August 9th has been designated “Parkour Day,” marking a step forward in the development of this urban sport originating in France in Japan!
Japan Parkour Association (General Incorporated Association) Press release: September 26, 2025 To Members of the Press August 9th has been designated “Parkour Day,” marking a step forward in the development of this urban sport originating in France in Japan!
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/31532/7/31532-7-e9558f51128bf3503ec9f024ae61af8f-1243×894.jpg “YAMAKASI” is a group of nine founders based in the suburbs of Paris, including David, whose father was a French soldier. A film based on their story, conceived and written by Luc Besson, was released in 2001. The terms “art of deplacement” and “parkour” were coined by members of YAMAKASI in the 1980s. “YAMAKASI” means “strong person” or “strong spirit” in Lingala.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/31532/7/31532-7-aa59d1a241f6bc95a0539de1b1771967-720×480.jpg One of the founders of Yamakasi: Chau Belle
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/31532/7/31532-7-288ec24ece1012f7da3e0e15d8f99d10-640×799.jpg ■Overview of the Japan Parkour Association (General Incorporated Association) We are a nationwide organization dedicated to promoting and developing parkour, with the motto of “preserving and passing on the original culture of parkour.” In addition to promoting fundamental awareness and development of parkour, we work to ensure practitioners have a good training environment and to create new value for parkour in society. We will act as a bridge between businesses across the country, unifying and improving awareness. We will also clarify the introduction points for people who are new to parkour and play a role in preventing the increase in incorrect practitioners. Japan Parkour Association Instagram ■About Parkour Parkour is a training culture originating in France that explores movement through activities such as running, jumping, and climbing. ⑴ Sports that maximize the development of the brain, mind, and body Parkour’s cycle of “thinking for yourself” → “repeatedly taking on small challenges” → “overcoming obstacles” develops the brain, mind, and body in a balanced way. Brain = Cultivating “logical thinking” and “spatial awareness” promotes balanced brain development. Mind = Through exercises that overcome physical barriers, the mind that can overcome psychological barriers naturally develops. Body = Learn “correct ways to move your body” and acquire “functional and efficient ways to move your body.” ⑵Origins: Military training for battlefield survival Parkour originated in the early 1900s, when French military officer Georges Hébert proposed the “Methode Naturelle” (Natural Method). This training method involved soldiers overcoming natural terrain and man-made obstacles, developing high physical abilities while also strengthening their mental toughness. Training in groups also helped strengthen the bonds between soldiers. Soon after, it was adopted by military, fire, and police forces around the world, where it remains widely practiced to this day. This training form also laid the foundation for obstacle races as an event and entertainment. ⑶Into the fields of competition, entertainment, and education At the Paris Olympics, held in its birthplace, parkour was used in the opening ceremony, generating a great deal of buzz. Its derivative, sport parkour, is also gaining popularity around the world in a variety of fields, including film, commercials, television, live stage
performances, and games, with high hopes of being included in the Olympic Games. In the education sector, parkour classes are now offered as part of school curriculums in the UK and Denmark, where they are gaining attention as an educational tool that helps students enjoy hard work, learn independently, and behave better in society.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/31532/7/31532-7-d9a99bd198ee09ca760205fc6567e638-720×539.jpg ■The Future of Parkour Parkour is already widely practiced by people of all ages and genders, regardless of athletic ability. It’s becoming an activity that can be practiced by people of all ages, including in exercise classes for young children, physical education programs at elementary schools and other educational institutions, and fitness programs for seniors. However, there are concerns about strict rules and a lack of connection to society, and these are issues that cannot be ignored as we strive to create a society where parkour is a part of everyday life. Going forward, we, the Japan Parkour Association, will take the lead and unite existing businesses and organizations across the country, as well as practitioners active in various regions, to create a foundation for widespread and accurate knowledge of parkour, not only for current practitioners but also for newcomers.
Furthermore, with the cooperation of various local businesses, we will operate schools across the country, promote the improvement of physical abilities and expansion of options for children who will lead the future, and raise the level of Japan’s parkour community. Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/31532/7/31532-7-1f522652fa79823f0ac26aeae8a7e2a0-1600×900.png ■General incorporated association Japan Parkour Association Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/31532/7/31532-7-ad923a40663f36dacbb2aee30ed91d21-1640×1640.png Sato is also a regular contestant on the TBS program “SASUKE.” He has deep ties with YAMAKASI members and has supported the essence of parkour and the history of parkour in Japan for 17 years. We will continue to promote fundamental awareness and development of parkour, work to maintain a better training environment for practitioners, and create new value in society through parkour. Chairman Atsushi Sato ■Contact for media inquiries regarding this matter Japan Parkour Association (General Incorporated Association) Contact: Kanaya kanatani@pkm.tokyo For more information about this release Copyright ©
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