Alissa Bratz     Ann Grjukach     Angelica Jackman  

   Karen Palmer       Hayley Brice-Nicolson  

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Alissa Bratz

Alissa, or "Muse of Fire" as she is known as on the American Parkour forums is the founder of www.madparkour.com that she founded to help bring together traceurs and traceuses in the Madison area. Alissa inspires us because of her commitment to learning and spreading the love of parkour not only to the parkour community but to the general public through her work with Girls Inc. We applaud you, Alissa for having the bravery to tread a path less travelled and thank you for sharing your story that we hope will inspire other girls.

- Girlparkour.com

1. Name: Alissa J. Bratz

2. Location: Madison, WI, USA

3. Occupation:

French teacher, retired ballet dancer, ballet faculty at School of Madison Ballet

4. Tell us about you:

I have loved movement my whole life. This love has mostly expressed itself through dance, although I have dabbled in martial arts and in yoga quite a bit. I also love languages, travel, and food. I am passionate about living well and living fully, although some could easily argue that I live so "fully" that I don't rest enough, which gets in the way of living well.

5. How did you get in to parkour?

As a French teacher I keep up with French cinema. I saw Banlieue 13 and was immediately intrigued. It kept tugging at me until finally about a year later I did some Googling and found parkour. I was eager to try it, but couldn't find a group in my area to train. I was able to start a little training on my own using online resources, but I really wanted that group experience, so I created Madparkour.com and then went to as many jams as I could to learn as much as possible about the discipline.

Alissa with Madison Parkour team and Zac Cohn (Photo credit: Zac Cohn, American Parkour)

I had the good fortune to meet some very qualified people, via the Madparkour forum, in the Madison area to help me with a good training program, and it has been growing ever since. It was definitely an, "If you build it, they will come" situation. I built it, and they came; but it would not have survived if I hadn't been blessed by the people who came. They came and rolled up their sleeves and helped me get the train rolling. I took a chance, and I encourage anyone who is really interested in parkour to start their own group even if they're new themselves. As traceurs and traceuses, we are all teachers, and we are all learners. It is a bidirectional relationship. By throwing a pebble out into the water, you never know where the ripples will stop. Fortune sides with he (she!) who dares--give it a try, the right people will most likely come to you if you create somewhere for them to go.

6. How long have you been practicing?

About a year and a half, although there have been some significant periods of interruption during that time.

7. What does parkour mean to you in less than 5 words.

The strength to be free.

8. Whats your best parkour related achievement to date?

That Madparkour exists, and that we have developed a fledgling, but positive, relationship with the city. Also hosting the Midwest jam and being able to participate so actively in the larger national community--having those opportunities to contribute to the discipline as a whole has just been priceless. Not so much an achievement, but an honor and a life-changing experience, was participating in the Ohio Parkour Horizons training weekend with Parkour Generations. Getting to translate/interpret for the Parkour Generations guys during that weekend (even though my French is soooo rusty!) was definitely one of the highlights of my life as it brought together my love of movement and my love of the French language in a context of usefulness and service.

 Traceuses with Parkour Generations coaches at Parkour Horizons Memorial Day Expo, Ohio (Photo credit: Alissa Bratz & Parkour Horizons)

Also, helping to teach at the Primal Fitness Womens Parkour seminar was a huge honor and a massive learning experience for me. The ladies who participated were so inspirational. They came from all walks of life, all ages, all fitness levels, and /not a single one of them gave up or quite for the *whole* weekend/, which was pretty amazing. Teaching alongside Amanda, Janine, and Laurie was such an honor--they have so much more skill and experience than I do and I am still learning from my experiences that weekend.

Primal Fitness Women's Parkour Seminar (Photo credit: American Parkour)

9. What is your favorite parkour move?

I don't have one specific move per se, but I do tend to prefer cat hangs/wall work, and balance/rail work when I train. In terms of conditioning exercises, if I were abducted by aliens and sent to work as a slave in a mine on an asteroid, and could only do one conditioning exercise ever, for my whole life, it would be QM on a rail. That exercise is the Truth.

10. What advice would you give to other girls thinking of getting in to parkour.

Do it! Don't be afraid of what other people say or think. Don't be afraid of that voice in your head (you know the one I'm talking about). Don't be afraid of getting dirty, cutting up your hands, or failing over and over again. Don't be afraid of the hard work or the intimidating concept of "upper-body strength." Don't be afraid of "looking like a girl." You are a girl! And that's a wonderful thing. Your girlness is neither here nor there when it comes to parkour. Be prepared to work hard. Be prepared for it to hurt. Be prepared to confront fears and obstacles. You will never realize how strong you are (and it is formidable) until you commit to this.In thousands of subtle ways, society tells us that we are fragile creatures. Parkour will tell you otherwise, and it will tell you loudly. To paraphrase Nelson Mandela: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." However don't do parkour to prove something to society. Do parkour to prove something to yourself. Work hard, but make parkour work for your body. You can be tough and hard, and still be feminine. A human body moving, and a spirit playing, is a compellingly beautiful and miraculous thing.  

