Free Running


When the recent James Bond movie Casino Royale hit our screens we were greeted almost from the get go with the sight of Sébastien Foucan running away from Daniel Craig as he fled through a construction site. Of course we are used to car chases in these Bond films so the sight of this prompted questions about this spectacle. The practice in question is known as free running, the physical art of movements in urban areas, which its founder Foucan defines as following your own way. It is distinct from the art of Parkour, which itself focuses on discipline and efficiency as opposed to the freedoms of free running.

People in the UK were first introduced to Free Running when the film Jump London was showcased for all to see. Since then it has been both popular and controversial as people have the misconception that the two disciplines of free running and Parkour like the idea of competition. Apparently the art forms do not encourage competition, as least Sébastien Foucan does not, though he does not rule it out for other people. Some people also question its safety. Despite this, it is likely to continue to be a popular pass time.