Sebastien Foucan, David Belle and Parkour, The Art of Movement

Parkour, also known as the art of movement or freerunning, is a disicpline / philosophy / physical pastime that involves movement through an environment, preferably littered with obstacles, as quickly and fluidly as possible. It was pioneered by Sebastien Foucan and David Belle, and inspired by the physicality of David's father Raymond. Parkour places an emphasis on balance and agility, but also self confidence, mental discipline and overcoming personal fears and boundaries.

Some of the basic techniques involve running, jumping, rolling, and climbing using nothing other than hands and feet. (A film called "Yamakasi", featuring some of the original practitioners of parkour, has a an opening seqence where a group of young men scale the outside wall of a thirty-plus -story building without harnesses or painted-out wires.) Although not advised while given all suitable disclaimers, some of the video sequences available show skilled traceurs jumping gaps between buildings, multi level cat-like leaps and dive rolls. (They are quick to point out that these moves are not intended for beginning traceurs, but only as a demonstration of what a mind and body can do when in tune with each other and pulling in the same direction.)

Although a split occurred that took the two originators in different directions, both still practice and promote the growth of the practice of parkour. Foucan focuses on the philosophy of stretching one's limits in parkour as a physical metaphor where mastery of one's own fears and capabilties leads to finding ways over around and through everyday obstacles, and reaching one's goals. David Belle has gone on to establish the Parkour World Association (PAWA) as a means to demonstrate parkour in different parts of the world and spread its popularity. And it seems to be working.

Parkour has been featured in commercials, movies, television shows and documentaries, and has inspired traceurs (practitioners of parkour) to start clubs all over the world.