Parkour FAQ

Questions about Parkour

Here we have collected the most frequent questions about Parkour. If you have any other questions, feel free to write them to us so we can add them. Good appetite for reading 🙂

Parkour in Denmark - Martin Coops makes a precision drop.
Copenhagen offers plenty of good opportunities to challenge both beginners and advanced parkour practitioners. At most parkour spots in Copenhagen, you can find plenty of challenges for both beginners and experienced riders.

What is parkour?

Parkour is a training discipline that originated in France. It focuses on self-development by overcoming obstacles in the urban environment (or any other setting) using movements such as running, jumping, climbing, and balancing.

Who invented parkour?

Parkour was founded by David Belle in France in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was inspired by his father Raymond Belle, who was a military zealot and training enthusiast.

What is the difference between parkour and freerunning?

Parkour focuses on efficiency, moving as quickly and efficiently as possible from point A to B. Freerunning is more artistic and focuses on acrobatic movements and aesthetics.

Is parkour dangerous?

Like any physical activity, parkour can be dangerous if practiced carelessly. It is important to start slowly, build strength and skill, and always be aware of safety.

Is parkour illegal?

No, parkour is completely legal. However, as a parkour practitioner, you must remember to respect private buildings, so that you do not enter other people's land without obtaining permission to do so. But parkour is completely legal and can be practiced anywhere where there are things to balance on, jump over, under or through. 

If you are in doubt as to whether it is okay to train in a certain place, ask the people who live there or own the building, just to be on the safe side.

What should I wear when doing parkour?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and parkour shoes are essential. Parkour requires shoes with good grip and shock absorption. You can find parkour shoes here at Parkourshoppen.

How can I find a good place to practice parkour?

You can practice parkour almost anywhere. The most important thing is that the area is safe. Parkour parks, public parks and urban areas can all be good places. Parkour courses and Parkour Parks have been designed in several places in Denmark. Team JIYO has designed several of them with the aim that you can go to one place and train many different parkour techniques and parkour exercises together in one place.

How does the weather affect my parkour training?

Wet weather can make surfaces slippery, increasing the risk of injury. It is best to train in dry weather, or to be very careful when it is wet.

What are some good exercises to build strength for parkour?

Basic exercises such as squats, lunges, pull-ups, push-ups, and core exercises are good for building the strength needed for parkour. Balance training and plyometric exercises can also be very helpful.

How can I learn parkour?

The best way to learn parkour is through a parkour coach or a local group. There are also many online resources, including YouTube videos and how-to websites.

You can also go to the page Parkour Exercises, where you can find parkour tutorials, guides and parkour videos that show how to learn the various exercises in parkour.

Parkour in Copenhagen - Amager Strandpark Parkour Spot
Parkour in Copenhagen - Amager Strandpark Parkour Spot

Are there any rules in parkour?

The primary rule in parkour is to move efficiently and safely through the environment. It's about respect for yourself, others and the environment around you.

Can I do parkour alone or do I need a partner or a group?

You can practice parkour alone, but it is often safer and more motivating to train with others. A group or training partner can also help with technical guidance and feedback.

Are there specific shoes recommended for parkour?

Shoes for parkour must be light, have a good grip, and be shock-absorbing and flexible. There are shoes specifically designed for parkour, you can find parkour shoes in The JIYO Wear Shop or in Scandinavia's largest Parkour webshop The parkour shop.

How can I avoid injuries when practicing parkour?

It is important to warm up, start slowly and gradually build up your skills. Learn to land and make “role” correctly and always listen to your body to avoid overexertion.

Are there any official competitions or events for parkour?

While parkour was originally developed without a competitive mentality, there are now numerous parkour events and competitions around the world.

Is parkour only for young people?

No, parkour can be practiced by people of all ages. However, it is important to take your own physical condition and limitations into account.

Do I need to be in good shape to start parkour?

Although it helps to have a basic level of fitness, you don't need to be in top shape to start parkour. You will gradually build your strength and endurance as you train.

Is parkour a recognized sport?

Parkour is still a relatively new discipline and is not officially recognized as a sport in all countries. But it is growing in popularity and becoming more and more recognized. Parkour is considered more of a movement art than a definite sport.

Where can I practice parkour?

Parkour can be practiced almost anywhere – from city parks and streets to forests and mountains. Always remember to respect private property and natural areas.

Is parkour good exercise?

Yes, parkour is excellent exercise. It involves the whole body and improves strength, flexibility, endurance and balance.

How can I integrate parkour into my daily routine?

You can start thinking of your daily commute as a parkour route, or dedicate time each day to practicing specific skills. It can also be useful to do strength and flexibility training as a supplement.

Can you get gloves for parkour?

This is a very frequent question we have been asked over the years. When you are a beginner in parkour and "swing" on a rail, you will find that it can feel hard on the hands with the "friction" you experience. It can easily result in the skin going up in the places where you swing. Unfortunately, there are no parkour gloves, but the more you swing, the more the skin gets used to resisting. So there is nothing to do but to scratch 😉

Are there any parkour related questions that you haven't gotten answered?

We will update this page with the buyer Most frequently asked questions regarding Parkour.

If you do not have answers to any questions, please write to us via the contact form and we will answer you as soon as possible and add the question to this page.

Testimonials

MC Clemens
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Crown Prince Frederik
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"What makes Team JiYo different from others is that they are so active. And then they are some smart guys, in addition to being able to dance, fight and do parkour. Annoying multi-talents in a really cool way!"
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"You guys were incredibly cool and amazing. You get a HUGE 5 from me!"
Anders Lund Madsen
Anders Lund MadsenComedian & Commentator
"So it's great to see these bodies at play, it makes you really want to practice parkour!"