantly focused on movement aspirations stemming from a tiny pool of videos, interviews and literature of the early pioneers.
A few words I use to describe these videos and those in them: raw, powerful, simple, fast, strong. See what I mean?
Today, the internet is the first port of call for information, it is a massive part of our lives, our culture, our businesses, our learning.... however it needs to be remembered, it is all still very young.
It's still learning how to effectively share and regulate information and we're still learning how it affects us.
Today, with any subject, anyone has the means to create a "how-to" video and share it; on occasion this content may is good and help things develop, but mostly, content shared lacks in the intricacies which may need to be conveyed, this content neglects the hours and hours of training and failures and focuses on the end-result, the spectacle... and this is the best of the bad stuff.... the rest may be viral-focused, views-hunting, subscription-wanting video content .... "junk-food", pushing stuff which more often than not, malnourishes the practice and those searching for it.
The internet is unregulated, anyone can post and say anything, experienced or not. At least with coaching in the UK and learning in person with a qualified coach, there have been steps and in reality, years worth of checks and balances put in place to ensure experience, understanding and a good level of coaching ability. These skills have been developed and assessed in order to provide students with a good level of information and guidance. This provides instant feedback, opportunities to be challenged and supported to learn and grow in that moment, there and then alongside a high degree of care and accountability.
I'm not knocking the internet at all, it's such an amazing resource to share and learn through and it has helped massively in the growth and development of Parkour; nor am I saying "old content" was the perfect example, but with the community being smaller and having less available, there was or seemed to be a greater level of accountability. We had pages and pages of forum comments following a video and generate further, worthwhile discussion on the positives and negatives of the video's content, realising the benefits and limitations of what was being shared so that we can all grow and learn together (this is far removed from the youtube trolling comments from people that may or may not care about Parkour).
The speed and ease of distribution of information may be more of a hindrance to real knowledge than a benefit as is often assumed, in particular individuals who do not question information presented.
The unregulated nature of today's content; the impressionability of young people and for beginners who may not know any better, can be a potentially harmful thing.
The information we feed the mind and body, manifests in our lives and actions, the higher the quality and greater balance of information taken in, will provide a greater, more rounded and healthy understanding of the whole practice.
For some, the internet may well still be the primary option for learning... so as long as you research, challenge and question what's provided, it can absolutely help you on your journey. If you have the opportunity to access a coach nearby, (certified, experienced and clearly lives by what they teach) it make's a lot of sense to use them, chances are they've been there and done it and will guide you to find your own way of doing things and help you in find what's important, in both training and life.
With great power comes great responsibility. Question it all, challenge it, explore it.
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