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PARKOUR

What is Parkour?

PARKOUR'S ORIGIN

Parkour originated in France in the late 20th century, evolving from military obstacle course training. Its early roots can be traced back to the physical conditioning methods developed by Georges Hébert, a French naval officer, in the early 1900s. Hébert’s “méthode naturelle” emphasized natural movement, agility, and practical fitness.

THE YAMAKASI

The Yamakasi–a group of then teenagers–are responsible for practicing and refining the early origins of Parkour in the suburbs of Paris.

PARKOUR THROUGH TIME

Parkour gained international recognition in the early 2000s through internet videos, documentaries, and media coverage. The discipline’s philosophy of self-improvement, adaptability, and overcoming physical and mental barriers resonated with people worldwide.

Over time, Parkour has evolved and diversified, with different practitioners bringing their unique styles and approaches to the discipline.

PARKOUR TODAY

Today, it is practiced by millions of people around the world, with communities and organizations promoting its values and techniques through local and international training sessions referred to as jams, athlete-led workshops, and both competitive and showcase-style events.

PARKOUR

EVERY STYLE TELLS A STORY

THE MOVEMENT

Parkour is a discipline of spectacular physical feats founded on principles of subtlety. It hones fine, reactive movement variation; psychological self-assessment; and environmental awareness.

Training is a flow of adjusting power relative to precision. Attempting a max distance running jump, landing and switching the direction of momentum while shifting to precise foot or hand-work on something like a rail, bar, or branch—is a glimpse into an isolated instance of Parkour training.

This power and precision adjustment develops the Central Nervous System’s sensitivity and enables it to handle extremely fine thresholds of physiological reactivity.

THE MINDSET

Our bodies are the tools with which we move through our world; Parkour is the knowledge of how to use them.

Serving as foundation to the movement is the psychology of self that is ever-present in Parkour. Intrinsically self-guided, Parkour is an internal discipline of assessing risk relative to ability. It’s learning to gauge your skill–whether novice or master–and weigh it against your self-confidence.

A generalist movement discipline, Parkour introduces its practitioners to the vista of physical possibility. It becomes specialized as you discover movements most interesting to you, repeating them in situations of increasing difficulty, complexity, and nuance.

Parkour is choice founded on an ever-expanding understanding of self. It is an evolving relationship between your body, your mind, and how you use each to interact with the world.

It is freedom to explore in ways otherwise inaccessible, expanding your view of what connection to the world means. It unites you with the architecture of the world–be it a cityscape or an old-growth forest.

THE MOSAIC

Despite being a discipline centered on the individual, Parkour is practiced by a world-wide community. A shared love of movement connects us all, though the culture–style, aesthetics, ways of thought–of Parkour varies greatly between our islands of practice.

Certain regions of the world are known for specific styles of movement. Russians for their high-level acrobatic and reactive skillsets. English for their focus on fundamental techniques done at impressive scale. Japanese for the fluidity that connects all of their movement–regardless of complexity.

The examples are as many as their are cultures of humanity. Each one having their own sub-divisions and specializations. These variations help Parkour progress and evolve, with constant innovations within the discipline as people explore the true range of movement possibilities.

ROAM'S FOUNDERS

Parkour is the soul of ROAM.

Having begun their Parkour training nearly two decades ago–a time when Parkour was at its infancy in the United States–the founders of ROAM are keystones in the architecture of the Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York Parkour communities.

Along with a small group of other original East Coast Traceurs, ROAM’s founders helped guide the growth of Parkour in our region. From community driven events, to some of the earliest training programs, the origins of what Parkour has become in our part of the world grew from these early efforts.

Training during the early period of Parkour’s history has lead to ROAM’s founders carrying many of the original philosophies of the discipline to this day. They serve as the foundation for their own Parkour training, as well as how Parkour is instructed here at ROAM.

REDEFINITION

Parkour, however, is not a discipline of static belief. It has grown, and so too have the methods of practice within its culture. Originating as a non-competitive discipline, Parkour has since developed many competitive leagues, each with its own rule structure and goals. The spectacle of Parkour has also led to its display in media–most notably in film and videogames.

As Parkour shifts and redefines itself, ROAM’s founders strive to incorporate these new ideas in ways that respect the origins, creating a mosaic of contemporary culture and traditional values.

ROAMFURTHER ATHLETICS

ROAM was built as a home and waypoint for movement-minded adventure seekers with a passion for leading active lifestyles. Parkour is the discipline that guides us along this path.

We believe movement is the fundamental way in which we interact with the world. Learning to move—to use your body and all it’s capable of—shifts the world from something you’re simply an observer of, to something you’re an active participant in.

