Parkour
How I Landed My First Precision Jump Safely (My Progression Secret)
Staring at a small gap between two concrete ledges felt terrifying. I kept undershooting in my mind. My progression secret, learned from experienced practitioners, was starting tiny. I practiced jumping precisely onto lines on the ground, then onto slightly raised curbs, focusing intensely on takeoff power and sticking the landing softly. Only after mastering small, controlled jumps did I gradually increase the distance to that first real gap. Landing it felt incredible, proving that breaking down scary moves into safe, manageable steps builds the confidence and technique needed.
The $20 Parkour Gear That Saved My Shins Repeatedly (Pads!)
Learning vaults, my shins constantly took a beating from clipping the edge of walls or rails. It was painful and made me hesitant to commit. While parkour often emphasizes minimal gear, I found a pair of cheap, low-profile soccer shin guards online for around $20. Wearing them under my pants provided just enough protection to absorb those accidental impacts without restricting movement. This simple investment saved me countless bruises and allowed me to practice vaults more confidently and consistently, accelerating my progress.
Stop Trying Flips Before You Master the Basics! (Safety First!)
Watching amazing freerunning videos, my first instinct was wanting to learn flips immediately. I quickly realized this was a dangerous mistake. Parkour’s foundation lies in mastering fundamental movements safely: landings, rolls, vaults, climbs, balance. Trying advanced acrobatics without a solid base in these basics is a recipe for serious injury. Building strength, body awareness, and impact absorption through mastering fundamentals first isn’t just recommended; it’s essential for safety and long-term progression in movement disciplines.
Why Your Vaults Look Clunky (Flow and Efficiency Fix)
My early vaults felt like muscling myself awkwardly over obstacles, losing all momentum. They looked and felt clunky. An experienced traceur pointed out I was relying on upper body strength instead of technique. The fix involved focusing on the approach run, using momentum, driving hips upward, minimizing contact time with the hands, and looking ahead to the next movement. Efficient vaults utilize momentum and technique for fluid transitions, not just strength to heave yourself over. Smoothness equals efficiency.
How I Overcame My Fear of Heights in Parkour Training
Standing atop a waist-high wall initially made my legs shaky; anything higher felt impossible. Overcoming height fear required gradual, controlled exposure. I started practicing balance and simple movements on very low walls where a fall had no consequence. Slowly, incrementally, I progressed to slightly higher structures, always ensuring I had safe ways down and practicing those “bailouts.” Focusing on the movement itself, trusting my practiced skills, and knowing my escape routes helped manage the fear and build confidence at height over time.
Can You Learn Parkour Safely from Online Videos? (Risky!)
YouTube tutorials showed incredible parkour moves, seemingly breaking them down step-by-step. While tempting, learning complex or risky movements solely online is dangerous. Videos lack personalized feedback on your technique and, crucially, lack safety spotting for new or difficult skills. They can be great for understanding concepts, finding drills for basics, and getting inspiration. But for anything involving significant height, complex vaults, or acrobatics, learning in person from experienced practitioners or certified coaches provides essential safety oversight and technique correction.
The Biggest Mistake Beginners Make Trying Parkour in Unsafe Spots
Eager to practice, I almost attempted a jump onto a mossy, slightly damp brick ledge after seeing a cool spot. Luckily, I hesitated. The biggest beginner mistake is failing to meticulously assess the safety and suitability of a training spot. Surfaces must be checked for grip (wetness, moss, loose gravel), structural integrity (no crumbling concrete or rotten wood), clear landing zones (no hidden debris), and sufficient run-up/run-off space. Assuming a spot is safe without thorough inspection can lead to catastrophic failures and injuries.
How I Mastered the Safety Vault Using Step-by-Step Drills
The safety vault seemed simple but felt awkward initially. Mastering it involved breaking it into distinct phases through drills: 1. Approach: Running towards a low object (like a bench). 2. Plant: Placing the inside hand firmly on the object. 3. Swing: Swinging the outside leg forward and over. 4. Step: Placing the inside foot onto the object beside the hand. 5. Push-off/Land: Pushing off hand/foot to land smoothly. Practicing each component slowly, then linking them fluidly, built the coordination needed for a fast, efficient safety vault.
Parkour Community Etiquette: Respecting Property and Training Spots
Training at a popular spot, our loud music and slightly careless movements drew negative attention. It taught me community etiquette is vital. Key principles: Be respectful of property (public or private). Train quietly, especially in residential areas. Leave no trace – pack out trash, don’t damage structures. Be mindful of pedestrians and normal use of the space. Interact positively with onlookers or authorities if approached. Representing the community responsibly ensures continued access to training spots and maintains a positive public image.
How I Find Safe and Suitable Parkour Training Locations
Moving beyond basic park benches required actively searching for good training spots. I started exploring local parks (looking for sturdy walls, rails, benches), university campuses (often have interesting architecture), and urban plazas. I used Google Maps satellite view to scout potential areas. Crucially, every potential spot required an on-site safety check: assessing surface grip, structural soundness, landing zones, and potential hazards. Finding suitable spots involves exploration combined with a critical eye for safety and appropriateness.
Parkour vs. Freerunning: What’s the Actual Difference?
