To the observer, parkour has aesthetically pleasing movement that appears to require limited effort. However, there is a wide repertoire of skills and experiences that lead to a successful landing.
Marquis Johnson, fourth-year advertising student from Concord, North Carolina, has spent the last three years perfecting his parkour skills. After running track in high school, Johnson originally thought he wanted to be a walk-on athlete. However, after parkour gained hype on the Internet, Johnson decided to his athletic career on a different path.
“I decided when I came to college that I wanted something new,” Johnson said.
Calisthenics, weight training, heavy stretching and even a 365 routine are just the beginning when it comes to Johnson’s training regimen. He also practices with Carolina Movement, USC’s parkour organization. Johnson said that training boosted his body awareness, strength and confidence, all of which are essential to parkour.
When performing a new parkour move, safety is the most important concern. According to Johnson, if you mess up a move, you don’t get to try it again for a while. He has experienced a few injuries himself, but despite this, Johnson said landing a new move is a feeling like no other.
“Everyone knows the feeling of preparing for something and achieving it the way you wanted,” Johnson said, “but there is something special about teaching your body a new skill and I think it’s the greatest feeling ever.”
Parkour has offered Johnson many opportunities. Last year he studied abroad in Australia and met many parkour athletes along with participating in his first competition in Sydney. Most recently, Johnson has become an ambassador for American Parkour, the oldest parkour organization in the country.
In terms of the future, Johnson hopes to take his skills and use them by doing stunt work. For now, he intends to compete more and continue to pursue his passion.
“If it's something you want, don’t just want it. Pursue it."
