Sophomore finds strength in parkour and free-running

Sophomore Derek Chen looked down at his fractured foot, after being forced to stop his parkour practice at the Guardian Arts Parkour gym in Fremont in February of last year, realizing that he would not be able to train, let alone walk properly, for the next two months, possibly longer.

He knew that injuries like this are to be expected, as parkour is physically demanding and challenging, and jumping off surfaces provides many opportunities for injury.

Chen thought about the recovery process and how long it would take him to get better and be able to do parkour. He knew would have to work even harder on his skills when he recovered to keep up with the rigorous pace of parkour, but to him, it was worth it.

Chen participates in recreational parkour and speed running. He started doing parkour two years ago, when he saw videos of people doing parkour that sparked his interest. He practices at the Guardian Arts Parkour gym in Fremont.

Parkour, a sport inspired by military training,requires players to get from Point A to Point B as efficiently as possible. Methods such as running, jumping, rolling, vaulting and climbing are used to get across obstacle courses. The sport demands maintaining as much momentum as possible while still running safely through the course. Both individuals and groups can participate in parkour in just about any location, although urban spaces are preferred.

Even though some think parkour is dangerous and potentially life-threatening, Chen believes that parkour is worth the risk.

“People will look at you as if you’re crazy or you’re putting yourself at risk if you freerun, but their lives are so repetitive,” Chen said. “They don't use their four limbs to their full potential; they just walk a few steps and get in their car or use their hands to type on their keyboards when theres so much more to do with our bodies.”

Speed and efficiency are key when it comes to parkour, Chen said.

“Free running, however, consists of lifts and allows for free expression,” Chen said. Free runners take a more roundabout way to get from Point A to Point B and include more theatrics, while parkour is more of a sport and develops physical and mental strength.

Chen does not have a trainer, and practices alone or with friends.

“I typically go through warm ups and basic vaults, then I proceed to work on something I want to improve or learn for that day,” Chen said.

Although he has honed his skills since he started in eighth grade, Chen has still had some mishaps when practicing. He fractured his foot while attempting a front flip from a platform in February 2013.

After fracturing his foot, he was unable to walk or train for two months, which impaired his skills, Chen said.

Chen used to practice parkour every day, but now he goes to the gym only once a week due to his busier schedule.

“Parkour and freerunning affect my life because it made me realize that creativity is extremely important to life, and it taught me to stop conforming to what society tells me is right,” Chen said.

Although he does not participate in competitions and does not plan on being a professional, he plans on continuing parkour throughout and even after high school.  

Through parkour, Chen also learned basic first aid and survival skills. He also has a new perspective on the world in general.

“After going around to find new places and seeing cities all over the world, I no longer see the world as everyone else sees it; I see a world with a huge amount of potential to be used for parkour,” Chen said. “I’ve learned to love the earth that I train on.”