Simply explained
What is parkour? From A to B, over everything in between
Parkour is the most efficient way to get from A to B – straight over whatever obstacles are in your way. Along the way you push past physical and mental limits. Sounds like fun? It is.
More than a sport
Most people use their legs to walk to work and back home again. That’s a shame, because our body and mind can find a way to move past almost any obstacle.
People call us urban jumpers, street gymnasts or city runners. We take different routes from the ones the town planners had in mind, and we don’t let obstacles stop us. Railings, walls and stairs aren’t barriers – they’re chances to get better.
Along the way, we get to know our limits and our freedom better and better. Over time we learn to land with pinpoint precision and to judge our own abilities accurately. We find our role models in nature: a monkey moves efficiently and elegantly, driven by its own playful curiosity. That’s exactly the drive we nurture at RAW Movement, so that moves that seemed out of reach yesterday suddenly become possible.
What you need
Nothing. You can do parkour almost anywhere, with no equipment. All you need is yourself and your focus on the moment. The only downside: it’s addictive. Once this huge playground opens up to you, there’s no going back.
What a parkour session looks like
Like any sport, a parkour session has a warm-up, a main part and a cool-down. The main part is all about technique, strength and endurance.
Repeating technique
A single technique or combination – often just a very small jump – is repeated many times. That way the movement becomes clean and automatic.
The run
In a run, you cover a route with several obstacles from start to finish, as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Jam
One person demonstrates a move, the others try it and come up with their own variations. That way the whole group learns from each other.
Where to train?
Walls, steps and railings are everywhere. You’ll find our favourite places, from the Wellenspot by the Stadtpark to the Donauinsel, on our page of parkour spots in Vienna.
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Questions & answers
What people ask about parkour
Can’t find your question? Give us a call:
+43 660 3193280
What’s the difference between parkour and freerunning?
Parkour is about getting from A to B as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Freerunning grew out of it and puts more focus on expression, with flips and spins for example. The basic techniques are the same. If you also want to learn flips, we run an extra gym session on Fridays.
Is parkour dangerous?
Parkour looks spectacular, but the training itself is very controlled. We start on the ground and on low walls, practise clean landings and rolls, and only move on once a movement feels solid. The most important skill is judging yourself correctly, and that’s exactly what you learn with us.
What age can you start parkour?
With us, from age 6: Beton Ninja is for ages 6–10 and Parkour Basics for ages 11–15. There’s no upper limit either, our parkour class for adults is open to everyone 18 and over.
Do I need to be fit to start parkour?
No. You don’t need any experience, and you don’t have to be especially strong or flexible. Strength, stamina and body awareness come with training, and every exercise can be scaled to your level.
What shoes and clothes do I need for parkour?
Comfortable sportswear that can get dirty and trainers with a flat, grippy sole. You don’t need any special equipment.
Where can I learn parkour in Vienna?
At RAW Movement you train in small groups outdoors in the city, all year round. We run parkour classes for kids, a group for teens and parkour for adults. For places to practise on your own, check out our parkour spots in Vienna.
