Is Parkour Better Barefoot? With MATHIEU JANG | EMP Podcast 109
Feb 25, 2023
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Mathieu Jang, a renowned parkour athlete known for his barefoot and nature-based style, discusses his unique approach to movement. He shares insights on training barefoot, emphasizing foot care and adaptation to various terrains. The conversation explores the connection between parkour and nature, and how experiences from Hawaii shape his practice. Jang delves into the significance of 'aliveness' in movement and reflects on the artistic expression found in parkour. Moreover, he highlights the evolution of his training habits, blending strength training with functional movements.
Training barefoot enhances body awareness and alters techniques for landing, fostering a unique approach to movement in parkour.
Evolve Move Play retreats provide an immersive experience that combines movement, nature connection, and community for holistic growth.
Embracing natural environments in parkour leads to a focus on fluidity and adaptability, reshaping athletes' approaches to movement.
Deep dives
The Benefits of Barefoot Training
Training barefoot introduces a unique set of challenges and heightens body awareness that can change how athletes approach movements. It alters techniques for landing and absorbing impacts, requiring a different skill set compared to traditional training with shoes. As awareness of the body's responses increases, practitioners often discover which moves they can execute barefoot and which require caution. This exploration not only develops physical skills but also fosters a deeper connection with one’s movements and environment.
The Evolve Move Play Retreats
Evolve Move Play offers immersive week-long retreats that combine movement, mindfulness, nature connection, and community, attracting individuals of all skill levels. The retreats balance various practices, including environmental and object interactions, creating a holistic approach to physical training. Participants can expect an intimate experience with tailored coaching in a natural habitat, providing a deeper connection to both their movements and the surrounding environment. Such retreats are particularly appealing to those looking to expand their movement abilities while engaging with nature.
The Evolution to Natural Movement
The journey into natural movement and embracing the outdoors has reshaped how many practitioners approach parkour and movement disciplines. This shift has led to a growing recognition of the benefits of moving in natural environments, encouraging athletes to explore verticality and flow in trees and rough terrains. A notable transition in many athletes' styles involves an emphasis on fluidity and adaptability, adapting urban techniques to suit natural landscapes. This exploration contributes to the evolving narrative of parkour, expanding its definition beyond urban constraints.
Balancing Parkour and Academia
For many, particularly those engaged in formal education, balancing parkour training with academic commitments is a recurring challenge. Engaging in a structured educational program offers opportunities to develop skills and mental resilience, paralleling the philosophies of parkour. The discipline fostered through academic pursuits often reflects the same principles applied in parkour, such as overcoming obstacles and gaining insights into personal capabilities. Finding equilibrium between training intensity and academic demands can ultimately contribute to well-rounded personal growth.
The Interconnection of Different Movement Disciplines
Parkour, climbing, and other movement disciplines often share foundational principles, offering practitioners a versatile skill set that can enhance performance across various modalities. The cross-training that occurs—such as integrating elements of strength and agility from climbing into parkour—fosters a comprehensive physical literacy. Additionally, engaging in diverse physical activities nurtures adaptability and resilience, ultimately enriching each discipline that a practitioner chooses to explore. This interconnectedness emphasizes the benefits of approaching movement holistically rather than in isolation.
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Welcome back to the EMP Podcast!
Today we’ve got the one and only Mathieu Jang joining us to talk about his experience as a parkour athlete, the evolution of his style of movement, training barefoot and in nature, and the various other disciplines he trains in to stay happy, healthy and motivated to move.
Enjoy the show!
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro + Retreat Announcement
02:50 - The evolution of Mathieu Jang
25:45 - Training Parkour barefoot
29:57 - Internal Podcast Ad
43:15 - Parkour and Nature
52:30 - Hawaii, Surfing and Aliveness
01:06:20- - Taking inspiration and respecting your limits
01:11:55 - Mathieu's Training Habits
01:23:24 - Bouldering vs Strength Training for Parkour
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Mathieu Jang
-IG: https://www.instagram.com/parkour.jang/
-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@4theloveofthecity
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