Tracuers of Legend: Georges Hébert

Iv'e known about parkour for the past three years. It first reached the main stream in 2003 when the documentary Jump London aired on public broadcast in the United Kingdom. Would you believe that it's roots can be traced back to the late 1800's and possibly earlier? 


The beginnings of parkour can be attributed to this man:

Georges Hébert (1875 - 1975)

Strapping fellow, isn't he? His name is Georges Hébert and I feel he is a forgotten major historical figure. Early in his career as a French naval officer his travels brought him through Africa. He was amazed by the physical aptitude of the indigenous people. The tribesmen moved through each daily activity with such ease and grace. With only nature as their physical instructor, these men had forged bodies ready for almost any action required of them. These experiences in Africa led to Hérbet's life perspective that one should exercise in order to be a utility to one's society and environment.  


In 1905 catastrophe struck the Caribbean island of Martinique when Mount Pelée (an active volcano) erupted and placed the town of Saint-Pierre and its 30,000 occupants in direct danger. Hébert was stationed at Saint-Pierre during this time and led a search and rescue team which saved 700 people from the zone of destruction. This experience solidified his perspective into a belief system which combined athleticism with altruism. He formed the phrase "Être fort pour être utile" ("Be strong to be useful") and went back to France to spread his way of life.

Hébert accomplished many things during his time back in France. He published several books on fitness and healthy living. He developed an exercise regimen so effective in creating able bodies that military institutions in both Europe and the Americas applied it as doctrine. Drawing inspiration from indigenous tribes of Africa and colleagues in the fitness field, Hébret developed the "Méthode Naturelle" (natural method).


The Natural Method is a discipline that requires the simultaneous development of ten aspects of natural movement:

1. Walking
2. Running
3. Jumping
4. Climbing
5. Quadrupedal Movement (movement on 4 limbs)
6. Balancing
7. Lifting
8. Throwing
9. Defense
10.  Swimming

Incorporating two kinds of training, such as climbing with weight or defensive maneuvers while swimming, are encouraged. Combining aspects trains the body to be much more effective in helping fellow man. The occasion where we must swim and carry someone else cannot be easily predicted but being prepared is nonetheless important. These teachings influenced the "art of movement" phenomena known as parkour and also inspired the idea of physical education as an institutional requirement. Thank you monsieur Hébert

L'art du déplacement



The Parkour And Freerunning Handbook
by
Dan Edwardes
(My first parkour book)



What is parkour? Who are tracuers? I encounter these questions a lot yet I always seem to draw a blank when thinking of an answer. I have been a novice tracuer for over a year now and I still have difficulty answering these questions. So using my own  experiences I will create a beginner's or inquisitor's guide to the basic elements of parkour. The parkour handbook by Dan Edwardes places the roots of L'art du déplacment in the suburbs of Paris france. The phrase literally translates to "the art of displacement". This involves using concentration and physical conditioning to navigate our environment efficiently. The term parkour was introduced in 1998 and comes form the french word parcours meaning "route" or "course". Practitioners of this philosophy are called "tracuers". We seek to conquer emotional obstacles by mastering physical ones. We discipline ourselves through developing these "basic" elements.

• Running: stability and surety of step
• Jumping: strong jump, strong landing
• Climbing: develop functionality through grip and upper body endurance
• Balance: the skill of controlled movement
• Stealth: precise muscle manipulation
• Touch: one with surroundings 

The Art of Displacement

Auuuggghh my legs!!!

I did a heavy workout yesterday for the first time in around six months and my legs and shoulders are aching and my lower back is stiff. I'm moving around campus like my body is made out of wood. Along with the stiffness and pain comes a feeling of invigoration. I feel like an old toy car that has been wound up and is ready to take off across the kitchen floor to hit mom in the foot. I worked out at the fitness center on York College campus grounds which was adequate much to my delight. In addition I noticed some great places on campus grounds to practice parkour. If you see me doing my parkour please don't be alarmed. I am not up to any mischief or anything like that. Trust me.