Distinctions and Divides

Parkour, Freerunning, L'art du deplacement, what ever. The distinction and divides that have been created have done nothing positive to anyone's training.

I would say that among these modern disctinctions in the art of movement I am closest to falling under 'traceur.' I tend to practice movements which are most efficient ones, but I would never limit myself to just these movements. Why should I? Because someone who has no effect on my training and my attitude can then label me with a different name?

When I started, these distinctions didn't exist and it's important for all the newer practicioners to remember that the disctinctions are a beast created by our own community, not by the founders of our art.

The reason for this post is not to regurgitate an age-old argument which to me is totally null and void as far as the orginators of Parkour is concerned, but to try to explain what I feel the real disctinction is. No matter how much you avoid it, the distinctions created in this community will creep into your discussions or teaching of Parkour.
For Example - I often explain the 'difference' between Parkour and Freerunning to my pupils, simply to explain why I can't teach them tumbling and gymnastic movements. I stress that this is not to say that one can't learn both or that one is more benficial than the other. It's the simple fact that I can't do these movements and for the moment they are not included in my physical training.

What I do teach to anyone learning any movement is how to approach their training. If someone asked me how to learn to frontflip, I could make some suggestions on how to approach trying it - prepare physically, practice all aspects(landing, take off, the rotation and balance) of the movement and then bring this together when all aspects are perfect.

And therein lies the distinction.

For me there are two types of people who are involved in Parkour. Not Freerunners and Traceurs. That is a silly and restricting label to apply to yourself or others.
The distinction for me is between those who know how to approach their training sensibly, slowly and carefully and those who do not.

Perfection of ANY movement is more important than rushing to the aesthetic. This is why I have huge respect for Daniel Illbaca and Livewire, as well Stephane Vigroux and Laurent Piemontesi. Traceurs who some would put on either side of the divide, but all practitioners who know how to approach a movement and training a movement properly.
They are strong, safe,sensible and graceful in all that they practice.

I think the reason that the Parkour/Freerunning divide emerged is really because in the strive for making movements look big and spectacular(most of which would come under the 'freerunning' distinction), a lot of new practicioners have missed the real work involved. They then became known as the freerunners - the ones whom the veterans of Parkour saw as people who misunderstood the reason and the approach to their training.

For me, it's not someone that doesn't flip that knows Parkour - it's someone who can approach ANY movement, obstacle or mental battle with the attitude and strive to succeed by careful and thoughtful training. Training which they can express through physical movement and mental attitude.

As a last point - I beleive distinctions always limit people.
If you feel you have a good approach to your training, don't distinguish yourself from those who are not by excluding them. Try to help more practicioners understand how to train. David Belle said that parkour was "always meant to be an exchange" and the Yamakasi will always stress the importance of community and fellowship.

I don't always have to train with people who do the same movements as me. We can work together and encourage each other to learn, because we have common ground in our attitude and approach to learning and progression. I hope this is something that everyone can possess and maybe these distinctions will dissappear to the benefit of our community.

If not, I know it wont effect my practice, friendships and progression. That's something that I will always posses and cannot be ruined or put down by any labels.