I would like  to see a world where it is perfectly normal for human beings to continue to play and interact physically with their environments as a lifelong pursuit. More within the realm of what I can control, I would like to see Madparkour grow into a self-sufficient organization, providing training opportunities to anyone who wishes to learn and experience movement. I would like to further cultivate relationships with the city. I really, really enjoyed the Girls, Inc. workshops especially, and hope those continue to grow in the spring and summer. In my schoolteaching job I try to expose my students to parkour and I hope to create a parkour club at the school where I teach. I would also like to be able to do a pullup, which has been a longtime goal of mine since I started training.

 

 

 

 

Here are some links some of the posts and articles written by Alissa that you might enjoy reading:

 

Stretching Tips

 

 

 

Meditation 

The following are articles that Alissa has been involved with:

Isthmus, "Parkour in Madison: The new urban workout" 

American Parkour, "Madison Parkour Community Outreach"

American Parkour, "Where's Zac? - Madison, Wisconsin"

 American Parkour, "Women's Parkour Seminar"

 

You can reach Madison Parkour at their website, www.madparkour.com

 

To learn more about Girls Inc., click here

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Ann Grjukach

 

Ann from Ukraine is the happiest traceuse we know. She always has a big smile, never mind whether there is sunshine, rain, snow or being the only girl training with lots of boys. And we haven't even started on her amazing skills! No matter which way you go about flips in parkour, there is no denying that Ann is one versatile, strong and smooth traceuse. In the future Ann wants to travel the world to pursue her love of parkour and helping others and we know that this is not the last we're going to hear of this talented Ukrainian traceuse. So say hello to Happy Traceuse Ann :)

 

 

 

- Girlparkour.com

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1. Name

Ann Grjukach

2. Location
Lviv city, Ukraine

3. Occupation

Student, traceuse

4. Tell us about you

I'm 19 years old and I'm studying in University! Before Parkour engaged in Rhythmic Gymnastics! I like traveling and relaxing in nature!

4. Расскажите нам о себе

Мне 19 лет и я учусь в университете! До Паркура занималась Художественной Гимнастикой! Очень люблю путешествовать и отдыхать на природе!

 

5. How did you get in to parkour?
Once I had a disc with the video, which I really liked it! I still do not know what it Parkour! On the same day, I and my friend went outside and started to leap, remembering the stuff from the video! After this training, I wanted to know about it more! And start looking for information on the Internet!

5. Каким образом вы получаете в паркур?

Однажды мне принесли диск с видео, которое мне очень понравилось! Я тогда ещё не знала, что это Паркур! В тот же день я и мой друг вышли на улицу и начали прыгать, вспоминая кадры из видео! После этой тренировки я захотела узнать об этом больше! И начала искать информацию в Интернете!

6. How long have you been practising

2 years now.

6.  Как долго Вы практикующий

2 лет

 

7. What does parkour mean to you in less than 5 words
Human development spiritually and physically!

7.Что такое паркур означает для вас в менее чем 5 слов

Развитие человека духовно и физически!

8. Whats your best parkour related archievement to date?
I do not know them I have a lot .... but I do think that it is overcoming the fear of all ...

8.Каков ваш лучший паркур, связанных достижения?

Даже не знаю, их у меня много....но я всё же думаю, что это преодоление страха во всём...

9. What is your favourite parkour move?

I love all the movement Parkour, without exception, but especially those are hard to learn!

9.Какая ваша любимая двигаться?

Я люблю все движения Паркура, без исключения, но особенно те которые тяжело научиться!

10.What advice would you give to other girls thinking of getting in to parkour?

I especially wish all good training!  And most of my advice is that you should never doubt yourself! And do what you like and do not pay attention to the surrounding people, who do not understand you! Just DO IT FOR YOURSELF!

10.Какой совет вы бы дать другим девочкам в виду получение в паркуре?

Я хочу прежде всего пожелать всем удачных тренировок!

А главное мой совет, заключается в том, что бы вы в себе никогда не сомневались!!! И делали то что вам нравится, не обращая внимания на окружающих людей, которые не понимают Вас!!! Просто ДЕЛАЙТЕ ЭТО ДЛЯ СЕБЯ!

10+1.Personal thoughts, comments, goals, dreams..

I want a future where world Parkour has grown more and more and, most importantly, that it remains friendly, so that people from different countries help each other in this!

I have a dream that I hope will soon be translated into reality: after graduating from university, to travel the world to make new friends and to help people in Parkour!!!

10+1. Личные мысли, комментарии, цели, мечты ..

Я хочу что б в будующем Мир Паркура расширялся всё больше и больше, а главное что б он оставался дружным, чтоб люди из разных стран помогали друг другу в этом! У меня есть мечта, которая я надеюсь скоро воплотится в реальность: после окончания университета, ездить по миру заводить новые знакомства и помогать людям в Паркуре!

 

 

Ann's training blog is http://ann-parkour.blogspot.com and she is also working on an Overtrance website.

