VINCENT THIBAULT

Translated from French by Casey Roberts

Foreword by Dan Edwardes, director, Parkour Generations

Baraka Books, 160 pages, 2013

ISBN : 978-1926824918   ASIN : B00FVE9CCM

 

Parkour, the Art du déplacement (ADD) or freerunning: whatever the name, this new discipline born in the Paris suburbs is rapidly being adopted by people throughout the world. These athletic artists or artistic athletes want to take back the urban environment. Not satisfied to suffer through urban life, they want to thrive in it, all the while earning dignity by daringly reappropriating three fundamental motor skills, running, jumping, and climbing.

 

Vincent Thibault approaches parkour as an attractive solution for rival gangs, a force against the overwhelming inertia, and an occasion to challenge one’s own fears. Reflecting on the culture of effort, he also avoids the media-based trap that depicts parkour as just another of those elitist extreme sports. This book is a philosophical and lyrical adventure into martial arts and chivalry in an urban setting.

 

"There are very few relevant books on our discipline. This is one of the rare books of quality. It is not a manual but instead a clarification on parkour philosophy in which the author addresses themes like freedom, effort, fear, pride, solitude, courage, humour, and important social and community aspects of the art."

— Dan Edwardes, director, Parkour Generations

 

"This is a completely refreshing and inspiring point of view. Thibault opens up a big door for us and new ways of thinking about moving through the world. Not only can we talk about parkour as the physical act of freerunning through an urban environment, we can now begin to talk about entirely new disciplines such as “cognitive parkour,” “psychological parkour,” “social parkour” and even “spiritual parkour.” This is the new horizon for our physical disciplines and whole-life training. Many thanks to Vincent Thibault for this insightful and groundbreaking work."

— Frank Forencich, Chief Creative Officer, Exuberant Animal

 

"Parkour and the Art du Deplacement is a must-read for any beginners looking to get into parkour and find out more about the discipline, and a highly recommended book for anyone else (traceur or not). There are not many books about parkour available at this time, and it is important to have a text that summarizes who we are, what we do, and why we do it in such a concise, interesting, and enlightening way."

— Thomas Dolan, NYParkour.com

 

"I tore through it and finished reading it this morning. Anyone interested in parkour should check this out. This is NOT a “how to” book. This book is about why we should play, move and challenge ourselves. It speaks about the value of personal practice and how transformative it is to work with others as a tribe. Check it out!"

— Shawn Mozen, CEO & President of Agatsu

 

"The book is exceptional in that it details many of the spiritual aspects of parkour… If you’re looking for a new perspective and a deeper connection to your discipline, this is the book for you."

— Patrick Witbrod, American Parkour

 

"The book is exceptional in that it details many of the spiritual aspects of parkour… If you’re looking for a new perspective and a deeper connection to your discipline, this is the book for you."

— Steve Nagy, Artistic Director, Breathe Parkour

 

"Fantastic read. The message travels much farther then just parkour. You can apply the ADD philosophy in all areas of life. Five stars."

— D. Spencer, reader review on Amazon.com

 

"Even if you don't practice Parkour, read this. I read the book in one sitting and I am glad that I did. Mr. Thibault is a great writer [...] The bibliography by itself makes this book worth it. Five stars."

— K. Ryan, reader review on Amazon.com

 

"Wow, it's better than I expected. *****"

— G. Olivers, reader review on Amazon.com

 

"I recommend it to anyone who wishes to explore this amazing world of movement. Five stars!"

— T. Lygas, reader review on Amazon.com