Some cities are perfect for parkour. To my surprise, Cali is one of them. Although, when I entered Cali, I noticed quite a few structures that would be great for jumping and climbing on, I had no idea that the parkour scene in the city is as big as it is. Yet, it seems that not only is Cali a great (the best) city for salsa, it’s also amazing for those who love to venture in urban spaces.
What is parkour?
Parkour (or freerunning) is a training method and a way to see a city free of obstacles. It has its origins in France, where the French Special Forces used to train with movements which has over time developed into what we now know as the “kong vault” or the “gap jump”. The strictest definition of the art is “the act of moving from point ‘a’ to point ‘b’ using the obstacles in your path to increase your efficiency”. However, for many, it’s more than that. For most practitioners, it’s not just a sport. It’s a way of life.
Parkour in Cali
While walking on the Colina de San Antonio, I all of a sudden bumped into a group of fifty people training parkour on the hills looking over Cali. Here’s a short chat I had with one of the kids (in Spanish).
Where to practice the art in Cali?
The whole Calle 5 and its surroundings, or indoor gyms.
