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Breaking the Jump: The Secret Story of Parkour's High Flying Rebellion
From its humble origins in the backstreets and rooftops of Paris's urban jungle, to the tops of London and New York's skyscrapers, Parkour has become an adrenaline-fuelled implosion on the urban landscape. But more than a sport that most jaw-dropped onlookers can hardly comprehend, Parkour is an exploration of movement and a return to our body's natural ability to run, jump, hang and move with fluidity.
For the first time, Julie Angel tells the story of Parkour's beginnings - the diverse, intriguing and unusual characters who went to the rooftops, hung off the stairwells and drain pipes as they trained through the night, often risking their lives and created something that has become a worldwide phenomenon.
Breaking the Jump tells the unknown story behind Parkour's rise, and asks what is it that drives those who stand on the edge and think 'go'.
For the first time, Julie Angel tells the story of Parkour's beginnings - the diverse, intriguing and unusual characters who went to the rooftops, hung off the stairwells and drain pipes as they trained through the night, often risking their lives and created something that has become a worldwide phenomenon.
Breaking the Jump tells the unknown story behind Parkour's rise, and asks what is it that drives those who stand on the edge and think 'go'.
- GenresNonfictionHistorySports
302 pages, Hardcover
First published June 16, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 3, 2022
I found this through a YouTube video about Parkour. Though, not a Parkour channel: It was Sensei Seth trying Parkour as a form of self-defense. The book is not really about that. There's one "scene" in the book where the original inventors are chased by a gang in Paris and not only outrun them but "out-craze" (in the author's words) them. Martial arts get mentioned a lot and many of the inventors and original practitioners of Parkour had previously or in parallel been training various martial arts (Viet Vo Dao is mentioned early on). Thus, if like me, you're a martial arts and combat sports nerd, there's various elements that connect Parkour, as described in this book, and martial arts. If you read a lot of martial arts books, like me: Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan are mentioned.
This is a history of Parkours. It is a lot - and I do mean a lot - of biographical information about the early practitioners, the inventors, as it were. Maybe too much. This is a major drawback of this book, around the middle it really gets longwinded, confusing and too much of a recounting of the history. In the earliest parts of the book there's a bit of biomechanics and training methodology hinted at and the author is genuinely amazing a describing such things in language that paints very concrete pictures. Thus, one can imagine the whole thing without it being a training manual or anatomy atlas. However, the passages are too brief in my point of view. Likewise, I really enjoyed a short passage in the earlier parts of the book in which the author speaks about the body's fear reactions in very concrete and clear terms (mentioning brain regions, hormones, etc.). She explains how humans have become less exposed to such reactions at regular intervals and what this does to "us". She explains how Parkour trains to face those fears and actually find "calm under fire". However, again, this is very brief compared to the very detailed history particularly of the Yakamasi.
An interesting bit of history was of course that one of the original group was Manuel Valls who later became prime minister of France. Similarly, if one likes Paris and London and enjoys visiting them in books, this is a good place for you as it has a lot of references to places and sceneries.
As for the book itself, it's not too long but not too short. Really an "average length book". It's split up into short chapters which I always helps my reading enjoyment. I guess the average chapter is about 10 pages and thus also a very readable book for busy people.
The final chapter (before the epilogue in which the what happened to them all stories are told), the book really becomes very comforting. It's about one of the many "feuds" between the various groups and factions breaking down. The chapter also reflects on the macho atmosphere in which Parkour was born but it shows that William Bell had quite a different philosophy and approach in the end which proved that Parkour can be practiced without the ego which shaped the early days. And this doesn't take away but gives the practice more meaning.
This is a history of Parkours. It is a lot - and I do mean a lot - of biographical information about the early practitioners, the inventors, as it were. Maybe too much. This is a major drawback of this book, around the middle it really gets longwinded, confusing and too much of a recounting of the history. In the earliest parts of the book there's a bit of biomechanics and training methodology hinted at and the author is genuinely amazing a describing such things in language that paints very concrete pictures. Thus, one can imagine the whole thing without it being a training manual or anatomy atlas. However, the passages are too brief in my point of view. Likewise, I really enjoyed a short passage in the earlier parts of the book in which the author speaks about the body's fear reactions in very concrete and clear terms (mentioning brain regions, hormones, etc.). She explains how humans have become less exposed to such reactions at regular intervals and what this does to "us". She explains how Parkour trains to face those fears and actually find "calm under fire". However, again, this is very brief compared to the very detailed history particularly of the Yakamasi.