Ann's Youtube channel is http://www.youtube.com/user/AMACreWAN

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Angelica Jackman

(Interviewed by Mark Toorock, compiled by Zac Cohn)

Monday, 06 April 2009

Angelica Jackman has volunteered to be part of the Translation Initiative Project, helping to translate American Parkour into Portuguese. She is from Rio De Janiero, and learned about parkour through APK. The more we talked to her, the more we thought she'd make a great candidate for an interview! Mark Toorock asked her a few questions, and I hope everyone can really learn from this inspirational traceuse! A brief introduction from Angelica:

Angelica: It took me some time finding people here, but I didn't stop searching until I found someone who taught me all the basic movements… It was good and I learned fast and went out training by myself sometimes too.  I wanted to train more and more.  Then one day that I was training by myself I found a group of young boys practicing and they called me to train with them, they had a leader and he told me I could join them to train. They get together some days of the week but I work and I go with them on Sundays... At the beginning I felt a bit awkward because I don't know what they thought... but after a few times going there they began to talk to me and also help me with some hints, so I go there every time now and I feel so good after training with them, I feel really inspired and motivated and they help me do more difficult things but I do them knowing that I can and feeling confident.  Well, I could keep on writing, but I know you are very busy and I still have a lot to learn and improve but I have a lot of fun training and my life has changed. Even if I am older I think this is the right time for me, because I feel sure of what I am doing now and I also have the time, I raised two sons, I don't have to worry about homework and all that so now the time I dedicate to train is my time and I enjoy it at the max.

Mark: Where did you first see parkour, and what where your first thoughts about it.

Angelica: I saw a program on TV and thought " I want to do that" and the next day I was searching on the internet for information about classes or where to learn...I started reading about the art and got even more interested.

M: What made you want to try it yourself?

A: I had been a gymnast for a few years when I was very young and I practiced Rythmic gymnastics for more than 10 years, so I love movement.  And I said now I want to learn this.   

M: What were your biggest challenges when you started practicing?

A: I guess getting used to a different type of exercises and getting stronger, but I was so eager to learn that I started working real hard on everything. After the first time though my legs were very sore. I think doing a good roll was very challenging.

M: Do you get strange reactions from people, and how do you deal with people who are curious?

A: Yes sometimes, because they think it is dangerous. But I love to explain and tell them everything about it,   how great it is and that you do everything very consciously.

M: How old were you when you started training in parkour and how old are you now?

A: I started last year and I was 48, 49 now and soon I will be 50!

M: What are the benefits for you by practicing parkour?

A: All types of benefits, I feel much stronger and determined, happier, healthier, younger, energetic, and so on...I feel really good and I want to keep training and improving.

M: Do you have some advice to people who want to get started?

A: Yes, when you really want to do something you have to go for it and put your heart into it, no matter how old you are to learn.  It is never too late and parkour can be for everyone.

M: And finally, what would you say to people who are afraid to get started or feel that Parkour is not for them?

A: I think is fine to be a bit afraid at the beginning but no one can really tell  without giving it a try.. I think everyone can practice it, so I would tell people to start at their own pace and enjoy every day of training. It's great and the feeling is wonderful.

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 GPK: Thank you to Mark Toorock (APK) for letting us reprint this article and we wish Angelica all the best in her training!

If you would like to start parkour check out the Links page for classes or parkour communities in your area.

 

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Karen Palmer is a traceuse who lives and breathes parkour in every part of her life. Her debut video by Julie Angel explored the exploration in self and the mental and physical conditioning that is core to parkour. As a student traceuse following her path, Karen Palmer is a welcome voice in an otherwise male-dominated field as inspiration to others to follow their own path and to be strong.

- Girlparkour.com

Name: Karen Palmer

Location: London

Occupation: Director/ Filmmaker

Tell us about you: I live for Parkour.I am a female, filmmaker and free-runner. I direct documentaries, music videos, TV commercials and short films. My unique brand of filmmaking fuses my passions, Parkour and Music Culture with an edge.

'Mental Block' has won several awards including icewhole.com and filmaka.com and been shortlisted for the prestigious Jerwood Moving Image Visual Arts Awards, as well as being screened in Festivals, Galleries and on Websites throughout the world.

 I am very proud of 'Mental Block', what it as achieved and how it represents my unique personal expression of Parkour as a  dedicated Parkour practitioner and filmmaker.

Parkour is so much more then a sport, it is a a way of life. As committed traceurs our training  encrouches into our daily life and we find ourselves interpreting our obstacles in our daily lives as challenges to be overcome.

Parkour enabled me to fight my fear and leave my job and pursue a career as a freelancer that has enabled me to travel internationally. Parkour is a journey it may start on-top of a wall, next to a rail but where it will end up is up to you.

Big thank you to Karen Palmer . We at girlparkour.com wish her a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing her in action soon!

Check out Karen's website at www.karenpalmer.co.uk.

You can also view Julie Angel's youtube channel here

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