Let's Play Parkour and Freerunning Quiz

Answer: Traceur

The term "traceur" is derived from the French word "tracer," which is slang for "to go fast." "Traceuse" a term used to describe a female parkour enthusiast.

Answer: David Belle

Belle developed the movements of parkour with a group of friends in the 1980s. Foucan, Perriere, and Diouf were other members of this group, which later became known as the "Yamakasi."

Answer: Freerunning emphasizes creativity in movements, while parkour emphasizes speed and efficiency

The goal in parkour is to move from one place to another as quickly as possible while overcoming any obstacles along the way. Freerunning includes movements such as flips and twists that, while not efficient, are more aesthetically pleasing and allow for more creativity.

Answer: Sebastien Foucan

In addition to his role in "Casino Royale", Foucan appeared in the music video of Madonna's 2005 single "Jump". Sebastien worked with David Belle to create parkour and is considered one of the primary founders of freerunning.

Answer: At ground level with obstacles such as railings, low walls, and short buildings

The majority of amateur traceurs stay relatively safe by staying close to the ground. While many movies and internet videos show traceurs jumping across large gaps between multi-story buildings, this is very dangerous and should only be attempted by very skilled and experienced practitioners.

There are a few parkour gyms that offer a place to practice movements in a safe, controlled setting.

Answer: There is no required equipment

One of the best things about parkour and freerunning is that there is no required equipment. Many traceurs use sweat bands and gloves to protect themselves from scrapes while others prefer to use bare hands to better feel the environment. Although it may seem crazy, many experienced traceurs train without shoes. In fact, David Belle once said, "bare feet are the best shoes".

Answer: Precision

A precision is a useful parkour move that requires power and balance. The movement generally involves jumping from one narrow platform, such as the top of a wall, to another. More skilled traceurs can jump over a very large distance and land perfectly balanced on a narrow rail.

Answer: Put your hands on the ground and roll your body over one shoulder and across the diagonal of the back while being sure not to hit your head on the ground

Rolling is one of the first movements taught to beginner traceurs. In addition to preventing injury, it allows the traceur to get up quickly and move smoothly into the next motion.

Answer: Wall spin

A wall spin involves running up to a wall, placing your hands on the wall, and performing a flip while still in contact with the wall. While it is an impressive and aesthetically pleasing maneuver, it has no practical purpose and is not the most efficient way to overcome an obstacle.

Answer: It depends on the entire situation

In parkour, the methods for moving past an obstacle are almost unlimited. A speed vault, which involves jumping sideways and righting the body by pushing off of the obstacle, is a quick way to get past low walls and railings. For longer or higher obstacles, a kong vault, which involves diving forward horizontally and pushing off with the hands to return to a vertical position, is useful. An underbar is a movement that involves swinging under a bar or railing.

In freerunning, additional creative movements are possible and allow endless possibilities.