Frequently Asked Questions
Parkour & NinjaKour
What is Parkour?
Parkour is an athletic discipline with the express goal of moving as efficiently and quickly as possible from one point to another, over, under, around or through natural or ‘other’ obstacles, using only the innate abilities of the human body. The concept of “overcoming obstacles” can be applied beyond the discipline, helping a practitioner to achieve his or her goals in life.
What is Ninja Warrior Training in NinjaKour Programs?
Parkour and Ninja Warrior Training naturally complement one another. Utilizing our extensive parkour and ninja warrior obstacle course, our trained and/or certified coaches have the equipment and knowledge to help you excel in either and both pursuits.
You won’t find many ninjas pumping heavy iron. They prefer bodyweight training and calisthenics. At NinjaKour classes, ninjas will perform sets of every variety of pull-up including pronated (overhand), supinated (underhand), neutral (palms facing each other), and vertical grips from cylinders and ropes, as well as fingertip pull-ups from boards and rock wall climbing holds. The ability to grab and hold on to various shapes is essential, and diverse forms of bare-handed pull-ups will build that essential dexterity.
It is also essential to have quick leg power to propel them forward and upward. To build this type of balance and explosive strength, students will perform dynamic movements like sprints and squat jumps, and train in various Parkour skills. Core strength and endurance are also necessary, so exercises like hanging leg raises and all forms of planks are part of a typical class. Finally, they need superior balance, so maneuvering across beams, vertical posts, and horizontal straps is a common element.
Is this dangerous?
While there is an inherent risk in any sport, parkour teaches one to move efficiently and safely over, under, and through obstacles and areas.
Who can do Parkour/NinjaKour?
Anyone and everyone! We offer classes and open gym sessions for all ages and abilities!
I am old, a girl, out of shape… can I do Parkour or NinjaKour Classes? (We actually hear these questions all the time.)
Yes! Being “Old” (What is old anyways?), out of shape (Everyone starts somewhere, and we’ll start where you are!), or a girl (Seriously? What is this, the 50s?) None of this has any bearing on your ability to excel and thrive in any of our Kour Class. All Kour Classes are about understanding your body and using it more effectively.
My son or daughter runs around and climbs on everything, is Parkour for him/her?
Yes, in fact this is the ideal place! We teach them to do so responsibly and safely. Read our Parent FAQs for more info, and feel free to ask us more questions.
Are you legit? Certified? Insured?
Yes! Our coaches are trained and/or certified by World Freerunning Parkour Federation, NASM, and Z Health. We are completely insured for all equipment, obstacles, and activities.
What do I need to do for my first class?
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to familiarize yourself with the facility, get changed, and fill out our waiver (you must have a parent signature if under 18!)
What do I wear?
Anything you feel comfortable moving in! Most people prefer athletic shorts or pants, and a stretchy or loose-fitting shirt.
What about shoes?
First, NO MUDDY shoes in the gym, period. Preferred, gym shoes you bring in a bag. Shoes with minimal tread and sticky rubber on the bottom are best. Also try for a flexible and light shoe. Most people prefer some padding on their shoes, especially as they are learning, but avoid shoes that have more than a finger width of foam. You want to have a good feel of the obstacle underneath you, and ideally be able to curl your toes around edges and rails. We also recommend zero-drop, or minimalist footwear because they promote stronger, healthier feet.
What should I bring?
Bring a water bottle and a post-workout snack if you’d like. We have free access to filtered water for bottle refill. We have bottled water, other beverages, and snacks available for purchase.
I am so sore the day after class, what should I do?
Even though we all did parkour as kids, you probably haven’t moved like this for years. Expect to be sore at first; it is a completely normal feeling for someone who is new to parkour and ninja warrior training! To help the soreness, we suggest you do some light exercise that day. Yes, it might hurt, but it will help quicken the recovery process! Other than that, don’t give up! Your body will adapt quickly as time goes on.
When do I get to jump rooftops and flip off walls?
Parkour and Ninja Warrior Training is not about big jumps and flashy flips. We do not promote going on rooftops or taking big drops. However, as you master the fundamentals and develop a strong foundation of fitness, we will progress to harder, bigger, and more exciting skills.
Parent FAQs
This section was created to alleviate the fears of parents whose kids have told them they want to do parkour and/or ninja warrior training. This may put you at ease and answer many questions, but please feel free to ask more questions!
BUILDINGS
We don’t jump off buildings! We don’t tell your kids to jump off buildings!
FLIPS
We don’t teach your kids to do flips for a long time, not until they’re ready. Then only in a safe environment, with lots of mats, spotting, and progression.
LEGITIMACY
Our coaches are trained and/or certified, by World Freerunning Parkour Federation (WFPF), and trained and/or certified by Z Health. Our goal is not for your son/daughter to learn cool things to show their friends, but to help them grow up to evaluate and manage risks, be physically fit, and contribute to their community. We are insured!
STRUCTURE
It is not a free-for-all. Every class is structured, every activity is supervised, and every new movement is chosen based on the skill level of the student.
