Frequently asked questions
What is Parkour/Freerunning?
Parkour, also known as Freerunning, or "art du deplacement" is an urban activity, that started in the suburbs of France.
It is a training method based on the principles of using your body in an environment, to get from A-B efficiently and effectively. The concept behind the training practise was to be strong and to be useful in all situations , and able to adapt to different environments.
We use skills such as climbing, traversing, vaulting, jumping and swinging as fundamentals, and over the years lots of different practises such as acrobatics and more creative movements have come into the sport.
Nowadays the practise is a big mix bag of different urban arts , with activities like buildering, tricking, breakdance being thrown in to create a very expressive activity.
Can anyone take part? Do you need experience?
Whats the difference between Structured Classes and Open Sessions?
What clothing is suitable for activities at Fluidity?
Generally we recommend common sense rule for what to wear here at Fluidity. The sport is famous for needing nothing more than a pair of trainers too take part in. You do not need to buy any fancy "grip" socks or trainers from us either.
Footwear - Here at Fluidity, we would say to wear decent footwear (this excludes crocs, steel toe boots, stiletos , flip flops and anything else that sounds daft to wear freerunning.) Any general sports trainers are good for this. You can go barefoot on some of the apparatus, but bring shoes.
Jewellry/Accessories - We all like to look cool, but you should appreciate that for safety (and for the safety of your belongings) , it is best to remove any accessories that may break, be lost or restrict movement. We aren't going to spend hours fishing your Rolex out of the foam pit , or pay for the repair!
How do we join onto classes and courses?
Is Parkour/Freerunning safe?
What qualifications do coaches/staff have?
Here at Fluidity, we are affiliated with our National Governing Body ParkourUK.
This is the official qualification for our sport here in the UK .
Assistant coaches hold "Level 1" , and our lead coaches hold "Level 2".
Personal Trainers , external coaches and Volunteers hold other certifications linked to their sport/activity.
We also hold different levels of First Aid for Work, and Coaching First Aid qualifications , such as "Level 3 in First Aid for Work".
We recommend reading up on the coaching levels here on -
https://parkour.uk/qualifications/
What are your prices and opening times? When can we show up?
How is it different to Gymnastics?
Through the years, Parkour/Freerunning has been compared to Gymnastics greatly , and we as a community worldwide are working hard to dispel this incorrect comparison.
In recent years, "Freestyle Gymnastics" or "FreeG" has come into being, to try and cater to a more "urban" market. As a result , there are plenty of problems with customers being falsely sold parkour classes by Gymnastic centers and coaches. We advise you look for the PKUK club mark, and 1st4Sport Parkour qualifications wherever you go.
Although some techniques used in Parkour (especially the more acrobatic side) , are similar to those seen in Gymnastics, its important to note that the methodology, discipline and mental aspects are incredibly different.
Parkour is an outdoor activitiy, with self development (physically and mentally) being its primary "goal" . It is generally non-competitive and communal. Respect is a fundamental part of Parkour. Respect for yourself, your environment , and those that are around you (public or practitioners).
Gymnastics is generally geared towards performance and winning medals , with training geared at making athletes that accomplish these goals.
We could talk on about this topic, but here is great article by our friends at Train Hard!