Join or Die: What made it Special?

Embracing the Essence of Parkour at Join or Die

Attending The Commons' "Join or Die" event in Boston this past weekend was nothing short of transformative. As someone who's been entwined with the parkour community since its nascent stages in America, I've witnessed countless gatherings, but this one reignited a spark I hadn't felt in years.

https://www.instagram.com/thecommons.boston/

A Competition that Celebrates the Journey

Competition Format Created by: Instagram.com/daviddostuff Instagram.com/klickstein Instagram.com/riqbic

What set this event apart was its refreshingly unorthodox competition format. Ditching the usual skill, speed, or style categories, it embraced a jam-style approach. Picture this: the entire crowd migrating from one creatively modified spot to another, an ever-moving hive of energy and anticipation. Teams of three would nominate a member to session at each spot, granted ample time to truly engage with the environment.

The beauty here was manifold. Firstly, crowd reaction wasn't just a backdrop, it was a pivotal factor. This format dissolved the "first try or die" pressure cooker mentality that's all too common in style competitions. Instead, athletes could methodically work up to their desired moves, allowing the audience to witness the raw process, the hesitations, the recalibrations, the breakthroughs. It was a communal experience, blurring the lines between performer and spectator.

A Marketplace of Culture and Expression

The event wasn't solely about physical feats. Vendors lined the venue, transforming it into a bustling marketplace of parkour culture. Beyond the predictable energy drink stalls, there were booths offering custom jackets, T-shirts, sweatpants, bags, stickers—even a tattoo booth with two Tattoo Artists (booked the whole event)

https://www.instagram.com/filardistudios/ https://www.instagram.com/seastormink/ It was a tangible manifestation of the community's creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, offering attendees a chance to take home more than just memories.

Conversations that Matter

Perhaps most impactful were the dedicated sessions for dialogue and reflection. Facilitated by voices like Joshua Chen Cavalier, these discussions delved into the deeper narratives of our culture. Questions posed included:

• "What in media do you think is a positive and productive representation of parkour culture and community?"

• "Imagine someone outside of parkour culture is experiencing your media—be it films, art, or simply the aggregate of your online social presence. What impression of parkour culture would you like them to have?"

• "How do you feel the experience of the parkour community can be translated to those outside of it?"

  
  

  

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These weren't just rhetorical musings; they sparked earnest conversations about our collective identity and the legacy we're shaping. Engaging with the new generation, I was struck by their nuanced perspectives. Growing up in an era saturated with technology and social media, they bring fresh eyes to the challenges and opportunities we face in representing parkour to the wider world.

The Unique Takeaway: Redefining Competition to Reflect Our Core Values

Here's the crux of what made "Join or Die" so special and a lesson I believe is invaluable for anyone in our community, whether you're a business owner, coach, or practitioner: The format and spirit of our events profoundly shape the culture and direction of parkour.

Traditional competition formats, with their emphasis on immediate perfection and high-stakes performance, can inadvertently foster a culture of pressure and exclusivity. They often reward only the end result—the flawless execution, while neglecting the journey, the process, and the communal growth that are at the heart of parkour.

"Join or Die" flipped this script entirely. By adopting a jam-style competition that prioritized process over perfection and community engagement over individual accolades, it realigned the event with the foundational principles of parkour:

• Adaptability: Athletes were encouraged to interact creatively with each environment, adapting their movements organically rather than executing pre-rehearsed routines (they even had a roller belt to play on and trucks and fences in the course!)

• Resilience: The format allowed for trial and error, normalizing the learning process and reducing the stigma around failed attempts.

• Community: With the crowd actively participating, both emotionally and physically, the event dissolved barriers between spectators and athletes, fostering a shared experience.

  
  

For Business Owners and Coaches: A Call to Action

This event serves as a powerful reminder that how we structure our practices, classes, and events sends a message about what we value. If we want to cultivate a community that embraces learning, creativity, and mutual support, we need to design experiences that reflect those values.

• Rethink Your Programs: Are your classes and competitions encouraging experimentation and personal growth, or are they solely focused on measurable outcomes and perfection?

• Engage in Dialogue: Create spaces for meaningful conversations about the culture and direction of parkour. Encourage your community to share their perspectives and listen actively.

• Foster Inclusivity: Design events and programs that are accessible to practitioners of all levels, emphasizing participation over competition.

Reflections on Growth and Continuity

Being amidst this vibrant convergence of styles, philosophies, and energies stirred a profound sense of nostalgia and optimism within me. There was no urge to prove myself or assert my place. A liberating realization that mastery often lies in internalizing the principles rather than showcasing the extremes.

Observing the event's organic yet sophisticated execution, it was evident how much we've evolved while staying true to the core tenets of parkour: adaptability, resilience, and freedom. The grassroots essence remains, but it's enriched with a maturity that speaks to years of collective experience and passion.

Leaving the event, I felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment—not from personal accolades, but from witnessing the dynamic organism that is our community. It's alive, it's evolving, and yet it retains the spirit that captivated me all those years ago. We're all threads in this intricate tapestry, each contributing to a narrative that transcends individual paths.

"Join or Die" wasn't just an event; it was a reaffirmation of why we do what we do. It reminded me that while the terrain may change and the faces may evolve, the essence of parkour, as both a discipline and a community, endures.

To everyone who was part of this unforgettable experience, thank you. Your energy, creativity, and camaraderie are what make moments like these possible.

See you next year. https://www.instagram.com/thecommons.boston/

-Twistopher