Parkour 101: A Quick Guide
Learning the basics of parkour is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it's essential to start small and prioritise safety. Below are some of our top tips to help you get started. For more tips, expert advice, and in-depth guides, visit our Media Hub to explore more resources.
Starting parkour under the guidance of an experienced coach is a safe way to learn the basics. Classes can be held indoors in purpose-built parkour facilities or other indoor venues, but some coaches also offer outdoor sessions.
Begin by searching online for local parkour coaching organisations and gyms. Many coaching organisations and gyms have websites, and classes are often advertised on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
If you're unsure where to start, try Googling 'your city + parkour' and see what comes up. You can also use our ‘parkour class finder’ to find your nearest gym or coach.
Parkour is great fun as a solo activity, but it's also brilliant to train with a group of encouraging individuals who share the same love for movement as you!
Social media is a great way to find a local community and connect with people who train in your area. The parkour community is welcoming to beginners and will let you know when and where they meet up for training sessions. They will also know the best spots to train at and can help you direct you to the spots best suited for beginners.
There’s a wealth of parkour tutorials online that are great for beginners, and a lot of these are free on YouTube. Search for keywords like 'kong vault,' 'lazy vault,' 'precision jump,' and 'cat leap' to find step-by-step guides for learning these moves. When heading out to learn the moves, it is best to bring a friend to stay safe. You can help each other out and have fun exploring new movements together.
Parkour can be done everywhere, and the possibilities are endless. Have fun exploring your environment and adapting your parkour to your surroundings. Always respect the environment you train in and be kind to the people you meet on your parkour journey. If you are asked to leave a training spot, we recommend you stay polite, explain what you are doing and if necessary, find another spot for training.
Starting small is the best way to stay safe. Drill jumps on the ground, curbs and on low walls until you’ve mastered the moves and are ready to take your practice slightly higher off the ground. Achieving full control of your mind and movement takes time, but enjoying the process is part of the sport. Although there are benefits to practicing on your own, we recommend that beginners always have someone with them to assist them in case something goes wrong.
Because there is no set equipment or uniform for parkour, you can wear anything you feel comfortable in. However, we recommend that you make sure your clothes allow for a wide range of movement.
If you want to support parkour culture, there are plenty of parkour brands you can purchase bespoke parkour clothing from.
Shoes are a big focus - What shoes to wear comes down to personal preference. While some prefer a minimalist shoe, others might pick one with some cushioning. Whatever your preference, try to find a flexible shoe with good grip. You will get a feel of what good grip is as you go through a few pairs. Generally, trainers with a rubber sole are best for grip.
Excited to get moving? As mentioned, there are tonnes of free resources on YouTube for you to check out.
Why not start here? Check out this brilliant video from Jason Paul - A parkour athlete with over 20 years of experience!
Video by Jason Paul
While parkour is most popular among teens and young adults, it's a sport for all ages. No one is too young or too old to start parkour, and the practice is adaptable to every skill level and body type. Training in parkour helps young children build confidence in navigating their environment and can reduce the risk of falls in older adults by enhancing mobility, balance, and muscle strength.
No matter your age, gender, background, or experience level, there’s a place for you in the parkour community. Parkour is a diverse and welcoming sport anyone can enjoy.
More than just physical movement, parkour is about creativity, problem-solving, and self-improvement. It offers a fun and rewarding way to build confidence, stay active, and challenge yourself. Many parkour communities and gyms provide classes suited to different abilities and goals, creating a supportive space for learning and growth.
Whether it’s kids exploring movement, adults looking to improve strength and agility, or anyone simply wanting to try something new, parkour is an accessible and exciting way to stay active at any stage of life.