An interesting bit of history was of course that one of the original group was Manuel Valls who later became prime minister of France. Similarly, if one likes Paris and London and enjoys visiting them in books, this is a good place for you as it has a lot of references to places and sceneries.
As for the book itself, it's not too long but not too short. Really an "average length book". It's split up into short chapters which I always helps my reading enjoyment. I guess the average chapter is about 10 pages and thus also a very readable book for busy people.
The final chapter (before the epilogue in which the what happened to them all stories are told), the book really becomes very comforting. It's about one of the many "feuds" between the various groups and factions breaking down. The chapter also reflects on the macho atmosphere in which Parkour was born but it shows that William Bell had quite a different philosophy and approach in the end which proved that Parkour can be practiced without the ego which shaped the early days. And this doesn't take away but gives the practice more meaning.
May 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this. The first several chapters about the origins of Parkour were more interesting to me than some of the middle ones that discussed how the different groups formed and split off from each other. I liked that Julie brought it back to her own practice at the end- and her reflection on what Parkour does for you mentally more so than physically was interesting (this after five full pages describing the jump and how she wrestled with it...!):
"Something changed in who I was the day I broke that jump. I had broken a pattern of behavior that said: 'I cant' or won't.' I had made a break with fear as a foe; it was now a discussion I was happy to have and spend time looking into. To break a jump was to change from 'I can't' to 'I did'. To break a jump meant finding a way to overcome obstacles in every sense of the word. It was a change for the better. On my own I would have justified a multitude of excuses as to why that day was not the day to break the jump and would have left without attempting the harder option. I would have been OK with the idea that it was a better decision to stop trying and go home but, with my friend's gentle yet firm support, I achieved more by staying and going through the process of learning what it meant to try.
"Thomas had been right all along. As he told me one day, 'I think most people give up before really trying and what I mean by really trying is that you don't just try a bit and say, "Oh, I'm scared I'm not going to do it now, I'm not ready." You go through all sorts of emotions: you know, anger, complete peace and quiet, and all the way to the point where you are just fed up. And sometimes, many times, that's what it takes to make you do a jump, you're just fed up. "I'm tired of this thing, I've been here for ages, I just want to go home, so I'll just do it, even if I break my leg I don't care, I'm just gonna do it. I'm just gonna go for it and we'll see." Not many people go all the way to that; they just reach that beginning point where they are like "Uuuuhhhh, it's kind of difficult, I'm not ready" and they stop there. They don't push themselves more to go all the way to these other emotions and that's a shame because I think you learn a lot through that.'"
- pages 266-267
"Something changed in who I was the day I broke that jump. I had broken a pattern of behavior that said: 'I cant' or won't.' I had made a break with fear as a foe; it was now a discussion I was happy to have and spend time looking into. To break a jump was to change from 'I can't' to 'I did'. To break a jump meant finding a way to overcome obstacles in every sense of the word. It was a change for the better. On my own I would have justified a multitude of excuses as to why that day was not the day to break the jump and would have left without attempting the harder option. I would have been OK with the idea that it was a better decision to stop trying and go home but, with my friend's gentle yet firm support, I achieved more by staying and going through the process of learning what it meant to try.
"Thomas had been right all along. As he told me one day, 'I think most people give up before really trying and what I mean by really trying is that you don't just try a bit and say, "Oh, I'm scared I'm not going to do it now, I'm not ready." You go through all sorts of emotions: you know, anger, complete peace and quiet, and all the way to the point where you are just fed up. And sometimes, many times, that's what it takes to make you do a jump, you're just fed up. "I'm tired of this thing, I've been here for ages, I just want to go home, so I'll just do it, even if I break my leg I don't care, I'm just gonna do it. I'm just gonna go for it and we'll see." Not many people go all the way to that; they just reach that beginning point where they are like "Uuuuhhhh, it's kind of difficult, I'm not ready" and they stop there. They don't push themselves more to go all the way to these other emotions and that's a shame because I think you learn a lot through that.'"
- pages 266-267
January 6, 2026
1. I wish there were more focus on the actual “breaking the jump” part with Thomas, Julia & Stéphane (post-injury) stories. I also wish for better depiction of what actually mentally went through when Julia broke the jump, it seemed like the actual reflection of what made her jump in that moment was only subtly elaborated; only post-jump reflection was properly shared. Yes, “uhhh”, yes you were fed up but give me more!
