Parkour is a physical activity which is difficult to categorize. It is not an extreme sport,[5] but an art or discipline that resembles self-defense in the martial arts.[6] According to David Belle, "the physical aspect of parkour is getting over all the obstacles in your path as you would in an emergency. You want to move in such a way, with any movement, as to help you gain the most ground on someone or something, whether escaping from it or chasing toward it."[7] Thus, when faced with a hostile confrontation with a person, one will be able to speak, fight, or flee. As martial arts are a form of training for the fight, parkour is a form of training for the flight. Because of its unique nature, it is often said that parkour is in its own category: "parkour is parkour."

An important characteristic of parkour is efficiency. Practitioners move not only as fast as they can, but also in the least energy-consuming and most direct way possible. This characteristic distinguishes it from the similar practice of free running, which places more emphasis on freedom of movements, such as acrobatics. Efficiency also involves avoiding injuries, short and long-term, part of why parkour's unofficial motto is être et durer (to be and to last).

Traceurs claim that parkour also influences one's thought process by enhancing critical thinking skills that allow one to overcome everyday physical and mental obstacles.[8][9]

took this snippet from wikipidiea.if anyone has seen the show 'jump london' they will have seen this art at work.its something anyone able to run can try.it promotes mental alertness,observation,and of course physical fitness.its been described as 'skateboarding without the board' Some of the basics to get started at this site: http://www.worldwidejam.tv/index.php