SLCPK.org

The First Jam

Every so often, I’ll get an email notifying me of a new member on our forums. It’s a cool feeling to know that more and more people are still coming to SLCPK and wanting to be a part of it. These newcomers often have questions, most of which we are always happy to answer to the best of our ability. One of the most often asked questions is “Can I come to one of your jams?” The short answer is always a resounding “Yes”, but this article is to get everyone familiar with the specifics of what to expect.

First things first: We will always gather in an open, public area. In this day and age, there is a real risk of meeting people on the internet. A lot of our younger members often express frustration when their parents won’t allow them to come to one of our jams. What you guys need to understand is that this is simply good parenting. If you have a parent who is concerned about you getting together with us, the best thing to do is invite them to come along. They will feel more comfortable when they know exactly where you are going and who you are meeting, and it will make them feel good that you want them there with you. If you are a parent reading this right now, I’m not going to try to change your mind if you’ve decided to not allow your child to attend. All I ask is that in addition to looking out for your child’s safety, that you try to take an active interest in his or her newfound hobby. Come and see for yourself what this crazy parkour stuff is all about. You might even want to give it a try.

Secondly, don’t be afraid to inject yourself into the group. You may be a bit nervous about introducing yourself, but we’ll most likely take care of that for you. Somebody will be sure to come up to you, shake your hand, and ask who you are. We talk a lot during our jams just to keep the environment friendly. Don’t be afraid to join in the conversation. Become part of the group!

The rule of thumb always has been, and always will be, that you leave your ego at home. If you’ve come just to show off, you’re not welcome. It’s important that everyone feel comfortable at jams, regardless of skill level. Nothing will ruin the jam quicker than someone feeling the need to let us all know how much better they are. If you show up to a jam and treat everyone with respect, the attitude will be returned to you in kind.

Finally, feel free to ask for help if you think you need it. While much of parkour is finding your own way to move, it never hurts to have someone there as a guide. Keep in mind that many of us are still learning as well. It’s a slow process, but it’s one that you can have fun taking on.

I hope this helped some of you. I promise that the more jams you attend, the more comfortable you will be. Hopefully this article will motivate you to take that first step out the door.