By Lou Siebert
Jumping, climbing, doing somersaults – when it comes to parkour, Berlin becomes one giant playground.
The aim of this trend sport: to move efficiently through the city or nature using various techniques. Surrounding architecture and natural obstacles are overcome with jumps, somersaults or flips. Walls, railings and steps are also turned into sports equipment.
BZ was in Berlin while training “Boundless Parkour”.–Friedrichshain there. “Your city is your playground. You don’t need anything but roads, walls, benches and sports clothes,” says parkour trainer Ihab Dawoud (24).
Leaping over the abyss: Walls, benches and pillars become a playground in Parkour Photo: Parvets
The extreme athlete started parkour at the age of 11. He learned most of it from videos on the Internet – or was inspired by athletes from his native Palestine. Now he’s a pro.
Dawoud always wanted to be a parkour coach. “The feeling of parkour is unique” Photo: Parvets
Dawoud on the BZ: “I like the physical and mental challenge. Your head says you can’t do it, but your body can do it.” Big advantage: The sport takes place in the fresh air. He also conveys a great feeling of freedom and strengthens the personality, says the trainer.
“Parkour is a very social sport that can build character. It’s a good way to release negative energy. Sport has helped me a lot with my integration. I quickly made many new friends this way. I would like to share this experience with others,” says Dawoud.
Parkour professional Dawoud trains up to seven groups a week – with children between the ages of 8 and 18 Photo: Parvets
For more than three years he has been training children and young people between the ages of 8 and 18 at various meeting points in Berlin. In addition to the weekly training courses, there are holiday courses, workshops and birthday offers. The trial training is free.
Students Yoan and Samuel (both 10) have been training with trainer Ihab Dawoud from Boundless Parkour for over a year Photo: Parvets
Parkour student Samuel H. (10): “I think parkour is great because a lot of my friends do it and it’s a cool sport where you can do a lot of good tricks.” Yoan F. (10) is also an enthusiastic parkour Athlete: “I enjoy jumping a lot. In addition, you progress quickly in parkour.”
Looking for Berlin’s dream team
Imagine, we introduce you! In the theme month “Berlin in Motion” we are looking for BERLIN’S DREAMTEAM. No matter what sport, no matter which league, team, hobby team, leisure clique, old or young. Apply by email: [email protected]. Please write briefly about what makes you stand out. Then we introduce you and tell your story. So join in quickly. We look forward to your applications and are curious about the coolest, funniest and strongest teams.