Sunday, June 29, 2014

ADAPT Certifications


Next month, we are hosting the first ever ADAPT Level 1 certification course here in Chicago (the first in Illinois as well).

Some disagree with certifications in Parkour, but the ADAPT coaching certification is important in this discipline. Not because we seek approval from others. Not because we are "better" than anyone else. But because we appreciate the original values and spirit of the discipline and hope to carry those on through what we do. Because we seek to improve as not only coaches who teach others in these disciplines, but as practitioners ourselves, and as human beings. It is a way to not only learn more about yourself (as a coach, as a practitioner and in general), but to learn more about how Parkour, Freerunning, and ADD all started. To understand what reasons it was started for. To understand how it has changed, why it has changed, and how we can keep those values and the spirit passed down from the founders alive and well for years to come.

The ADAPT network of coaches is perhaps the strongest network of coaches of Parkour around the world. It is a global effort spanning numerous countries and it continues to grow each year. The certification course is quite difficult, the Parkour Generations coaches who deliver the course make sure that you earn your certification through plenty of hard work... blood, sweat, and tears even.

It is important that we have coaches around the globe that take this discipline seriously (by that, I don't mean that they are super strict!), because it is a serious discipline with serious repercussions if practiced incorrectly. This discipline can be practiced safely by anyone, something that many people do not realize when they are exposed to much of the footage shared on YouTube or in the mass media. This is why we need coaches who stay true to the discipline. So that we do not end up leaving out those who could greatly benefit from the training we offer.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Traceuse Project: FREE Girls Jams


We had our very first Girls Jam today as part of our new "Traceuse Project". Our aim is to get more women into Parkour and ADD training in Chicago and to help the public become more aware that Parkour is NOT just for elite-level athletes or careless young men with a deathwish (in fact, those of us "in the know" would say Parkour is very much NOT for the latter type!). It was a great feeling to see a decent turnout of women at our first event today with a total of 11 participants.

Part of our effort with this project is to also allow our male instructors to better understand the gender-specific challenges that women have in our disciplines. We have recently had an uproar of female registrations and class signups, and I've been so excited that we are breaking that "it's for guys" barrier that I wanted to fuel the fire and REALLY push the message. Women can be just as strong as men and actually have some advantages in our type of training such as superior balance and a seemingly much-lesser desire to show off and get injured...

We hope this project continues with as much success as we saw today at our first event! Please share the news of these monthly get-togethers with friends, family, co-workers, classmates, and all others so that we can continue to break through our message and build this community!

-Kurt

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Night Missions and Journeys


We've updated our class types! Check out the new lineup:

Discovery
To get acquainted to our training methods, teaching style, and terminology. Beginners should start here, but these classes are great for all skill levels as well. DO NOT be afraid to come try it out!

Standard
Our standard class is great for all skill levels, but may be a bit intense for beginners or those new to fitness.

Journey
NEW! Journey classes start at one point and end at another, finding challenges along the way. Don't be late, or you may not find us! See the map for Journey classes here.

Night Mission
NEW! Night Missions are more focused on conditioning exercises and challenging movement drills. See the Night Missions map here.

Art du Déplacement
ADD is heavily focused on creativity and play as well as the strong spirit to "never give up", and finding and developing strength to help others... "we start together, we finish together!"