2. I wonder to what extent is the book’s depiction of David Belle true. According to the book he is a depressed & jealous man with an anger and daddy issue. It was only in later chapter Thomas saying that “he was a good person” and Stéphane explaining how David gave him valuable skills… but umm… okay.
3. Williams Belle is so baddie
4.-1. The book’s detailed explanation of the early parkour trainings made me respect them so much… until they named themselves Yamakasi. Weeb ahh name
4-2. Lost my respect again when David Belle started telling his students to punch each other’s stomach. Weird… And ew also when passing out was ‘celebrated’. Let’s not. It’s giving those kids from high school who post IG story with “📖🥹” emoji when they’re sent to ER to get IV cause of their unhealthy study habit. Weirdo.
5. Would never try parkour but if Williams Belle knock on my door and ask me to jump out of balcony I’ll do it with no hesitation #breakingthejump
2. I wonder to what extent is the book’s depiction of David Belle true. According to the book he is a depressed & jealous man with an anger and daddy issue. It was only in later chapter Thomas saying that “he was a good person” and Stéphane explaining how David gave him valuable skills… but umm… okay.
3. Williams Belle is so baddie
4.-1. The book’s detailed explanation of the early parkour trainings made me respect them so much… until they named themselves Yamakasi. Weeb ahh name
4-2. Lost my respect again when David Belle started telling his students to punch each other’s stomach. Weird… And ew also when passing out was ‘celebrated’. Let’s not. It’s giving those kids from high school who post IG story with “📖🥹” emoji when they’re sent to ER to get IV cause of their unhealthy study habit. Weirdo.
5. Would never try parkour but if Williams Belle knock on my door and ask me to jump out of balcony I’ll do it with no hesitation #breakingthejump
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2017
Really 4.5 stars. Left me wanting more. The bits told from the author's point of view are hugely enlightening for me. It's about facing your fear and stepping up your game. About spending the time and really feeling all the emotions associated with attempting something (in her case a fall twist thing, for me it's been different things- dash vaults(still every damn time) and doing vaults at speed). The stories of the first generation starting at 4 am and going all day and night is ridiculous, its hard to imagine it. I follow a page on facebook that is academic in nature about ongoing parkour stuff and the big thing now is FIG and the Olympics and what that means to those who practice and invented the sport. I would need to read/watch some more of David Belle to get a better sense of what his definition and vision for the future is, but dude sounds hardcore and in his own world- As a good thing(incredible movement) and a bad thing ( his personality lacks empathy and compassion). the fracture between the performers and the teachers really came early and this is highlighted as the 2nd generation started to train. Now, excuse me, I really need to go train...
January 13, 2024
It took me way too long to get through this book.
I’m glad that I read this, I definitely feel like it is outside my normal genre of books but it was harder for me to focus on and enjoy. It was very documental and focused on how parkour started and the lives of those who made it come to light. The author definitely did her research.
One aspect I did enjoy was two of the chapters was the story of how the author got into parkour and was learning parkour and facing her fear. It was an interesting pause between all of the intense men the story surrounds, and felt relatable.
The book also had a handful of grammatical/spelling errors, and long chapters, which in general I am not a fan of - make it feel like I have to focus in even more. The writing in general could have been more concise.
However, I love parkour and it was cool to read about how it started.
I’m glad that I read this, I definitely feel like it is outside my normal genre of books but it was harder for me to focus on and enjoy. It was very documental and focused on how parkour started and the lives of those who made it come to light. The author definitely did her research.
One aspect I did enjoy was two of the chapters was the story of how the author got into parkour and was learning parkour and facing her fear. It was an interesting pause between all of the intense men the story surrounds, and felt relatable.
The book also had a handful of grammatical/spelling errors, and long chapters, which in general I am not a fan of - make it feel like I have to focus in even more. The writing in general could have been more concise.
However, I love parkour and it was cool to read about how it started.
September 5, 2022
An excellent read! The early days of Parkour in France (and London), interspersed with Julie Angel's own journey into playing "the art of movement."
My only "complaint," is that the book could have been both longer and deeper in it's examination!
My only "complaint," is that the book could have been both longer and deeper in it's examination!
May 31, 2023
Interesting book!
As a parkour pratitioner myself, I enjoyed knowing more about the history of this discipline.
I wish more parkour practitioners read this too!
The only drawback is, I wish there was a part of David's POV.
As a parkour pratitioner myself, I enjoyed knowing more about the history of this discipline.
I wish more parkour practitioners read this too!
