Take Flight

On November 28th David Belle responded to questions via his Twitter. Here is a transcript of the questions and Belle’s  answers in the order he responded to them. I also did my best to provide the translations of Belle’s answers when he responded in French.

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davbelle David Belle

Je suis la et pret pour vos questions : )

[I am here and ready for your questions : ) ]

 

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AnnieJankowska Annie Jankowska

I heard that Paul Walker will replace Cyril in #D13 Remake. Do you think it’s a good choice? I think its a joke

 

davbelle David Belle

Personally I like very much the work Paul Walker has done. The film will be a new experience for me and I look forward to working with him : )

 

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MatejSnopek Matej Snopek

Do you have any plans of creating a Parkour Academy, that is, a parkour “school” like the parkour generations have done?

 

davbelle David Belle

I would like very much to make a Parkour center for everyone to introduce people to Parkour. Maybe in a few years.

 

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vzlomali Suleimanova Dinara

hi wanted to ask sequel to will 13 district

 

davbelle David Belle

Ask away : )

 

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Kragenfaultiere Kragenfaultiere

Why is there no flip in real parkour? #parkour

 

davbelle David Belle

If you feel the need to do a flip in the moment then it exists. Do as you feel : ) It’s not useful but it still exists. For example, you can walk down the street and then do a roll all of a sudden. It’s not useful but you can still do it.

 

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sweet_meryl Meryl Swan

Bonjour Sir!!!have you ever been in love?at what age did you have your first crush on someone & who was your first crush?luv You:)

 

davbelle David Belle

I had my first crush at maybe 6 or 7. I will post a photo for you soon on twitter or facebook : )))

 

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EmergenceSports EmergenceSport

qu’est ce que la pratique du parkour peut apporter au monde de l entreprise, au niveau du management?

[What can the practice of Parkour bring to the business world at the level of management?]

 

davbelle David Belle

Plus de certitude dans le decision. Quand t’es sur de toi meme t’es plus fort.

[More certitude in the decisions. When you are sure of yourself then you are stronger.]

 

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AveryBallotta Avery Ballotta

as a university student, I find I don’t have the time I used to for training. How do I continue training with my busy schedule?

 

davbelle David Belle

Find an hour or two during the weekend. Go to the forest and move among the rocks and clear your mind from all your work.

 

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Ubisss Urania Bathista

Hi Dear David,the brazilian parkour community is very big.

 

davbelle David Belle

I have never been to Brazil but I want to visit : ))

 

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Ubisss Urania Bathista

… Are we taking the name of Parkour with honor and responsibility ? What do you know about the Brazilians teams ? #LoveYa …=)

 

davbelle David Belle

I have heard good things about your groups, just like groups in Mexico. They are responsible and the know what Parkour is. They don’t just do whatever. They know what it is to move and be careful.

 

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mrboxy271 Martyn

here’s my question :) where is your favourite place to train and why? :D

 

davbelle David Belle

My favorite place to train is the forest!! Amongst lots of trees and rocks : ))

 

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GiordanoCherini Giordano Cherini

hello. I’m from a small town in Brazil, one day you thought parkour would be seen around the world?

 

davbelle David Belle

I didn’t think Parkour would grow the way it has. I didn’t think that so many people had need of it. I thought that Parkour was interesting, but I didn’t think it would be so to so many people.

 

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KrlosGangrel Krlos Átila Oliveira

Hello David I’m a big fan ur! =]

 

davbelle David Belle

Merci. Tres gentil. That gives me inspiration to do ever better things for you in the next film : )

 

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Abudi_Alsagoff Abudi Alsagoff

any upcoming plan for a tour around the world? Come to Malaysia!

 

davbelle David Belle

Yes, I do have plans to due a world tour. I want to take photos of Parkour around the world : )

 

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yuuri19 rose ann mariveles

4 more hours xoxoxo

 

davbelle David Belle

Je suis la lol !!

[I am here lol !!]

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UnbelievableB Jack B

Here’s a question, What does parkour mean to you?

 

davbelle David Belle

Parkour is a way for me to grab onto life.

 

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jeanwainer Jean Wainer

David, is it you replying to the twits or is there someone in your behalf?

