Parkour, or free running, is appearing more and more in the media, most likely sparked by last year’s James Bond flick’s opening scene.
There is growing media attention to the France originated art and sport of passing through obstacles in free flowing motion, combining gymnastics, acrobatics and martial arts disciplines. As it appears on the screens of major theatres, there is a growing popularity amongst urban youth. I am sure city and park officials are freaking out about the impact on trespassing and legal liability, but there are traceurs in communities bringing the attraction of free running to safe training facilities under qualified leadership. And with Vancouver being Hollywood North, there may be potential for those who are serious, to cash in on film, television and video game production opportunities.
Here is a clip for an academy in West Vancouver led by Instructors Rene Scavington and Aleksander Vlasez of the West Vancouver Parkour Academy. Here are a couple of articles about parkour, their presence on the big screen and how communities are incorporating it into their programs.
RawTalent 