Parkour coach seeks to get the sport recognised
Discover the exhilarating world of parkour as a passionate coach challenges individuals to experience the sport firsthand.
![Michael Simmonds does a side-flip move.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2023/04/IMG_0587_74408-e1681809683276-780x470.jpg)
Parkour coach Michael Simmonds of Concrete Foundation Crew (CFC) aspires to grow the sport and encourages more people to try it.
The passionate coach began practicing the sport when he was 16 years old.
![Concrete Foundation Crew student Robert Endrady](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2023/04/IMG_0638_95713-e1681809747203-520x328.jpg)
“I started Parkour with my best friend Bjorn de Klerk in 2012. We had this healthy competition that accelerated our growth, and our excitement just grew. I started out as a student, I used to watch all these cool videos on Youtube and I would try to replicate those stunts whenever possible.”
He joined CFC at Sandton Sports Club, where he took his first class and learned more about the sport.
“I realised that this sport requires a lot more respect, technique, and focus than just jumping and being an adrenaline junky.”
“I found entertainment in the various movements and techniques associated with parkour and I realised that this sport promotes personal development.”
![Big smile on Robert Endrady's face](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2023/04/IMG_0656_98283-e1681809787400-520x363.jpg)
Simmonds began coaching in 2015 after demonstrating significant improvement and enthusiasm for the sport. Micheal was given the opportunity to coach after his instructor saw the potential he had to relay the movements to other students with clarity and ease.
![Robert Endrody is in the air for his parkour move](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2023/04/IMG_0645_00994-e1681809810836-520x331.jpg)
CFC has relocated to the Morningside Glen Mall.
![Coach Michael Simmonds jumps obstacles](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2023/04/IMG_0610_02735-e1681809833484-520x362.jpg)
Simmonds went on to say that they have already started to re-ignite the sport. They have started doing “spring-jams”, this is like an open day where the parkour community comes together to showcase their skills and learn more about the sport. He also stated that they would be doing more events like these at their new facility.
Related Article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/329378/unorthodox-hosted-a-panel-discussion-for-women-in-sports-in-collaboration-with-tbe/