 

davbelle David Belle

When it is simple answers I do. And when they are more complicated answers I have a friend help me translate into English. But my answers are always from me. No one can think in my place for me.

 

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vzlomali Suleimanova Dinara

in his spare time what do you do that you love

 

davbelle David Belle

I like to go to museums : )

 

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sweet_meryl Meryl Swan

Sir i wanna do Parkour but there is no training centre around,i am a girl,my age is 22.what should i do?can i train myself alone?

 

davbelle David Belle

It’s better if you can find someone who has already done Parkour. Then they can teach you the base. After that you can train on your own. But to start it is very good to find someone to help you learn the base.

 

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itsathanasia Athanasia Ziogas

Bonjour de New York :) is there any chance you’ll visit us?

 

davbelle David Belle

Ouais! Un grand chance : ))

 

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Carlitos_Gut Carlos Gutiérrez

What do you think about daniel ilabaca’s philosophy expresed in “choose not to fall” video?

 

davbelle David Belle

I have not seen the video, but I know what you are talking about. If it works for him, and if he really thinks that when he moves, then he has found his method of functioning. Today one of the reasons I am more quite today is because I don’t believe that my philosophy is meant for everyone. It’s more important to follow your own path than to follow someone else. Everyone has their way of doing things, and it doesn’t necessarily work for everyone else. So be careful of philosophy. Everyone is going to find a way to express the same thing. In 10 years there may be 30 different philosophies of Parkour. One could say, “Always grab on” for example as a new philosophy. But those philosophies don’t change what Parkour is. The fact that people find different ways of describing what works for them is good for them and doesn’t bother me at all.

 

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ralphariel Ralph Lim

Is it possible to learn Parkour at the age of 22?

 

davbelle David Belle

Yes of course : )

 

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vzlomali Suleimanova Dinara

not too late for me to do parkour in 24 years

 

davbelle David Belle

No. Not too late : )

 

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Chrismovement Chris Zarkadoulas

I’l ask you a better question lol What advise would you give to a current practisioner of parkour?What do you think is important?

 

davbelle David Belle

To always be in a good energy. If you are tired or not in a good feeling then it’s not the best way to practice. Be strong in your mind and be ready and then it is more safe. Don’t ever lose the passion for Parkour : ) First learn to love what you do and then it will stay : )

 

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Dikarka18 Katerina Kapralova

What you can lift your mood and help you relax?

 

davbelle David Belle

I realize that we must be happy with what we have, because there are people who have nothing at all. It rains on the lives of everyone. So when it the weather is beautiful take advantage of it and enjoy life.

 

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hame44 David

Hi David. It is an honor to speak to You. Do You have plans for a world tour?

 

davbelle David Belle

Yes, I want to do a world tour to take photos of Parkour around the world : )

 

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marcelogaia7 Marcelo Gaia

any plan on coming to Brazil anytime soon? Not sure if you already answered that.

 

davbelle David Belle

I don’t have any plans but I would like to visit : )

 

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tchanakya94 chanakya

is your childhood as adventurous as now? How did Parkour bring about a transformation in you?

 

davbelle David Belle

Yes, when I was younger life was more adventurous. I traveled more.

 

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sweet_meryl Meryl Swan

i sorry if it irritate you but i am too much curious to ask you..Are you single?do you believe in marriage?you ever gonna sattle?

 

davbelle David Belle

Maybe. We will see : )

 

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hame44 David

Which religion do You believe in? :)

 

davbelle David Belle

In all the religions there are the good things to learn. But yes I believe in God : )

 

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yuuri19 rose ann mariveles

whats your favorite tricks in PK

 

davbelle David Belle

Big jumps are my favorite move. The sensation of arriving from above : )

 

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nameless_tracer Albert Pan.

can you please tell me a tip how to train my flow? and it would be cool, if you could visit munich ;)

 

davbelle David Belle

To work on flow? Link everything together. When you land keep moving. Don’t wait.

 

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hame44 David

Are You going to make a B 13 remake with Paul Walker?

 

davbelle David Belle

Oui !

 

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Fukkatsumi_Lee Anastasiya Sokolova

what makes you laugh?

