One summer vacation, I was stuck at home again and was watching videos on parkour and freerunning and I was impressed with their movements, their freedom. Right then and there, I knew what I wanted to do with my life. After that, I did nothing but train and train. From it, I gained friends and a healthy community with other people like me who enjoy freerunning and the rush of feeling free. I’ve gained recognition that I never knew in my childhood.

Everything changed for me, It was around third grade when I started to become a traceur (parkour practitioner). Back then I had no idea what I was doing. Climbing trees, jumping from the top of a flight of stairs, I don’t know, you name it. Anything that gave me the rush of flying, I did it. With parkour I was given a way to express myself, and it also became my way to be recognized.

Freerunning/parkour has given me friendships that wouldn’t otherwise have been as strong. It has given me new goals to work toward, and a shred of self-confidence. It’s also given me a new perspective on my life. Parkour has given me a passion, a purpose, something to pursue and, at this point, a career to look forward to in the future.

Parkour gives teens an opportunity to try something different but it also teaches them a discipline, a mindset that there is no obstacle that can’t be overcome.

With that mindset, freerunners are able to apply that way of thinking not only to their training as freerunners but to everyday life and use that to solve whatever problems they cross in life. It’s a way of thinking that keeps you “staying positive,” a quote by all-time tricker and freerunner Kyle “Epic” Mendoza.

I believe everyone can benefit with parkour, for it teaches not only ways to live your life but it also teaches something about yourself.