Want to read Part 1?
Here’s how one “Parkour parent” describes the skills they teach at Tempest:
First and most obvious is the sheer strength and ability to run and jump, pull up, hang from, leap and land on a target, swing from, flip over, fall and roll and several other graceful, yet physical, movements that are used in this unique sport. The use of resistance using your own body weight is the best way to challenge and shape a young body. The not so obvious skills are the discipline of practicing, pushing yourself to learn new skills, teaching the learned skills to others and a similar camaraderie with others that love the sport.
I love this part: it’s the not so obvious skills. Isn’t that what we all really struggle with? I’m making up stats, here, but in my experience about 99% of success hinges on stuff we do when no one is paying attention. For Alex much of that 99% is just getting himself psyched up to do it in the first place.
Once Alex got started on his video he learned he really loved making videos. If this story ended there, I’d be thrilled with just the fact that he took something from start to finish and put it to bed. Man, that is a HUGE accomplishment for this kid. It was also a great experience for him to hear the adults around him say such positive things to him. Like this post from our friend Tracee on FB:
I think Alex is a really special kid, I can see in his eyes the struggles to be all that he is asked to be in life (big brother, student, friend, son) and he continues to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. Winning this would go a long way with him. It would help him see where working hard and being a good citizen can take you in life.
It always sounds more true when it comes from someone who isn’t your mother.
Or, when something like this happens:
I want to give a shout out to Tempest Freerunning Academy because they foster a spirit of support and helping each other that makes this a great activity and atmosphere for Alex types – living on the fringe of his peer group, desperately seeking the right fit, non-competitive, and reluctant to engage.
I’m not entirely sure what it was about Alex’s story that moved the guys at Tempest to choose him. My guess is that he closely aligns with something they know about themselves and why they love the sport. You can be sure I’ll ask a ton of questions when we visit the academy this summer.
Meanwhile, Alex is overwhelmed with joy and he still isn’t quite sure what to say about it.
But it’s okay, because he figured out 99% of it.
educating alexander 