BASIC TRAINING 11/12 UC Berkeley [Doe Library]

One of the finest institutions of higher learning in California also happens to also be a great place to train parkour. While the scale of the buildings may seem massive and intimidating at first, rest assured there are exercises for everyone from novice on up.

Meet on the steps of Doe Memorial Library overlooking the Memorial Glade to the north. Doe is just a few minutes walk from Downtown Berkeley BART; nearest parking is on the north side of campus.

Session description:
This training provides a healthy atmosphere for new practitioners to start parkour, and for everyone to advance in a safe way. This is achieved in several ways. Because safety is paramount, a positive example is set by the more experienced practitioners. This means you will always see warm ups, stretching, and slow progression of movement. It also means there will be no showing off, which leads to copy-cat behavior and subsequently injuries. Rather, people pass on knowledge humbly in a group effort to advance. While there may be several different skill levels represented at these sessions, everyone keeps a beginner mentality.

Another key aspect in this beginner atmosphere is the absence of media. There are no camera crews or reporters to get in the way or cause people to feel self-conscious. While individuals may bring cameras, they should politely ask before filming/shooting anyone other than themselves.

The perception that parkour practice is (and should be) fun, yet being "a discipline, not a game", is set from the beginning. While the atmosphere is relaxed and can be playful at times, horseplay is discouraged, and teasing, mocking, and cliquish behaviors are not tolerated...

Basic/beginners training provided, but ALL LEVELS present and WELCOME!

Minors and Newcomers pls. check this frequently asked questions about liability. =)

Ha! And it's free, in case you were wondering...