SUPPORT
Parents love it as much as the kids. We can’t tell you how many parents love watching their kids get involved in Parkour. It’s active, it’s fun, and it creates actual, positive changes in their life. And some parents like that their kids get a scraped knee every once in a while. You know, like you used to… In fact, if you want to join them in the fun, you can join them for All Ages Open Gym, available 6 days a week!
COST
It’s not expensive, not really, we are not here to take all of your money. There is no uniform to buy (but lots of gear/apparel if you want them!). No special equipment is necessary.
SAFETY
Safety rules are reviewed at the beginning, and throughout, every class, training session, open gym and at every obstacle station or section of the gym. Parents must sign a waiver for their child, before they can participate in any class, open gym, or use any of the equipment or obstacles of the facility. All Safety rules must be followed, at all times, for the safety of students and instructors. With all that said, your child may get scrapes and bruises. We have bandaids.
LATE PICK-UPS
Please pick up your child promptly at the time their class, training, or program ends. Children left unattended 10 minutes after the end of their program will incur a late fee of $10, and an additional late fee of $1 per minute after that. Campers that are here more than 10 minutes after camp ends will be checked into open gym and charged applicable fee. We thank you for respecting the time and energy our coaches and staff pour into your amazing children, and any additional costs we may incur if kept late.
General FAQs
Do you have locker rooms or showers?
No. However, we have bathrooms that can be used as changing rooms and hope to add showers in the future. There is a foot washing station outside the entrance in the summer for volleyball player use.
Do you take credit cards?
Yes, we accept the following credit cards: VISA, Mastercard, AMEX and Discover. Note: your credit card is safely stored in your account (just the last #4 digits are visable). Please let us know if you want us to delete it at anytime – no problem!
Refund Policy
*We issue credits and refunds whenever possible.
Punch Cards: no refunds available.
Single Class Payment: no refunds available.
Private Training: 48 reschedule notice to retain payment.
Training Workshops or Series: 2 weeks notice for refund.
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP: 1 week notice is required (prior to auto-charges) to cancel monthly, re-cocuring memberships. There is no fee to cancel your membership.
PARTY/EVENT DEPOSITS: 2 week notice is required to reschedule your party or receive a credit for your deposit, usable for any other services at LIFEKour Academy. In the event of an emergrency closure by Eudaimonia, we will issue a credit.
SUMMER CAMPS: Cancellations before May 1 will qualify for a full refund, with a deduction of a $50 Administration Fee per registered child for each camp week. Cancellations after May 1 are non-refundable; however, if you notify us at least 2 weeks before the camp date, you may receive a partial credit, less a $100 Administration Fee per camp week, to be applied to your account. Please note that all reservations become locked in, non-refundable, and ineligible for account credit within 2 weeks before the camp start date.
We appreciate your understanding as we staff according to registrants, and need an opportunity to re-fill canceled spots.
DAY-CAMPS (NON-SUMMER CAMPS): 2-week cancellation required to receive a full refund, less a $50 Administration Fee for each camp week or $10 Administration Fee for each day-camp day, per child that is registered.
SPECIAL EVENTS (example: Parent’s Night Out): The bill is run 24-hours prior to the event and is non-refundable. We staff and purchase needed items based on registration. Thank you for your understanding.
How much is “Drop-in” for Open Gym? For a class?
Open Gym drop-ins are $13-$16 and classes are $25-35. Workshop and Series pricing varies. Our Community Program, Friday morning’s Toddler Open Gym for 5 and under, is just $6 per family! You can save choosing from multiple memberships and punch card options. Click here to check out our Membership Options.
Do you have anything for kids/teens?
We have a Youth NinjaKour Program (Ninja Warrior and Parkour Training) for ages 5-12, and multiple Parkour workshops or series for youth, teens, and adults (age and skills determine class placement: generally 5-9, 10-12, 13+). Click here to see all our Programs.
Is there access to the ninja warrior obstacles during open gym?
All obstacles are available during Open Gym. Note, we update and change our floor obstacles and parkour equipment daily and ninja warrior course periodically. ALL obstacles and equipment require your review of our posted safety rules prior to use.
How do I schedule a Birthday Party?
Click here to learn details about private parties.
Do you have homeschool hours?
Homeschool students will learn the same curriculum as our other NinjaKour Youth & Teen students. We have Homeschool sessions available mid-day for your convenience. Click here to learn more about our Homeschool NinjaKour Program.
Documents & Membership Forms
MEMBERSHIP FORMS:
Request for Membership Cancellation
DOCUMENTS:
1. Click 2. Download Documents 3. Fill out 4. Return to info@lifekour.org
A Certificate of Immunization or a Certifcate of Non-Medical Exemption is requested for summer camps.
Certificate of Non-Medical Exemption
A complete and signed Student Medication Administration Form is required for staff to administer ANY medication, prescription, or over the counter.
Comments & Suggestions
We strive to continually improve our services and programs. Your opinions matter! Please share through the below link.
