In a constantly moving and evolving world, it’s more important than ever to be able to move with agility and grace. Parkour is a great way to do just that. Parkour is a physical discipline that utilizes movements from obstacle course training, martial arts, gymnastics, and other disciplines to allow practitioners to overcome any obstacle in their environment.
Whether you’re looking to get fit, learn new moves, or just have fun, parkour is a great activity for all ages. Check out this list of basic parkour moves to get started.
How Many Parkour Moves Do We Have?
Parkour moves are divided into two categories: basic and advanced. Basic moves are the foundation for all parkour techniques and include movements such as running, jumping, vaulting, and climbing.
These basic parkour exercises can be performed at home with minimal equipment, making them perfect for beginners. Advanced activities build on the basics and include more complex techniques such as flips, rolls, and precisions.
While these moves require more practice and training, they offer a significant challenge for experienced parkour practitioners. There is no set number of parkour moves, as new techniques are continuously being developed.
However, mastering the basics is essential for anyone wanting to progress in this exciting discipline. As a result, the number of potential parkour moves is practically limitless. The challenge of parkour is not simply to perform fancy tricks or flips; it is to move effortlessly and fluidly through any environment, using whatever means necessary to overcome obstacles.
In this sense, parkour is more of an art than a science, and the number of possible moves is limited only by the practitioner’s imagination.
Parkour Terms
There are many different moves involved in parkour, and each traceur has its style and approach. However, there are some basic moves that every parkour practitioner should know. The following is a list of parkour terms and parkour moves list with pictures to illustrate each.
- Traceur: A person who practices parkour. The term is derived from the French word for “tracing,” which refers to the act of following a predetermined path.
- Traceuse: A female practitioner of parkour.
- Spotter: A person who assists traceurs by spotting potential hazards and providing feedback.
- Line of Sight: The path that a traceur intends to follow. This is often determined by looking for the most direct route from point A to point B.
- Movement Economy: The principle of using the least energy to complete a movement. This is often achieved by using momentum and efficiency to overcome obstacles.
- TRAIN Standing for “tout le monde ensemle dans la rue” (everyone together in the street), TRAIN is a philosophy espoused by parkour founder David Belle that encourages practitioners to train together in urban environments.
- Parcours: The French word for “journey” refers to a training session or circuit. It can also be used to describe an obstacle course that has been specifically.
As you become more confident with the basic parkour moves, you can experiment with more advanced techniques. However, it is vital to be aware of your surroundings and only attempt moves you feel comfortable with. Here are some intermediate parkour moves that you can practice at home:
Basic Parkour Moves List
1. Cat Leap
This move involves jumping vertically onto a platform, using your hands to support your weight. It is an excellent way to practice landing safely and control your body mid-air.
2. Precision Jump
The precision jump is one of the essential parkour techniques. To perform a precision jump, approach your target (a low wall, for example) with a running start. As you near the edge of the wall, tuck your legs into your chest and extend your arms out in front of you.
At the last second, push off with your legs and reach up with your arms to grab the top of the wall. Then pull yourself up and over.
3. Parkour Vault
Parkour vault is a move that allows you to clear an obstacle without losing momentum. To perform a parkour vault, approach the obstacle with a running start. Place one hand on the barrier and use it to vault over.
As you’re vaulting, tuck your legs into your chest to help clear the obstacle. Then land on the other side and continue running.
4. Wall Run
A wall run is a move that allows you to gain momentum by running up and along a vertical surface. To perform a wall run, approach the wall with a running start and place both hands on the wall.
Then push off with your legs and run up the wall until you reach the top. You can jump off the wall from there or continue running along the top.
5. Kong Vault
The Kong Vault is a move that allows you to clear a significant gap by using your momentum and your hands to propel yourself forward. To perform a kong vault, approach the edge of the opening with a running start. As you reach the border, place both hands on the ground and jump forward, tucking your legs into your chest.
As you’re vaulting over the gap, extend your arms out in front of you to help propel yourself forward. Then land on the other side and continue running.
6. Donkey Kick
The Donkey Kick is a move that allows you to gain height by kicking off from a wall. To perform a donkey kick, approach a wall with a running start and place both hands on the wall. Then kick your legs up behind you and push off the wall. Land on your feet and continue running.
7. Muscle-up
The muscle-up is a move that allows you to pull yourself up over a tall wall or obstacle. To perform a muscle-up, approach the wall with a running start and jump up to grab the top of the border with both hands.
Then pull yourself up and over the top of the wall. Land on your feet on the other side and continue running.
8. Parkour Drop
This move involves jumping down from a height, using your momentum to help you land safely on your feet. It is important to tuck your chin into your chest and roll when you hit the ground, to minimize the impact on your body.
9. Roll
The roll is a somersaulting move that absorbs the impact of a fall or jump. This is often used to land on uneven surfaces or to avoid obstacles.
With practice, you will be able to help build strength and confidence. Remember to constantly push yourself outside of your comfort zone so that you can continue to progress in your parkour training.
Conclusion
Parkour is a great way to get fit and have fun, but it’s essential to learn the basics before starting. This best parkour moves list will help you get on the right foot. Parkour moves at home are easy to understand and don’t require special equipment.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can move on to more challenging parkour moves. Beginner parkour moves include basic jumps, rolls, and vaults. Intermediate parkour moves include more complex jumps, spins, and flips.
After you’ve mastered the basics of parkour, you can start experimenting with more advanced parkour moves. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with parkour, so get out there and start exploring!