Parkour and the Art du déplacement: Strength, Dignity, Community

by Vincent Thibault, Vincent Thibault

Parkour, the art of displacement, or freerunning—whatever the name, this new discipline born in the Paris suburbs is rapidly being adopted by people throughout the world. Not satisfied to suffer through urban life, these athletic artists or artistic athletes want to thrive in it, all the while earning dignity by daringly reappropriating three fundamental motor running, jumping, and climbing. Vincent Thibault explores the philosophical and spiritual aspects of the art of movement and offers ideas on health, sports, urban living, and the relationship between the body and the environment. Reflecting on the culture of effort, he also avoids the misguided notion that depicts parkour as just another of those elitist extreme sports, instead providing a thoughtful, lyrical adventure into martial arts and chivalry in an urban setting.

126 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Homme d’idées, voyageur émerveillé, et défenseur de ce qu’il conviendrait d’appeler l’optimisme éclairé, Vincent Thibault est un écrivain québécois, auteur d’une quinzaine de livres.

Romans d’aventures, nouvelles envoûtantes, récits de voyage, essais sur la philosophie bouddhiste, propos sur la littérature, scénarios de films...

Son œuvre prend des formes d’une diversité étonnante, mais s’articule autour de thèmes clés : l’intégrité et la bienveillance dans un monde en constant changement, la quête de sagesse malgré le bruit ambiant, le courage face à l’incertitude, et la réconciliation entre tradition et modernité.

Reviews

[Pascale · Rating 4 out of 5]

J'ai adoré ce petit livre. Très inspirant et complet. J'ai bien hâte de rencontrer ces gens :)

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction for those wanting to know more about what parkour is and how to go about learning it safely. The book covers everything from misconceptions people may have to how parkour is defined.
I recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about parkour.
I received my copy from goodreads First Reads.

[Andre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dipped my toes in parkour training and injures myself (minor pec tear) but I was very intrigued and didn't want to quit. So I picked this book up to read during my convalescence. Short, and philosophical in nature it reinforced for me that I want to be a part of this movement and activity. I just hope my joints agree with my heart and head.

[Aisis Zane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a great conceptual book on practice in Parkour and integrating it as a way of life type of art. However, I think it might be abstract for those expecting a 101 and step by step parkour book. It still a good book to read over to prepare one to take on the art for the journey.

[Lafe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book on the philosophy of parkour.