 

davbelle David Belle

One Man Show the comics : )

 

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Calliope312 Nikki Banks

Hi!I’M Evi,today is my Birthday!)I’m 18.I wanted to ask about your new film with Paul Walker.how soon will it be in theatres?

 

davbelle David Belle

The film will be in theaters before the end of the world… I hope. Happy Birthday : ))

 

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daredvz d.v

have you ever had some injury that discouraged you and u started to think about doing parkour again or not

 

davbelle David Belle

Yes, injuries have happened like in all sports. And it caused me to think that maybe I should stop. But then the injury went away and I am back : )

 

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EmergenceSports EmergenceSport

quelle est votre approche des media sociaux? Comment les utiliser vous?

[What is your approach to social media? How do you use them?]

 

davbelle David Belle

Je n’utilise pas. J’en utilise vite : )

[I don’t use them. I use them quickly : ) ]

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davbelle David Belle

Merci a tous d’etre la et de poser vos questions. A la prochaine et a bientot : )))

[Thank you to everyone for your questions. Until the next time and see you soon : ))) ]

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As we announced last week, after years of waiting for a public presence, David Belle has taken it now to a definitive level with the launch of his official website. Here is the picture he posted on his Facebook page announcing the launch.

The site is simple, efficient, and effective and reflects Parkour it its utility and design. We’re very happy for David and this step for him, and we wish him the best in his endeavors, his career, and the spread of Parkour around the world that will surly result from this.

The site is now up and running so check it out, see for yourself, and share the news with friends so people know. There might even be a few surprises there waiting. We aren’t going to say anything, but keep your eyes peeled.

The news is out: David Belle’s official site is launching on Monday! He announced it today on his official Facebook page.

We don’t have much else to say. This is just a simple blog to help spread the news. You can check out all of David’s official sites below:

www.DavidBelle.com

www.DavidBelle.net

www.Twitter.com/davbelle

www.YouTube.com/davbelle

The long wait for David Belle’s arrival on Facebook is finally over. As of just a few days ago David has established an official Facebook page which you can find here.

David’s first post on his page was the following:

Hello everyone ! I do not know all of you, nor your centers of interest… But in this virtual world, you are all my friends ! And I wanted to tell you that I love you all !! I have much respect for your different passions and work for Parkour. So continue to make me dream !! THANK YOU. D

We are super excited to see David establish a public presence. Help spread the Parkour word by “Liking” the page and spreading the word to friends!

Other links:

http://www.DavidBelle.com
http://www.DavidBelle.net
David Belle posts from Take Flight

We are so excited to see the newest Parkour video of David Belle finally make its way onto the international scene. This amazing short film (which is actually an advertisement) features David Belle performing Parkour and talking about the discipline he created. Watch, learn and be inspired by the founder himself and his words of wisdom, focus, and precision.

During David Belle’s birthday weekend Take Flight had a Tee Shirt giveaway. We asked our fans to write an acrostic poem with David Belle’s name; meaning each line starts with a letter from his name. Well, you fans did not disappoint! There were some entries that were just too good to let them get lost on the Take Flight Facebook wall. So we compiled a few of our favorites for our faithful blog readers.

Dream for the skies, and
Aim for the eyes.
Vast is the mind,
Is David’s stride, which
Darest thee to fly. It says,

“But be but thine own,
Err but keep going.
Leap for the stars
Learn from thy falls, and
Ever move forward.”
– By – Gavyn Westmoreland

David belle.
A traceur
Very deeply fell
In love with a place here
Decides to tell

By action not words
Every place on the planet
Lays not multiple countries
Lays one single playground
Every place united with a motion
– By – Paul Tong

Danger?
Act.
Violence?
Invision Peace.
Duty?

Balance.
Envy?
Love.
Laziness?
Energy.
– By – Liam KenWood

David’s spreading of Parkour
Allows us to
View our surroundings
In a better light,
Daring to fly.

