Parkour and Freerunning have both been a part of my life for years. Admittedly, I didn’t start progressing leaps and bounds until I was in High School. Throughout my misadventures and escapades, I’ve encountered many people who, understandably, have false pretenses about the life of a Traceur/Freerunner - It’s much deeper than what you see on the surface.

1. It's not as simple as what is seen.

It is more than just throwing ourselves at everything in sight shouting, "Parkour!" Looking at you, The Office...

2. There IS difference between the two.

Freerunning utilizes flips and acrobatics combined with efficient parkour movement. Even so, both are regarded as "Arts of Motion."

3. We DO have the ability to climb and traverse buildings...

4. ...but a large sum of us like to stick to the ground.

Either way, we always know what we're doing.

5. The truth is, it is more than some after school hobby.

6. To some of us, it's self-expression through movement.

It's like dancing, but with a more acrobatic flare.

7. It is a way to escape the rigid barriers society has constructed.

No matter what the circumstance, parkour frees us from a plethora of tethers.

8. It is, was, and always will be an essential lifeline.

The physical challenges we have all faced at some point helped us have faith in what we can do in parkour and in life.

9. It provides a way to create friendships with people from all around the world.

This community is one where people draw on each other. The connections forged through action last a long time.

10. It's not just an adrenaline-filled discipline. It's home. It's family.

I honestly don't know where I'd be without them.

11. And like a family, there is a powerful bond that links through generations from Teacher to Student.

From those who taught me...

... to those who I teach.