ROAM’s founders and team train—and as a result instruct—with a mindset of controlleddeliberate progression, remaining rooted to our origins in Parkour. We teach to the ability of the individual and guide their growth with sustainability and longevity at the heart of our method.

ROAMFURTHER NEWSLETTER

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ROAMFurther Athletics
5.0
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Steve HillSteve Hill
11:46 18 Apr 24
What an incredible place with an incredible team. RoamFurther is a bright, welcoming space, that encourages the teaching and positive energy that is parkour and ninja. My wife and I brought our 2 year old for a class, and it was so cool watch them explore all the obstacles. 10/10 recommend!!Extra surprise with the Coffee Bar. Best in Mount Kisco by a mile. Best Cappuccino I’ve had in a long time.
Gina CliffordGina Clifford
06:51 03 Mar 24
We hosted my stepdaughters birthday party here and so can’t stress enough how amazing the experience was. I coordinated with Jonathan, who was amazing and communicated and organized the details wonderfully. The kids had so much fun and the Instructors Tom and Sam were so great with them, and engaged the group together during solo activities. Also I have to say this space is SPOTLESS. They had a coffee bar that’s available during the party if you want and it was honestly such a nice touch for the adults. Everyone was complimenting how good the coffee was. There’s also a little “bar top” section where the adults can watch the kids play. I definitely feel the cost is reflective of the amazing experience, worth every penny.
Tomás Darío MainoTomás Darío Maino
20:40 30 Oct 23
Great spot! I bring the kids I babysit here, they signed up months ago and they looove it. Welcoming and friendly staff, seating area for parents and the best coffee in town. Definitely worth it!
Space DandySpace Dandy
17:04 15 Oct 23
Very delicious coffee. Fantastic staff, very informative, and welcome any questions you might have. They also provide space for parkor workouts. Located inside the Grand Prix and arcade in Mount Kisco. Cash and credit are both accepted. 10/2023
Taryn TendyTaryn Tendy
23:24 26 Sep 23
We love ROAM - the owners and coaches are so good with our 4 and 2 year old active sons. They are gentle but disciplined so I don't worry about injuries, and my kids look forward to going to their class every single week. It's truly a fantastic experience for parents and children and I highly recommend checking it out.
TicwithTicwith
15:40 29 Aug 23
I've been coming here for adult parkour classes for about a year now. This place is fantastic on all counts. Everyone I've interacted with here has been warm and welcoming. Instructors are fantastic about adapting to what you are capable of and helping you improve. The space itself is expansive and well constructed with no shortage of spaces to train specific movements or create lines to run. The coffee is also lovely, I've had a few after morning classes.
Dylan PolinDylan Polin
04:32 22 Jan 23
Amazing and clean facility to learn and practice parkour. The instructors are knowledgeable, kind, and incredibly welcoming. The gym itself has fun and challenge for all levels and the more you go, the more you learn which makes roam more fun.Don't forget to try their amazing coffee! Bar- best espresso in town
Julie HenickJulie Henick
19:05 01 Oct 22
This is my son’s favorite place! I’ve watched his confidence grow as he learns these wonderful skills. He has faced challenges and fears with the help of the amazing coaches here. Every single person that works at Roam is so friendly, genuine and really caring. Plus the coffee bar is truly the best in town!
Lindy DayLindy Day
13:50 20 Jul 22
As someone who grew up on Assassin’s Creed, I always wanted to learn parkour but I always felt weird starting parkour as an adult. Turns out the parkour community is amazing and welcoming.Joe and Zach are leaders in the parkour community, and they often have famous parkour athletes visit the gym, or get invited to parkour events in NYC, or will let a fellow athlete film a profesh video using their space. You’re getting fitness training, but you’re also joining a community here.Highly recommend the adult program for anyone in my situation; an adult whose always wanted to try parkour? This is your spot.Shoutout to my fellow female athletes!I’ve always felt welcomed here.Also, obligatory sentence about coffee ♥️☕️. Is good! (Thanks Nick!)
Dana CuiffoDana Cuiffo
13:09 06 Jul 22
A beautiful, clean and welcoming space. Joe, Zach, Jonathan and Nick have created an environment that fosters a true parkour experience; empowering, supportive and encouraging fun for all ages!! Don't forget to grab yourself a drink at one of the best coffee bars around!
Nicole MataNicole Mata
18:53 05 Jul 22
I can not say enough about Roam and the amazing coaches! From the stunning and relaxing space to the gentle manner in which they share their passion for Parkour! I highly recommend Roam! And for the waiting parent…it’s a great place to work and sip on delish coffee!
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