Bearing us on its wings,
Enticing us with movement,
Leaping, grabbing, vaulting
Lending us strength to live free
Extending to us life, Parkour.
– By – Sai Chikine

Dare to move above and beyond
Always aware of life the right and the wrong.
Valiancy seen through movement of efficiency
Instilling in the world an amazing new philosophy.
Daily training to be strong

But confronted with obstacles only you can overcome.
Exceptional beauty in such a fine art to
Leave no trace where ever you are.
Live life to its fullest with the body you’re blessed with for
Expression of movement is what he’s found love in and shared it with us so that we could enjoy it.
– By – Jenin Gonzalez

Defying Gravity
Around the town
Venturing the urban landscape
In total control of mind and body
Dance like motions, observers watch

Baffled by the display and range of motion
Energetically he performs
Leaping gaps
Lacking fear
Engaging life
– By – Niko Pal

Dynamic and daring movements
As the legend himself
Vaults over any obstacle
In his path
Diving into a lazy superman but

Boasting really isn’t his style. the
Environment around him is his canvas
Laying out and planning his masterpiece run, a
Lache followed by flips and twists, the possibilities so
Endless as the boundaries are pushed and broken by a mere man.
– By – Cj Guerrero

David Belle is one of the greatest inspirations of our time. In addition to his movement, these quotes are just a few of the inspirations he has shared.

“A lot of people in their mind think ‘If there is a problem this is what I would do, this is how I would do it.’ But the truth is they don’t really know. Parkour teaches you to be sure of what you are able to do.” -David Belle

“Many people open their mind through different things like music and painting, as well as Parkour. How is not important. What is important is to open your mind because you gain some freedom through it.” -David Belle

“There is no stronger or weaker…. You’re strong in the moment when you go right to the end for the cause you are defending.” -David Belle

“When you’re training Parkour with passion, if you’re good, people will notice you. Don’t go around saying, ‘Hey look at this new move I got.’ No. We used to say, ‘If it’s good we’ll tell you.’ Do it for yourself first.” -David Belle

”Because some people may say ‘Woah they are crazy,’ but we are way more thoughtful than someone who might fall down the stairs because they didn’t pay attention.” -David Belle

“…you don’t need any [money] to do [Parkour], just a pair of good shoes and that’s all.” -David Belle

Joyeux Anniversaire David !

From all of us at Take Flight we are going to take this day (and weekend actually) to honor David as the founder of Parkour and inspiration for us and the discipline worldwide. Without him, none of us would be where we are today working down the path we are on. Our sincerest gratitude, respect, and admiration go out to David, and our warmest wishes for a happy birthday celebration.

Back in 2008 Take Flight posted an interview with David Belle that included a portion about how he and Sébastien Foucan had grown apart over the years. Well just a few months ago David Belle was interviewed by Sébastien Foucan and we knew all the fans would be interested.

It is incredible to see the founder of Parkour joined with another original member of the Yamakasi across from “Le Dame du Lac”, one of the most iconic structures in all of Parkour. In the interview David discusses what Parkour was for him in the past, and what it has become today. Truly a “must see” interview for any and all Traceurs. Whether you have been training and following the growth of Parkour since its beginning or just starting out, the words shared in this interview will educate and inspire you.

The 2 part interview has been translated into multiple languages, so if you prefer different subtitles or would like to see the original videos you can find them at:  http://www.youtube.com/user/FreerunningTVDotCom

David and Sébastien cover topics ranging from the original inspiration of Parkour from David Belle’s father to social media today and how that, and the rapid growth in popularity, have changed the way Parkour is viewed and practiced by many people. Below we have both parts of this interview, so sit back and enjoy learning the history and truth of Parkour from David Belle himself.

Our last release of 2010 is here! Inspired by David Belle and called the PK Jumper Tee, Take Flight founder Adam Dunlap is calling this, “The, hands-down coolest tee we’ve ever produced.”

You can see the shirt above in all three inaugural colors. Authentically Parkour, graceful, clean, urban, and true, this shirt says Parkour in every way. Foreshadowing of the future, we hope this tee ushers in a new era of Parkour clothing, and points us in the prolific direction consistent with David’s vision that brought us all here in the first place.

Need we say more ? We’d love to, and given the chance we probably wouldn’t stop talking about this tee. But we’ll leave all the discussion and analysis to those that really matter: our fans and Traceurs worldwide. In the meantime, you can be one of the first to own this tee. It is only $19.95, and you can get it by clicking here.