Schools

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Workshops Information



Schools We Have Worked With


  • Chicago Waldorf School (Chicago, IL)
  • LaSalle Language Academy (Chicago, IL)
  • Richards Career Academy (Chicago, IL)
  • Spectrum Progressive School of Rockford (Rockford, IL)
  • Blythe Park Elementary (Riverside, IL)
  • Thomas Middle School (Arlington Heights, IL)



What Is Parkour / Art Du Déplacement?


Parkour and ADD are disciplines, much like a martial art, in which a practitioner uses his/her body to overcome physical and mental obstacles in modern environments and situations. In their most basic form, they can be described as a collection of vaults and jumps, rolling, climbing, and swinging movements. However, there is a vast amount of mental and spiritual work as well (keep reading!).


Who Is Art Du Déplacement Chicago / Parkour Ways?


My name is Kurt Gowan and I am the founder and instructor of Art Du Déplacement Chicago and Parkour Ways. I have been certified by Parkour Generations, one of the world's largest organizations for Parkour and the only organization in the world offering a certification program that is sanctioned by the founders of the discipline, the Yamakasi. I have been teaching Parkour/ADD since 2010, and enjoy helping to pass the countless benefits I have found in my own training to others as I spread the art!


What Are The Benefits Of Parkour/ADD?


The benefits of Parkour/ADD are virtually endless: strength, power, endurance, mobility, flexibility, balance, stability, agility, coordination, touch, creativity, confidence, inner peace, discipline, durability, respect… the list goes on! Parkour/ADD can help us fight obesity in our country in a fun and natural way. It gets us outside and moving – exactly what our bodies were built for! The physical benefits are quite obvious, but there are also many benefits that one does not immediately think about when they see or hear about Parkour/ADD. As practitioners, getting in touch with our environment changes the way we look at the architecture of our surroundings. We build a higher respect for our environments, especially the properties on/in which we train. Parkour/ADD builds a great sense of touch – concrete, rocks, gravel, metals, dirt, grass – we train on every kind of surface imaginable and this creates a higher sense of tactile sensitivity.


Why Is Parkour/ADD Good For Students?


Aside from the many benefits listed just above, there are many core concepts of Parkour/ADD that the Yamakasi (the founders of ADD) have brought to light and strive to uphold. One phrase that floats around between through many Parkour/ADD communities is "be strong to be useful." In Parkour/ADD, we can condition and prepare our bodies (and minds) for everyday situations. It's not just physical obstacles in our environments that we learn to conquer – we take that confidence and adapt it to life's many mental obstacles. Through our training, we find that we can get through and accomplish anything. The discipline, respect and focus gained will transfer to all walks of life including school work. It can keep kids out of gangs, away from drug use and it keeps them active and fit. Parkour/ADD is also useful in emergency situations when there is a need to escape or to reach persons in need where, without Parkour/ADD training, they may be inescapable or unreachable. There's also a great deal of facing, managing and overcoming fear – something that can benefit people of all ages.


Why Art Du Déplacement Chicago?


Art Du Déplacement Chicago is the only organization in Illinois and the Northwest Indiana area that offers classes and events with A.D.A.P.T. certified instructors. Kurt Gowan has decided to dedicate his life to teaching and spreading Parkour/ADD safely and with the Yamakasi spirit (that spirit is often left out of other "Parkour" programs...).


Is Parkour/ADD Dangerous?


The short answer: yes, Parkour/ADD can be dangerous – if practiced incorrectly, carelessly, or recklessly. I strive for nothing less than a completely safe environment to train in. I put a huge emphasis on safety in my classes, and I am always looking to protect the students from any potential dangers. My aim is to help my students obtain the power, strength, precision and control to perform Parkour/ADD movements in a safe and efficient manner.


What Do You Wear For Parkour/ADD?


Another great convenience of Parkour/ADD is that there is no specific equipment needed in order to train. All you need is a comfortable pair of shoes and comfortable clothing. Actually, you don't even need shoes… many practitioners occasionally train barefoot to enhance that sense of touch mentioned earlier and to fine-tune our control and absorption of impact. Long pants are recommended for beginners though, no matter what the weather conditions are like!


Where Can This Be Done? Where Is Art Du Déplacement Chicago?


Perhaps one of the biggest conveniences of Parkour/ADD is that it can be taken literally anywhere. It is extremely portable and can be adapted to any environment, be it urban, suburban, rural, or even wilderness. Curbs, rails, ledges, walls, poles, trees, rocks – you name it, you can find a way to train with it! We can provide instruction and seminars/presentations in various locations, indoors or outdoors! Art Du Déplacement Chicago currently provides instruction at several locations (more info and maps on the classes page). Please contact me via email to let me know where you are located and I can work with you to find a suitable location to hold an event!

Contact Art Du Déplacement Chicago Here