Editor's Note
I was wandering around our Gasworks Park here in Seattle a few days ago, picking up the bits of broken glass that accumulate between jams. I'm always worried that one of our traceurs will end up rolling or landing in a mess like this, so I take a bit of time before jams to walk around and clean up. So there I was, one hand full of glass, and one hand vaulting back up to the main area to throw it away, when I was approached by a fellow and his young daughter.
He said that he'd seen us before, both jamming and cleaning up the park, and wanted to thank me personally for taking the time to make his daughter's playground a safer place. That conversation led into my absolute favorite introduction to Parkour I've ever given. After a good ten minute conversation (that included excited little chirps from the girl), we went our seperate ways. Me, to jam happily, and him, with a whole bundle of good feelings for traceurs and what it is we do. That was a good day.
In this next month, I challenge each of you to take some time to make yourself and your fellow traceurs viewed as an asset to your community. Hold a leave-no-trace jam, or take the time to interact with passerby's at your next training session. Go out there, be yourselves, and be wanted.
In This Issue
Photograph by Kellen Fujimoto
- Perspective
- Monkee See, Monkee Say
- Traceur Comic Strip
- Elder Traceur: Be a Little Afraid!
- Rise: Chapter 8
- A Man's Guide to Women in Parkour
A Man's Guide to Women in Parkour
For every traceur who's ever stood in front of a crying traceuse, wondering how that kong triggered these floodgates, this is for you. As Rafe Kelley says, "Fellas! Head's up! Here are a few quick tips on how to be more welcoming and less intimidating to female practitioners."
Comic for November
ET: Be Afraid! Be a Little Afraid!
We all deal with fear in our own ways, whether it's ignoring its existence or letting it rule our decisions. Neither extreme is the road to success, but both are important behaviors to realize in ourselves. In this article of the Elder Traceur, Salil Maniktahla takes the time to analyze his relationship to fear and what it's taught him about progression.
Rise: Chapter 8
Another riveting chapter in the Rise saga is here! In the previous chapter, Rusty's mother found out all about his secret training sessions by using his love for her in a sneaky ploy. Read more to find out what happens to our hero, and dive deeper into his shadowed past!
Perspective
Training blogs have given others insight into the workout routines of many traceurs of varying lifestyles. This is not a workout routine. This is the sum of a month's reflection. This is my Perspective.
Monkee See, Monkee Say
We've all felt the joy that comes from watching our friends and students succeed in something they've worked hard at. There's the initial silence immediately after the fact, and then the congratulatory celebration. Be it a quiet hand on the shoulder and a "Well done, mate. That was smooth." or a battlecry from the back row, having fellow traceurs acknowledge your successes, and acknowledging theirs is a beautiful thing. Here's a poignant observation by Brandee that brings to light what a thing it is to appreciate, and be appreciated for, hard work in the art.
