For two years, I worked at Apex Fort Collins without getting into parkour. I was too self-conscious and didn’t think I could do it. Most of my friends back home in Hawai’i did tricking, parkour, or both. I always thought parkour was interesting. Since I was a kid, I loved climbing trees and cliffs, jumping across lava rocks, and exploring in nature. However, the thought of doing it on manmade structures freaked me out, so I stuck with tricking.

About two years ago, I finally started learning parkour outside with Ryan. I wish I had started sooner.

Parkour gave me a new challenge. Being more environment-based than tricking, I was introduced to another world of endless challenges to try. Parkour showed me that I can go wherever I want to go. It encourages problem-solving and determination.

I was immediately drawn to speed parkour. I love the straightforwardness of time being the judge. For me, parkour is more of a mental challenge than tricking. There’s a lot more to think about than just what your body is doing. When you fail in tricking, you only have to worry about yourself and the ground. In parkour, there are other obstacles, dimensions, and consequences to consider.

Long story short, you’re not too old, too fat, too untalented, or too anything to start a new movement. If you’re interested in learning something new, do it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t, including yourself.