Parkour: A Phenomenon of Movement
Parkour is quite simply getting from one point to another, in the most efficient manner, whilst using only your bodies’ natural abilities. This may mean running, jumping, rolling, vaulting, or climbing your way from point A to point B. Sounds rather simple doesn’t it? Well sometimes it is, and sometimes it isn’t. But so often it can be a hugely spectacular and enthralling form of (literally) physical art.
Parkour is a worldwide phenomenon that has a firm foothold in New Zealand – one that is growing with the help of some highly committed practitioners (or Traceurs to use the correct jargon). Wellington has its own group of Parkour enthusiasts, flinging themselves about the capital on a regular basis. Of course they picked the most apt name for themselves: Physical Graffiti.
Physical Graffiti were the subject of a Campbell Live segment earlier on in the year. More importantly (Sorry John), a YouTube video featuring the Wellington crew became a bonafide phenomenon – gathering over 1 million hits and counting – while also achieving coverage on French television. Parkour was originally conceived in France by founder David Belle, a man devoted to using the body to its fullest and most extreme potential.
The Graffiti boys and girls are flying that flag strongly here, and are acting as a touchstone for those interested in Parkour within our region. They practice every Sunday, starting from the pyramids at Civic Square at around 2pm. All who are interested are welcome, so if you want to try something new and exciting, or are just plain curious, go along and check it out.
Click here to view the amazing video featuring Physical Graffiti in action. Video is directed/edited (including graphics) by Shahir Daud and shot by Richard Humphreys.
-Darren
Tags: Apt Name, Boys And Girls, Civic Square, Daud, David Belle, Foothold, Founder David, French Television, Good Chance, Including Graphics, Matrix Style, Natural Abilities, Physical Art, Physical Graffiti, Pyramids, Richard Humphreys, Sorry John, Traceurs, Worldwide Phenomenon, Youtube Video
