Ever feel like you’re missing something in life? Understanding Tony Robbins’ 6 Human Needs can provide the blueprint for a more fulfilling existence. As a professional parkour athlete with 13 years of experience, the owner of Swift Movement Studio, and someone who avidly pursues self-improvement, I’m going to share how parkour has changed my life by meeting the needs for Significance, Certainty, Variety, Growth, Connection, and Contribution.
These core needs guide our actions and decisions. Understanding them isn’t just enlightening; it’s crucial for building positive habits and avoiding pitfalls. For instance, if ‘Growth’ drives you, you might find fulfillment in learning new skills. Conversely, recognizing a need for ‘Significance’ can help you avoid seeking attention in unhealthy ways.
By the end of this, you’ll see how parkour can be a holistic approach to meeting these essential human needs. Let’s jump in.
Uncertainty/Variety
One of the most captivating aspects of parkour is its endless variety. Parkour is all about adapting to your environment, be it rocks, a playground, rooftops, universities, or a parkour gym like Swift Movement. On top of the environmental differences, athletes have developed countless styles to express themselves—some focus on being flippy and flowy, while others are all about physical and mental feats.
In my own years of training, I’ve faced several chronic injuries, from patellar tendonitis to a torn labrum. But the variety in parkour has always allowed me to adapt and continue training, finding new ways to engage with the discipline while respecting my body’s limits.
So, whether you’re navigating around injuries like I have, or simply looking for a new challenge, parkour’s variety has something for everyone. Curious?
Check out 10 styles of parkour incredible diversity of styles and environments in parkour.
Growth
If you ask me, the core of parkour isn’t just about the moves you can do; it’s about personal growth. It’s that feeling when you’re standing in front of a jump that seems impossible. Your heart’s pounding, and your mind is filled with doubts. But then, you start to break it down, piece by piece. You analyze the distance, the technique, and the landing. Slowly but surely, those mental and technical barriers start to crumble.
In my journey, I’ve come to realize that every challenge, no matter how daunting, can be broken down into manageable steps. Whether it’s a complex jump or a tricky vault, my approach is always the same: dissect the challenge. I might start by trying something similar but less intimidating, or I could break the move into its individual components and practice each one. I also draw on past experiences, reminding myself of previous obstacles I’ve overcome. This process has instilled in me a powerful belief: with the right amount of practice, belief, consistency, and patience, nearly everything is possible. It’s not just about doing the biggest jumps or tricks; it’s about proving to yourself what you are capable of.
Certainty: Knowing Your Limits and Pushing Them
Parkour isn’t just about taking risks; it’s about calculated risks. Through consistent training, you develop a deep sense of certainty about your current capabilities. This isn’t just physical; it’s a holistic mind-body connection that encompasses your technical skills, physical strength, and even your mental fears.
This certainty is empowering. You know exactly what you’re capable of, and that knowledge fuels your desire to push those boundaries even further. It’s not just about doing the jump; it’s about knowing you can.
“If you’re afraid to fall, you fall because you’re afraid. Everything is a choice.” – Daniel Ilabaca
Connection: More Than Just a Physical Journey
Before parkour, my athletic life was a solo endeavor, focused on long-distance running where I’d spend hours every weekend running until I got lost and then finding my way home. But parkour opened up a whole new world of connection for me. It’s not just about the physicality; it’s about the shared experiences. Whether we’re struggling to nail a new move, learning from each other, or experiencing that magical flow state, parkour creates a unique bond among its practitioners.
In parkour, movement becomes a language of its own, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. I’ve done parkour with people around the world—from Europe, Asia, South America, Australia—and every single time we’re able to find a connection. Our shared experiences of growth and play create a unique bond, knowing that they likely went through a similar personal battle to unlock a specific jump or trick.
Check out our referral program or join our Discord community for local meetups and more!
Significance: Your Unique Style is Your Signature
Parkour isn’t a one-size-fits-all sport; it’s a canvas for individual expression. You don’t have to be a daredevil or an Olympian to find your place. In my years of training, I’ve seen the community grow and diversify, with athletes bringing their own unique styles and perspectives. Whether you’re into rooftop challenges, intricate flow combinations, incorporating dance elements, you’re in your 60s, or doing the newest off-axis flip, there’s a niche for you.
Every year, the game changes. New moves are invented, old ones are refined, and athletes from different backgrounds bring fresh perspectives. This constant evolution not only keeps the sport exciting but also opens up endless opportunities for individual significance. You can be the one who perfects a certain technique, pioneers a new style, or even just becomes the go-to person for training tips in your local community.
Your significance isn’t just defined by your athleticism; it can also be defined by your unique contributions to the community. Whether you’re the one sharing videos, hosting meetup sessions, or inviting folks for some Skyline Chili (for my Cincinnati friends) after a hard day’s training, your local impact is limitless. It’s about bringing something to the table that only you can, and in doing so, enriching the experience of the people around you.
Contribution: From Grassroots to Global Impact
Whether you’re coaching the next generation, organizing local events, or participating in Leave No Trace Jams (to help your local community and environment) or weekly meetups, your actions have a ripple effect that strengthens the local community and, by extension, the sport itself.
But don’t underestimate the global impact you can have. Parkour is still a young sport with less than 45 years of history, and its definition is still being written. Just in these past past couple years, here are some of the new things that have happened in the sport:
The first grassroots National Parkour Competition was hosted by USPK.
The first women-focused long-form parkour film debuted: Queen City.
I can’t even imagine trying to list the number of world’s first tricks or challenges that happened. But here are a few that are top of mind:
Kong Cork Zero from Pasha.
Roof gap flip to rail from Verky.
Elis Torhall and Kevin Franzen could have an entire category dedicated to them alone for firsts.
By sharing your unique techniques, participating in events, or even documenting what’s happening, you’re helping to shape the future of parkour on a global scale.
The Takeaway: Parkour as a Pathway to Fulfillment of Human Needs
As we’ve explored, parkour isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that can profoundly impact various aspects of your life. From finding your unique significance in a diverse community to pushing your boundaries for growth, parkour offers a holistic approach to fulfilling Tony Robbins’ 6 Human Needs—Certainty, Variety, Significance, Connection, Growth, and Contribution.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone looking to break free from the monotony of everyday life, parkour provides a platform for personal development and community involvement. It’s more than just flips and jumps; it’s a pathway to a more enriched, balanced, and fulfilling life.
So, are you ready to discover how parkour can be the missing piece to your life’s puzzle? Lace up those shoes, join the community, and let’s redefine what’s possible together.
