SLCPK.org

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re reading this page, you most likely have a few questions that you’re hoping to get answered. We’ve compiled a list of some of the more common questions that people have, as answered by community members themselves. Right here is your best source of information, and we will update it as the need arises. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, register an account on our forums and ask us directly.

I’m very new to parkour. Are you guys willing to teach me the basics?
Absolutely. In fact, the basics are the first and most important things to learn. We are always willing to help newcomers get started. All you have to do is show up to a jam and ask! The great thing about having knowledge and experience is having the opportunity to pass it on.

Ok, so I have the basics down. Where should I practice them?
An open, grassy area will be ideal if you’re just starting out. A public park, or your backyard. If you have access to a gymnastics gym (though these often charge a small fee to use their equipment), that’s even better. Even with simple things like rolls and vaults, you should start small and low to the ground. The important thing is be comfortable with what you’re doing.

I have a hard time training when people watch me. What can I do?
This is something you just need to learn to handle. It’s another part of the mental conditioning that comes along with the discipline. If it helps, it’s more likely that they’re watching you because they’re impressed with what you’re doing. Just try to focus more on your training. Eventually you’ll get to the point where you don’t notice them at all… until they start clapping. :)

I’ve seen a technique that I want to learn, but I’m scared to try it. What should I do?
At some point, whatever their skill level, everyone faces this question. The short answer is don’t do it. If you’re unsure about trying something, then it’s probably best that you don’t. At least until you are sure about trying it. It’s important to be confident in your abilities. And again, this is where the rest of the group comes in. If you’re feel you’re ready, but still a little scared, feel free to ask for help from some of the more experienced members. They’ll help to prepare you both mentally and physically.

How often do you guys hold jams?
In the past, we’ve had bad luck with having a recurring jam schedule. We’ve found it’s best to plan jams on dates that work for as many people as possible. This way we’re more likely to have a bigger turnout, and jams are a lot more fun the more people can show up. We have a forum for event planning to facilitate the process or organizing jams.

What do you mean by “leave your ego at home”?
This is a little motto that we’ve held strongly since SLCPK was started. Simply put, if you just want to show off, you’re better off on your own. We want to have fun as a group and learn as a group, and that can get pretty difficult when someone shows up to a jam acting like they own the place. We don’t want to turn anyone away. If you show up to a jam and treat the group with respect, the attitude will be returned in kind.

My parents won’t let me come to a jam. How can I convince them that it’s ok?
This is actually pretty common. We don’t want to get in a situation where we have to convince your parents to let you attend a jam. You might want to ask them to come along. It will be good for them to know exactly where you’re going, and it will give them a chance to meet the rest of the group. We’ve had parents attend jams in the past and it’s always been a great experience both for them and us. Ronnie even managed to get his dad to try parkour, and now it’s something they do together.