Video: Parkour Flashback to the 1930s

ByMary Anne Potts
December 17, 2008

Though the sport of parkour as we know it was just named in 1998 (read about the founder David Belle in a

New Yorker

profile

New Yorker

profile), the act of bounding between rooftops, climbing up urban alley "slot canyons," and other gravity-defying endeavors goes way back. Check out this footage from the 1930s.

  • National Geographic Expeditions
Travel with National Geographic

Last Chance - Save up to $20!

PLUS, for a limited time, get bonus gifts and issues with all Nat Geo subscriptions.