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BEIJING: Leaping off buildings is something often seen in the movies, but it is also increasingly being seen in Chinese cities, thanks to a French urban sport that is gaining popularity in the land of martial arts and acrobatics.
A group of youths in Beijing, who are known as City Monkey, do Le Parkour stunts – an urban sport that is said to have originated in France in the 1980s – to navigate a series of obstacles to arrive at a destination in the quickest way.
Shi Zhanlong, leader of City Monkey, said: "It's really cool to be able to accomplish a difficult movement. Having an audience may be very encouraging, but it is the challenge of outdoing yourself that sets the adrenalin rushing."
But it is not all about running wild and free. The City Monkey team has to train in a gymnasium weekly.
Sun Jie, chief coach of City Monkey, said: "I always stress the importance of laying a solid foundation before you embark on more difficult movements because good body coordination can help minimise injuries in such an extreme sport."
While guts and grace are essential, traceurs – as the enthusiasts call themselves – are quick to draw a distinction between parkour and acrobatics.
"Acrobatics is a performance art, whereas parkour is a sport with a spirit and philosophy. It tests the limits of your mind and body," said Shi.
Tu Fenghao, a City Monkey coach, said: "The sport is still new and some people think we are bad kids who are vandalising public property."
In actual fact, Le Parkour is a sport that challenges one's physical and psychological abilities, much like other sporting activities.
But as an extreme sport, it also involves a fair amount of risks, and it takes a trained and rational mind to take calculated measures in order to do well in the sport.
- CNA/so
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