PARKOUR BASIC MOVEMENTS

 

Once one has rehearsed the basics of a martial art enough times the techniques learned become a natural reaction. When in combat one can not stop to think about which basic maneuver to perform, instead they must develop a form without form and have a clear mind. Parkour should be executed in the same sense. There is no set way to overcome an obstacle and one will discover for them self what method is the most efficient for a given scenario.

Below are basic quadrupedal and bipedal movements and thorough outlines on how they should be performed. One's parkour practice and vocabulary should not end with just these techniques. These are building blocks designed to help prevent unnecessary and unsafe motion.

saut de fond
to jump to the ground

roullade
safe roll

passement
side vault
speed vault
reverse vault

saut de chat
cat pass, monkey, or kong

saut
jump over

saut de précision
precision jump

franchissement
to jump/swing through a space

saut de bras
arm jump

planche
climb up from hanging position

passe muraille - scaling a wall
wall climb
pop vault

demi tour
turning vault

tic tac

equilibre
upright balance
cat balance
hand stand