Parcour

'Parcour is all about movement efficiency and self expression'.

What is Parcour?

Parcour, also known as freerunning, is an urban movement discipline that originated in France in the late 1980s by David Belle who is the son of a real life Parcour Warrior. David and his friends re-enacted special forces training from his father in the urban concrete jungle of Lisses, FRANCE. It's title with French origins means, a course, a path or way through. Essentially, to get from point A to B as efficiently and creatively as possible. It involves navigating obstacles in the environment with speed and efficiency, using a combination of running, climbing, swinging, vaulting, and jumping. Parcour isn't just about physical skill; it's an art of movement that engages the mind, body, and spirit.

Activity Examples

Parcour practitioners (or treceurs) Run, Jump, Climb, Vault, Swing and Balance to overcome obstacles. Treceurs perform skills such as Precisions, Parcour Rolls, Wall Runs, Cat Hangs, Tik Taks, and Lache's.

Physical Aims of Parcour

Cardiovascular Endurance: Parcour is a high-intensity activity that challenges the cardiovascular system. It increases heart rate and improves the efficiency of oxygen delivery to muscles, enhancing overall cardiovascular fitness.

Muscular Strength and Power: The various jumps, vaults, and climbs in parkour require significant muscular strength and power. Regular training improves muscle tone, strength, and power, particularly in the lower body and core.

Flexibility and Mobility: Parcour involves a wide range of movements that stretch the limits of the body's flexibility and mobility. Over time, parcour athletes develop improved range of motion, flexibility, and body co-ordination.

Neuromuscular Coordination: Precision, balance, and coordination are essential in parkour. The complex sequences of movements enhance motor skills and proprioception—the body's ability to sense its location, movements, and actions.

The Psychology of Parcour

Beyond physical prowess, parcour demands mental resilience and adaptability.

Fear Management: One of the main psychological aspects of parcour is fear management. Overcoming the fear of heights, falls, or challenging movements is part of the training, promoting courage and self-confidence.

Problem-Solving: Each environment or obstacle presents a unique challenge. Parcour practitioners must evaluate possibilities quickly and choose the most efficient path—turning every run into a problem-solving exercise.

Flow State: Achieving a 'flow state'—a mental state where an individual is fully immersed in an activity—is common in parcour. This requires concentration, focus, and a harmonious balance between skill level and challenge.

Student to Coach ratio. 10 : 1 

Age Requirement: 6-16years

What to bring: Bring a water bottle, and any essential medicine. (Puffer, medications etc.)

Clothing: No jewellery, bring shoes, hair tied up and dress appropriate for physical activity. 

Child Anxiety: Students may experience anxiety on their first visit which is normal. Our staff are experienced & we have a level of intervention which may involve parent involvement. We strive to build confidence in kids, so within 2-3weeks the student should be settled, learning, and having fun. If this is not the case please let us know.  

Enrollment Period: School Terms (10 weeks)

Check out the movement journey as students progress through their skills curriculum.

Club Rules

1. NEW students may experience anxiety on their first visit which is normal. Our staff are experienced & we have a level of intervention which may involve parent involvement. New students are 'Early Graded' & placed into a group according to their Age & Ability. It usually takes 1-2weeks to complete this process to settle our groups for the term. We strive to build confidence in kids, so within 2-3weeks the student should be settled, learning, and having fun. If this is not the case please let us know. 

2. Bring a water bottle, no jewellery, hair tied up and dress appropriate for physical activity. Students must sit on the low beams prior to class commencement, and then greeted by coaches, and invited to the gym floor to commence warm up.

3. No parent is allowed onto the gym hall, unless pre-approved by staff. No food, drink or chewing gum is permitted in the gym.

4. Speed limit through the carpark is strictly 5km/hr. Please park in the marked bays, or safely on Lakes Way. Students are to be collect on time, from the gym foyer area. Students are to NOT wait outside or leave the club without their caregiver.

5. 'Spectator week' is on the 1st week & final week of each term, allowing parents to experience training up close. All other weeks parents do one of 3 things. Either view the session via the foyer area, wait in their vehicles, OR opt to leave the property, as long as we have your mobile number and are contactable.

6. All students (6+yrs) are coached and graded on a curriculum of skills throughout the term. The gym students learn the 'Step' curriculum, and the Parkour students learn the 'World Free Running Parkour Federation' (WFPF) curriculum. Details on these curriculum's can be provided on request.

7. Our gym is situated on semi-rural/private property. Ensure to respect surrounding wildlife and the local residence.

8. PHOTO/VIDEO IMAGES: The use of of all cameras, including those on mobile devices, is prohibited in all areas unless prior approval is obtained by facility staff. Photo's/Video's may be taken by authorised staff for promotional use. The copyright remains with OLY/TWP. Patrons who DO NOT wish to have their images taken have the right to do-so, and should advise staff immediately. 

9. We highly recommend you access your STUDENT PORTAL to access info such as your child's progress, enrollment info, medical notes, financials, and a contact tool. The Portal, called iClassPro, can be easily set up on your PC or via an App on your phone.

10. Clothing/Drink bottles left at the club will be available in the clubs lost property tub. By the end of the term, (during the school holidays) uncollected items are offered to the Salvation Army or Red Cross.

11. CCTV: OLY/TWP uses a security camera system for safety and security. A full copy of the club policy can be supplied on request.

12. All members must adhere to our COVID Safety plan, in accordance to advisories at the time.

We encourage you to take a look at our FULL 'Terms & Conditions', 'Fees' and 'Club Rules' via our website.