Customer Reviews

The Parkour and Freerunning Handbook

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No, I'm not planning on taking up a new activity that would likely land me in the hospital within a week (if not sooner). But I *do* find the videos of parkour fascinating. When I saw the book The Parkour and Freerunning Handbook by Dan Edwardes show up at my local library, I figured it was worth a quick read just to find out more about the sport. This is the perfect book for someone curious about parkour and how practitioners are able to leap and dive over obstacles with ease. And if you were actually interested in getting started, there's enough information here to learn the basics while getting a solid grounding in how to keep from killing yourself in the process.

I think what surprised me most is that its really more of a philosophy and life attitude, akin to something you might find within the martial arts. It combines play, lifestyle, discipline, and methodology. Those who are serious about parkour start to view it as the foundation of all movement, the ability to flow with the environment and use the body to overcome barriers that normally block our paths. I can easily see how it could become the basis of an entire fitness regimen, as it combines strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular activities into a single sport. That's probably why the videos you see of parkour always seem to have people who look incredibly fit and ripped.

The Parkour and Freerunning Handbook was a quick read for what I was looking to get out of it, and it will change the way I view parkour videos from here on out. The "wow" factor will remain, but it will also be joined by a solid appreciation of what it takes to get to that level.

Disclosure:
Obtained From: Library
Payment: Borrowed

Brilliant guidebook for those interested in starting to train. Explains perfectly the history, various movements, and philosophy of parkour.It even throws in fitness training suggestions as well. Incorporating great photography and surprisingly helpful tutorials, this is the definitive guidebook for fledgling traceurs.

This is from the Parkour Generations folks who have a number of videos and educational programs online. They've taught everyone from school children to Hollywood stuntmen and stuntwomen. The book is thin, but has good photographs and a solid step-by-step technique building program. The core stance on the book is practice, practice, and practice with an eye towards grace and silent, smooth execution of technique. This could be a good motivational book for someone new to Parkour or freerunning, but it's hard to imagine pushing too far into this without good instructors as well.

I liked the tips and also breaking down the movements; Instead of spending several sessions trying to understand a movement, you already know how you should do it for each step.

Recommended, especially for those who can't train with more experienced people in their city

Anyone having an interest in Parkour should find this book beneficial. As other reviewers note, the bulk of this book talks about the sport of Parkour and how to prepare, practice and progress in the skill. The back of this book contains basic moves with step by step pictures and descriptions. Perhaps the best piece of advice gained from this book is that Parkour is not a strict set of moves but rather a chance to be creative and find the best way for "you" to move through space. Learn the basics to protect yourself from injury and then enjoy the journey expanding your abilities from point A to point B. This book also makes a great conversation piece if left on the coffee table.

My son bought this book and has really enjoyed it. Great descriptions and lots of pictures to show the proper technique.

Really, how could it? But, this book is filled with pictures and advice, both of which turn out to be useful and interesting. The practice exercises were the most helpful as they give you little tips of things to try to build up to the bigger stunts. There's plenty of helpful tips and trick and simple things like hand placement that makes some vaults easier. All in all, there's maybe 2 pages of information that's truly useful, the rest is just terminology and no brainers. But that's not the fault I don't think of the authors, it's a new sport, with no real rules, how can you really write an effective handbook? My advice, get the book if you like, its inexpensive and a motivational read, then get outside and run.

This stuff is too cool....honestly though, just get in shape, running, sprinting, practice falls, balance, and just have fun out there, express yourself..

Excellent book to start with. If your starting out in parkour, grab one of these and save countless hours and injury and do it right from the first time.

I have purhased two copies of this book. The first was for a student to inspire him to read, the second was for him to keep. It is amazing the simple ideas that we can do to encourage reading. And both companies did a great job of sending it in a timely manner. :D