We interrupt this on-going political crisis for something completely

[Beam Me Up]

different:

Alright, perhaps the following should be placed in the lounge. But it seems to me this does have political overtones and is so interesting it deserves a much wider audience than it will likely get there. Perhaps some of you have seen this and are familiar with what I've been told is called "free running." I don't know, I'm just an old guy, hardly 'kewl', so maybe this is old hat to everyone over 25, but it was striking to me.

These are two videos of young men, Russian I think but am not certain, doing what could be called X-Tream Urban Aerobatics. Part of it is the way the videos are edited, for sure, but the stunning fact is these young men are doing things that would make most parents' hearts stop in an instant. It is unbelievable, breath taking, inspiring and terrifying all at once. That they are set amidst the urban decay of an estern block country (Russia, I'm assuming, but I don't know that for sure), and often several stories up in the air, only makes them all the more compelling.

But don't take my word for it, see for yourself. I've added a few screen shots to give you an idea what's on the videos.

Daugavpils parkour 17.3 Mb

http://urban.zen.praktik.ru/albums/Daugavpils-parkourLeParkour_Latvia_Daugavpils_2005_1.wmv

DvinskClan-LeParkour 4.9Mb

http://urban.zen.praktik.ru/albums/DvinskClan-LeParkour/DvinskClan_LeParkour_1.wmv












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[lildreamer316]

1. Yes;

we watched a special on this awhile ago. Pretty cool stuff; huh?

[Beam Me Up]

3. Wow. It is to me.

I don't watch TV at all any more, what do you know about this?

[lildreamer316]

5. Well;

now I'm not sure where we saw the special; maybe Discovery or Natl Geographic. I'll ask hubby. It was called free running and it featured 2 european guys who "ran" London. They had to get permission to use certain buildings. Obviously you have to be in VERY good shape for this....

[moggie]

7. You're thinking of 'Jump London'

It's available on DVD (search amazon.co.uk).

[Beam Me Up]

8. Any more information you can post would be appreciated.

:hi:

All news to me.

[niyad]

2. living proof that some people have wayyyyyy too much time on their hands

[Beam Me Up]

4. I see it a bit differently. They're pushing limits.

It's like they're taking The Matrix literally and pushing themselves to do what seems impossible--or at least DAMN foolish.

But I think this is how a lot of sports get started. Big wave surfing, sky-diving, X-tream skateboarding. You really have to have a kind of inner confidence to do this kind of thing.

[niyad]

6. or an X-treme overload of testosterone

[Beam Me Up]

9. .

[Beam Me Up]

10. "Parkour." What I've found out so far:

What these guys are doing apparently is called "Parkour" or "Free Running". There is a site by or about the founder of Parkour, Sébastien Foucan: http://www.parkour.com/index.html

Here is the history of "Parkour" from that site:

Sébastien Foucan developed the discipline of Parkour with his childhood friend David Belle, who practiced the 'Natural Method' of Parkour, Influence by his miltary father, also a great sportsman.(Together Sébastien and David played and put in place a way of being - A Lifestyle - That lasted for more than ten years.

Heavily influenced by asian philosophy, Sébastian decided to immerse himself fully in his art in order to combat negative energy and becoming 'Fluid like water'. Becoming aware of the failings of art without context. He later chose to create his own path by developing the philosophy - His own method of learning based on autonomy, play and positive energy. Conveying to others his messages and philosophy has become Sébastien's quest. Sébastien has become a global ambassador of the Parkour / Free-Running discipline.
According to Sébastien: "Nobody ever invents anything - You're inspired and sometimes you can improve!"

(Sébastien believes in the concept of "No violence, No competition, No Groups, No Chiefs."

The kids in the video are perhaps from the city of Dvinsk in Latvia (just guessing, but they call themselves "Dvinsk Clan" and most of the websites about them end in .lv (Latvia). Since they call the city "Dvinsk" instead of it's Latvian name "Daugavpils" plus the fact all their text is in Russian, makes me believe the kids are ethnic Russians living in Latvia.

[Beam Me Up]

11. "Without Philosophy, Action has no Meaning" --Sebastian Foucan

From: http://www.parkour.com/philosophy1.htm

Life is made of obstacles and challenges - To overcome them is to progress.

If you become skilled at Parkour you gain something for the rest of life.

Understanding the philosophy of Parkour is to lookfurther than just the simple movement or the performance of the movement. It could even be said to be a lesson of life for everyday!

But still you have to internalise the philosophy - An esssential element of learning Parkour.

YIN YANG:

As with Yin Yang, Parkour is made up of two indivisible selections:

"Firstly, movement that is fluid and smooth: 'Supply Style'
'Second, Impactful movements: 'Hard Style'

You must find the best balance for yourself.

Message :

• Parkour isn't a fashion phenomenon, It's an evolution of the mind.
• It's difficult to envisage action, such as moving like an animal, being fluid like water or finding your own balance without a certain philosophy. this is the path of the Traceur.
• In practice, focus your attention in yourself more than to the outside world.
• The most important advice about Parkour is to learn to follow your own path, your intuition - Make progress step by step
One link alone is nothing - Humanity must be made up of a large chain. If you discover something positive whilst doing Parkour. You should pass it on to others!
• Don't forget to have a sense of fun, which is central to Parkour
• Don't forget to find the path towards your own balance - Your own rythm is essential to enjoyment and understanding of Parkour.


THE WAY :

" The way is the path of silence.
Cut across town quietly at your own speed.
Concentrate on footwork, Your Touch, Your
own sensibility.
Look for cat-like silence and you will find the
path...
This is the way"

This is The way Sebastien Foucan

[Beam Me Up]

12. Apparently few find this of interest but I'll kick it up.

Maybe someone will check it out. I think it is just so, AWESOME!

[Beam Me Up]

13. One last lonely weekend kick.