The only drawback is, I wish there was a part of David's POV.
March 30, 2024
Some interesting stuff I never knew, though it definitely paints David in a very negative light.
David is THE founder, rather than A founder of Parkour, no question. Parkour, L'Art du deplacement, and freerunning are clearly all different, which despite the misleading by line under the title the books makes apparent.
"Being self-competitive is no longer enough for those whose worldview is so deeply entrenched in an aggressive neo-liberal model of capitalism, with its highly competitive behavior and consumerism."
To quote Bane from Lego Batman "That was unnecessary."
Though the author likely won't hear such criticism from way up on their soapbox and high horse.
The chapter about the narcissistic cult leader Erwan and his movement brand is also unnecessary. He and it have nothing to do with Parkour, except his attempts to make his brand relevant by glamming and latching on to the success and fame of the name Parkour by making what he sells seem better. It's not.
David is THE founder, rather than A founder of Parkour, no question. Parkour, L'Art du deplacement, and freerunning are clearly all different, which despite the misleading by line under the title the books makes apparent.
"Being self-competitive is no longer enough for those whose worldview is so deeply entrenched in an aggressive neo-liberal model of capitalism, with its highly competitive behavior and consumerism."
To quote Bane from Lego Batman "That was unnecessary."
Though the author likely won't hear such criticism from way up on their soapbox and high horse.
The chapter about the narcissistic cult leader Erwan and his movement brand is also unnecessary. He and it have nothing to do with Parkour, except his attempts to make his brand relevant by glamming and latching on to the success and fame of the name Parkour by making what he sells seem better. It's not.
March 8, 2017
Inspiring!
A great combination of excitement and the history of parkour. It definitely makes you as to start training and jumping everywhere!
A great combination of excitement and the history of parkour. It definitely makes you as to start training and jumping everywhere!
February 16, 2017
Interesting history but not what I was looking for.
October 8, 2016
This is a really terrific accounting of the origins of Parkour, Freerunning, and L'art du Déplacement--all related arts, inspired by military training and birthed in the woods of Écouen, France. Truly a MUST-READ for practitioners & followers of any of these arts.
For anyone interested, even loosely, in Parkour (used representatively here for all related arts) I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's enjoyable, fun, candid, and it exposes some of the early frustrations that almost strangled this baby in the cradle. Thankfully, Parkour survived and thrived, thanks largely in part to the efforts of the Yamakasi and the explosion of the Internet. Sometimes, good timing is all it takes, but add in the grit and determination of a few men and you have a recipe for success.
Great stuff!! Enjoy!
For anyone interested, even loosely, in Parkour (used representatively here for all related arts) I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's enjoyable, fun, candid, and it exposes some of the early frustrations that almost strangled this baby in the cradle. Thankfully, Parkour survived and thrived, thanks largely in part to the efforts of the Yamakasi and the explosion of the Internet. Sometimes, good timing is all it takes, but add in the grit and determination of a few men and you have a recipe for success.
Great stuff!! Enjoy!
July 16, 2016
The materials presented were well researched, and as a casual, hobbyist traceuer I find them fascinating. unfortunately, the writing is sub par and disjointed. As a documentary the book lacks organization; as a narrative it lacks cohesion and flow. A real shame, as what should have been a riveting read turned into a slog that took weeks to complete.
December 16, 2016
A must read for practitionersof all levels
This is a must read for those who practice parkour or have any interest in its practice. Julie has attempted to capture what the practice is and where it started. it isa glimpse into the minds of these men who have changed how we view and value movement through space, and the journey and evolution of an art and sport.
This is a must read for those who practice parkour or have any interest in its practice. Julie has attempted to capture what the practice is and where it started. it isa glimpse into the minds of these men who have changed how we view and value movement through space, and the journey and evolution of an art and sport.
August 29, 2016
Fascinating ethnographic study of Parkour / freerunning / movnat's origins. There are a few spots that needed more proofreading, but I didn't find that to detract. I defy you to read this book without taking breaks to do some pushups, pullups and squats.
October 22, 2016
An excellent read! The early days of Parkour in France (and London), interspersed with Julie Angel's own journey into playing "the art of movement."
My only "complaint," is that the book could have been both longer and deeper in it's examination!
My only "complaint," is that the book could have been both longer and deeper in it's examination!
March 5, 2026
The author was very well informed about the history, story, and discipline of parkour, however, I found her writing style to be a bit sub-par. At times I had to re-read a few sentences to understand what she was getting at but overall it was decent.
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