Delta Gymnastics has responded to the tremendous public demand for parkour by offering new classes this fall in this innovative and creative sport.
Leading these classes is Andrew Marajh, the only certified Level 2 World Parkour Federation coach in Delta.
“For those unfamiliar with this discipline, parkour has been described as a natural method of training the body to move gracefully and efficiently over obstacles in the quickest way possible,” explains Richard Woo, Delta Gymnastics developmental program coordinator.
Parkour’s popularity has exploded so much that the International Gymnastics Federation has targeted the 2024 Olympics to include parkour in the Summer Games.
“We are so excited to now have a member of our staff that is certified in this discipline as we have many teens interested in participating and we can provide a safe an exciting environment to properly teach the necessary skills,” says Woo.
“Parkour is for everyone. There is no right way to doing parkour. It allows people to bring their own backgrounds to the class, regardless if your skills lie in dance, gymnastics or tumbling.”
Originally from Toronto, Marajh brings his own unique background to parkour. He is an actor and stuntman who has used his parkour skills in Netflix films, TV commercials, live events and theatrical shows. Marajh sees parkour as fluidity of movement.
“Our parkour class will be focusing on four main components: landings and takeoffs, vaulting-bars-rope, wall games and air awareness,” says Marajh. “The movement possibilities are endless, and parkour allows you to use your imagination in a new way.”
Classes will cover technique, progressions and strengthening exercises required to build skill.
Classes, which start this month, run every Tuesday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 16 and every Wednesday from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. for ages 16 to 18. Spaces are limited and registration is mandatory.
Visit www.deltagymnastics.com for more information.
