Angelica Jackman

Interviewed by Mark Toorock, compiled by Zac Cohn.

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 Jackman

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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