Parkour, also known as the art of movement, is a sport and artistic discipline that involves moving from point A to point B using one’s body to overcome any obstacles along the way. It was popularized by the Yamakasi in France in the 1990s.
In Madagascar, parkour is a practice that is beginning to gain recognition, although it remains relatively underdeveloped. Parkour practitioners in Madagascar are mostly enthusiasts who discovered the discipline by watching videos online or following friends who already practice.
In this article, we will explore the history and evolution of parkour in Madagascar, the best places to practice, the communities of parkour practitioners, parkour events in Madagascar, and the impact of parkour on tourism in Madagascar. History and Evolution of Parkour in Madagascar
The origins of parkour in Madagascar are somewhat unclear, but it is likely that the discipline was introduced to the country via social media and online video-sharing platforms. Many young Malagasy people discovered parkour by watching videos of Yamakasi or other traceurs online and began training independently, without any real supervision.
Over time, traceur communities formed in certain cities in Madagascar, such as Antananarivo or Toamasina. These groups of practitioners began exchanging tips and tricks for safe training and developed their own style of parkour, incorporating elements of Malagasy culture.
Some Malagasy traceurs have even created movements specific to their country, such as “tsapiky” (which involves jumping from one foot to the other while following the rhythm of traditional Malagasy music) or “manara-penitra” (which involves jumping from one stone to another along the seashore).
Today, parkour in Madagascar continues to evolve and develop, even though the discipline remains relatively unknown to the general public. Malagasy traceurs regularly participate in international parkour competitions and gatherings, allowing them to showcase their unique style and draw inspiration from other practitioners around the world.
Parkour Spots in Madagascar
There are many places in Madagascar where it is possible to practice parkour safely. Here are some of the best spots for beginners and advanced traceurs:
Public parks and gardens: Green spaces in the city, such as Tsimbazaza Park or Antaninarenina Garden, offer an ideal playground for beginner traceurs. Benches, stairs, and walls make them perfect for learning the basics of parkour.
- Beaches: Madagascar’s beaches are ideal for traceurs who want to work on their balance and coordination. The sand and rocks provide natural obstacles that allow for variety.
- City streets: Madagascar’s streets offer a unique playground for advanced traceurs. Buildings, stairs, and walls allow for impressive tricks, but it’s important to ensure the area is safe before beginning practice.
- Tips for training safely
Start with the basics: It’s important to master basic moves before moving on to more advanced tricks. Warm up: Before each workout, it is important to warm up to avoid injuries.
- Wear protective gear: For the riskiest moves, it is recommended to wear protective gear such as knee pads, elbow pads, and a helmet.
- Assess the environment: Before practicing in a new location, it is important to ensure that the environment is safe and that there are no risks of accidents.
- Parkour events in Madagascar
- In Madagascar, there are several events dedicated to parkour, such as competitions and traceur gatherings. Here are a few examples:
Parkour meetings: Held regularly in the city’s parks and green spaces, these meetings allow traceurs to get together to train together, share tips, and improve their technique.
Parkour competitions: Every year, parkour competitions are held in Madagascar to allow traceurs to compete on obstacle courses.
- Parkour shows: Some traceur groups organize shows to showcase their discipline to the public. These performances can take place in schools, festivals, or sporting events.
- Pre-registration is often required to participate in these events. Information about parkour events in Madagascar can be found on social media and websites dedicated to the discipline. It is also possible to join parkour groups to stay informed of upcoming events and meet other enthusiasts.
- Parkour and Tourism in Madagascar
Parkour is still a little-known discipline in Madagascar, but it is beginning to attract interest from tourists looking for sporting and original activities to enjoy during their trip. Parkour in Madagascar can also contribute to the development of tourism by offering visitors unique and authentic experiences.
There are opportunities for tourists to discover parkour in Madagascar. Some travel agencies offer tours that include introductory parkour sessions with local professionals. Tourists can also join groups of local parkour practitioners to discover parkour spots in Madagascar and train with them.
As a sport and artistic discipline, parkour can contribute to Madagascar’s tourist appeal by offering an original activity that stands out from other traditional tourist attractions. It can also be a way for visitors to discover the local culture and the talents of young Malagasy people who practice this discipline with passion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, parkour is a rapidly growing sport and artistic discipline in Madagascar. Originating in France, parkour has rapidly developed in the country and has led to the creation of specific movements and tricks. Madagascar also has numerous parkour spots, allowing parkour practitioners to train safely and develop their technique.
