Training Guide for the Parkour Mind

[Video] David Belle doing parkour in Banlieu 13

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 04:26:00 +0000

This is the clip of David Belle doing parkour in the french movie Banlieu 13 (District 13) which also stars cyril raffaelli who was in kiss of the dragon with jet li. David Belle, according to what I've read was one of the founders and earliest practitioners of parkour along with the likes of Sebastien Foucan who is the founder of free running, which is similar to parkour with a slight difference.

Where parkour is simply focused on moving as efficiently as possible from point A to point B with as little tricks and unnecessary movements as possible, free running incorporates the same concepts of useful movement along with inclusion and openess to free expression of the free runners allowing them to perform tricks and aesthetically pleasing moves whilst trying to move quickly between locations

[Health] Guidelines to improve athletic performance with water

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 06:46:00 +0000

Taken from original article "The Benefits of Water"
by Paul Zaichik of ElasticSteel.com

Dear martial artists and athletes,

I have written an article about water before.

I feel like another, more prescriptive and specific article is due. I am not going to get into the benefits of water, but rather some short and useful guide lines.

Number one; Not all water is the same. For starters there is hard water and there is soft water. Many leading authorities are still in a debate of which one is better for you. The different between the two is mineral content. Hard water is often higher in minerals, notable calcium and magnesium. It is believed that people, who chronically consume hard water, are facing lower risk of getting a cardiovascular disease.

Number two; Despite of rapidly increasing sale of bottled water, there is not enough evidence to prove that bottled water is safer or healthier than municipal tap water. However, overwhelming studies have shown that a well home-filtered tap water is cleaner and safer than both regular tap and bottled water.

Number three; The time of day you drink your water makes a difference as well. According to energy based medicine, the body’s most efficient cleansing and excreting “powers” are functioning in the early morning till noon. Thus, it’s believed that this is the most important time of increased water intake.

Number four; Don’t just gulp it down. Swashing the water in the mouth and mixing it with saliva, has every benefit over just swallowing it. Every practitioner of medicine modern, alternative or complementary supports this point. You can take my word on it or do your own research.

Number five; The temperature of drinkable water should stay in a narrow range. Room temperature being the lower point and slightly warm being the highest. Warm water is known to fatigue the body and cold water is deemed to shock the liver and other internal organs.

I can personally vouch for the difference that water makes in your athletic performance. Every factor is influenced. Hydrated body is more flexible, faster, stronger, and can endure more. All of you know that, I am sure. Then why aren’t you drinking?

Here are the basic suggestions:

Drink two cups upon rising in the morning. Don’t forget to swish and chew. Yes, chew your water. Another 2-3 cups should be consumed prior to breakfast. Wait 90-120 minutes after breakfast and consume another 2-3 cups prior to having lunch. Not all at once of course. Wait 90-120 minutes after lunch and consume 2-3 cups. Having a bottle with you and sipping from it is one of the best options. Depending on your metabolism you may not want to drink after dinner. Getting up at night is not a lot of fun, if that’s not a problem for you, then drink up.

Following this regiment every day, you will be consuming 8-11 cups of water a day. This is the very least you should be getting.

I strongly challenge you to do it. You will notice uplift in your mood, energy and performance. Go ahead try it for a few days. Then come back and share the experience with your fellow ElasticSteel Method Practitioners.

[Video] Jackie Parkour Sampler

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:16:00 +0000

Jackie Parkour Sampler - video powered by Metacafe

[Video] Sebastien Foucan Free Run

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:06:00 +0000

Sebastien Foucan - video powered by Metacafe

[Strength] Parkour Training

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 11:45:00 +0000

Running - 20 Minutes, Three Times Each Week

Sit-Ups - 5 Reps of 30 ( But you can start by doing a series of 10 )

Flexions - 3 Reps of 10

Position a Chair Against Wall - 3 Reps of 1 Minute

Walking With Knees to Chest - 2 Bursts Of About 30 Metres

Hopping - Twice For Each Leg Across 20 Metres

Arm Hang - Four Reps Of 30 Seconds

Quadrupedie - Four Reps of 20 Metres

Gainages - Balance Against A Wall For 4 Reps of 20 Seconds And Hold

PK Circuit Training - Create A Circuit In Which You Can Do The Following

Base Movements : ( Landing From Height, Cat Jump, Roll, Precision Jump )

Exercises taken from http://www.parkour.com