Vancouver, B.C. Becoming A Parkour Place

The first time I saw something Parkour-related was when I watched Casino Royale and Daniel Craig (James Bond) chased a villain through a construction site, up a frame of a building and across steel girders.

But just what is Parkour? A discipline that originates from France says Parkour instructor Rene Scavington.

Derived from the French term for obstacle course, "parcours du combatant", Parkour was pretty much started by a man named David Belle.

"[David] had a father who was a soldier and always encouraged him to use physical training to do something useful," explained Scavington.

"Gymnastics, martial arts, he always encouraged him to take the training and make them into something that could be used to help other people."

People who practice Parkour are usually seen walking up railings, climbing trees, or in Daniel Craig's case, jumping from buildings and have to be quite nimble, but Scavington says that you don't need to be a ninja.

"Anyone can start, we have groups from beginner to very advanced; we have an adults only class and we try to cater to whoever wants to learn," he said.

"Obviously if you want to progress, it is a physical activity so you need to become physically fit."

Training takes place at Coopers Park near Cambie Bridge; at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver and the West Van Gymnastics Center.

Scavington says lessons only cost about $10.00 a session and offers words of wisdom for those who might be intimidated by Parkour.

"If you're afraid to come out and try with other people, it's about overcoming obstacles right?"

"How can you do a big jump if you can't come out and train with other people?"

The B.C. Parkour chapter has a website if you want to learn more.