An article about Parkour practitioners in Mancheter popped up the other day and we really want everyones opinion of it. 

Click read more to see the exerpts from the article...

"The word parkour originates from the French words ‘parc’ and ‘courir’, meaning park running, and was developed from military course training in France."

Dan Fisher, director and owner of Evolve Manchester gym, hosts special parkour classes and insists the popularity of the sport is increasing.

“It’s urban gymnastics. Getting from A to B as fast as possible but putting a bit of flair into it. You become more animalistic with the way you move your body,” said the 25-year-old.

He added: “The sport is pretty popular. Between 2002 and 2012 it has gone mad. Programmes on the TV like Move England and films really helped to build the sport up.”

A Manchester-based parkour practitioner, known only as 'Skull', claims the city has some of the most exciting 'traceurs' in the country.

Skull said: "Manchester is perfect for those of us into parkour. The buildings and architecture lend themselves well to the sport and there is a real camaraderie among the parkour community.

"Over the last five years in particular, our numbers have swelled unbelievably. Though it isn't a sport for everyone, and it's certainly not one people should get into without proper care and training.

"You could easily die doing parkour - so you should definitely take things slowly. It isn't a game for kids."

“It is amazing to watch, especially with precision jumps, vaults and flips. I’ve been doing it for about a year now and it takes a lot of time to get to a good level,” explained Dan, who is from Heywood.

“There is an element of putting your life at risk, so it is better to build up gradually.

“At the moment for me it is a hobby, but I would like to progress further.”

So as you are walking around Manchester keep an eye out for these gravity defying thrill-seekers, leaping and flying between buildings.

Here at American Parkour we believe Parkour can be for everyone. We also believe that, while Parkour can be dangerous if practiced incorrectly, it is a safe discipline that can benefit everyone.

Please let us know what you think about the article. You can read the whole article on it's original site by clicking here.