But what about athletes that don’t conform well to the constraints of competition? There are many athletes that make marked contributions to the development of the sport without fitting into any standardised system of judging that would garner them any podium spots. So, let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater! Instead, there may be a place where the original and unorthodox styles that often drive change in the sport can be found…
Think breakdance battles — but for parkour. In breaking, dancers face off in high-energy rounds, responding to each other with creative, improvised movement. There’s no rigid scoring system for tricks or difficulty; instead, battles are judged on flow, originality, musicality, and how well each dancer brings their unique style to the floor.
Gizmo Style Battles applies that same spirit to parkour. It’s a space where athletes aren’t confined by categories like skill, speed, or style. Instead, they express their movement freely, challenging each other in a format that values creativity, adaptability, and individuality above all else. It’s not about checking boxes — it’s about showing up with something unmistakably your own.
As I said, there’s no rigid scoring system for tricks or difficulty; instead, battles are judged on:
Gizmo is hosted in Die Halle, Hamburg (Germany), and takes place this May 17th- 18th 2025. We’d highly recommend either heading down to check out the show, or following the event unfold on their Instagram @gizmo_battles.
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