What are some of the first steps of a beginner?

Stefanos: He or she needs to have had some sport experience, because he or she needs to have physical endurance. Parkour is based on gymnastics – legs and hands need to be strong. Lifting weights, gymnastics and martial arts help. You cannot be weak and start practicing parkour. The first thing we would make him or her do is to do some exercises for physical strength.

From what age can children practice parkour?

Stefanos: We would say from about 16-17, so that some of your character traits can be developed.

Hristos: No, there are also some ten year olds, who are great.

Stefanos: Yes, there are always exceptions. Children, who read and are self-aware, can do fine. But statistically, the one who practice the sport the most in Greece start from 16, 17 years old.

Are parents worried?

Stefanos: In the mind of every parents, there is the idea that parkour is a dangerous sport and it is true – this is outdoor exercise. So parents tell their kids to be careful, they can even forbid them to come. As a whole, it depends on the child how he would tell his parents what he is doing and whether the parents will trust him. We have had cases where parents come here to meet us and ask us what we are doing with their children.

How did you start practicing?

Hristos: By accident. First I saw a movie on TV by Luc Besson – “Yamakasi.” Anyway, I did not start right after that but I got the idea in my mind. I was always interested in climbing on the roofs… Well, I started reading and learning more about it and I liked the idea.

Stefanos: Most people start like that – they find out about the sport from the media, they see a movie, a jump that they liked, they put “parkour” into a search engine, read and learn.

How long has this sport been existing?

Hristos: With this name is exists from 1998 but before that – for 20 years. When I started practicing parkour, I found out that many people did not know what it is, because the sport was new in Greece and all around the world. This is why I created a website, where people can enter and read what parkour is and what it is not.

Do you really jump from roof to roof?