I initially used the terms interchangeably until someone clarified the distinction rooted in philosophy. Parkour’s primary focus is efficiency – moving from point A to point B as quickly and effectively as possible, overcoming obstacles using vaults, climbs, jumps. Freerunning incorporates parkour movements but adds flips, tricks, and acrobatic elements for self-expression and style, not purely efficiency. While skills overlap heavily, Parkour emphasizes utility and speed, whereas Freerunning prioritizes creativity and aesthetic movement.
The Truth About Minimalist Shoes for Parkour Training
Many traceurs recommended minimalist shoes, so I tried them. The thin soles offered incredible ground feel and flexibility, enhancing awareness for precise foot placements on rails or edges. However, the lack of cushioning demanded significantly better landing technique (perfecting rolls, absorbing impact through legs) to avoid foot/joint pain. They force good technique but offer less protection for repetitive impacts or slight errors. The “best” shoe involves a trade-off: minimalist for feel and technique reinforcement vs. slightly more cushioned trainers for impact protection.
My Most Painful Parkour Bail (Misjudged Jump!)
Feeling confident, I attempted a precision jump to a slightly downward-sloping concrete ledge I hadn’t properly tested. My feet hit, slipped instantly on unseen dust, and I slammed down hard, badly bruising my hip and wrist. It was a painful, humbling reminder of core safety principles: Always thoroughly check landing surface grip and angle. Don’t get complacent. Master landings before pushing jump distances. Misjudging even slightly can have significant consequences; learning from bails (safely) is part of progression.
How I Learned Wall Runs and Tic Tacs Effectively
Getting height on walls felt impossible; I just ran into them. Learning effective technique changed everything. For Tic Tacs (kicking off a side wall onto a front wall/obstacle): Approach the side wall at an angle, plant foot firmly, push off laterally towards the target wall, not just up. For Wall Runs (running up a vertical wall): Approach with speed, plant one foot high and forcefully drive upward (like a high jump step), reaching simultaneously. It’s about converting horizontal momentum vertically using precise foot placement and explosive drive.
Budget Parkour Training: Focusing on Bodyweight Conditioning
Thinking parkour required expensive gym memberships was wrong. The foundation is bodyweight fitness achievable anywhere. I focused on basics in local parks: push-ups (various types), squats and lunges (progressing to pistol squats), pull-ups on bars or sturdy branches, sprints for explosive power, balance drills on curbs. Consistent bodyweight conditioning builds the essential strength, power, and endurance needed for parkour movements without needing costly equipment or facilities, making training highly accessible.
Preventing Common Parkour Injuries (Ankles, Wrists, Shoulders)
Rolling my ankle after a sloppy landing made me prioritize injury prevention. Key strategies: Master proper landing technique (soft knees, parkour roll) to absorb impact. Gradually condition the body for impact through plyometrics and landing practice. Strengthen supporting muscles/joints, especially ankles, wrists, and shoulders (common impact points). Always thoroughly check surfaces before movement. Know your limits – don’t attempt moves far beyond current skill level. Gradual progression, conditioning, and awareness are crucial for preventing sprains, fractures, and strains.
How Parkour Taught Me Body Awareness and Risk Assessment
Before parkour, I rarely thought about how my body moved. Training forced intense body awareness – knowing exactly where my limbs were, how much power to use for a jump, precise foot placement for balance. Simultaneously, evaluating every potential move involved constant risk assessment: judging distances, surface stability, potential consequences of failure. This heightened proprioception and analytical risk calculation, developed through physical practice, translated into better coordination and more thoughtful decision-making in everyday life.
Finding Your Flow State in Parkour Movement
My early parkour practice felt like executing disconnected moves: vault, run, jump, stop. Finding “flow” happened gradually. As fundamental movements became second nature through repetition, I started linking them together more smoothly. Focusing intensely on the immediate movement and the next transition, quieting internal chatter, allowed moments where sequences unfolded almost automatically, efficiently, and creatively. Flow state arises from mastery of basics combined with deep focus, turning obstacle navigation into a fluid, continuous dance.
My Journey: From Awkward Beginner to Navigating Obstacles Fluidly
My first attempts at parkour felt clumsy and hesitant; even a simple vault seemed daunting. I started with foundational conditioning and practiced basic movements relentlessly on low, safe objects. Progress was slow, marked by bruises and frustration, but also small victories. Gradually, jumps got further, vaults smoother, climbs higher. Over time, through consistent practice, seeking feedback, and pushing boundaries safely, the awkwardness gave way to moments of fluidity, confidence, and the ability to see and navigate the environment in entirely new ways.
Critiquing My Parkour Movement Efficiency on Video
Thinking my vaults were fast, I filmed myself running a simple line. The video revealed unnecessary steps, hesitant approaches, and inefficient body positioning during vaults that wasted momentum. Seeing these inefficiencies objectively was crucial. I focused on smoother run-ups, minimizing hand contact time on vaults, driving my hips correctly, and linking movements without pausing. Video analysis provides stark, honest feedback, highlighting energy leaks and allowing targeted practice to improve flow and efficiency.
What Parkour Athletes Focus on for Strength and Conditioning
Watching elite traceurs move effortlessly revealed immense underlying fitness. Their training typically focuses on: Explosive leg power (plyometrics, squats, sprints) for jumping. Upper body and grip strength (pull-ups, dips, climbing drills) for climbs and vaults. Core stability (planks, levers) for body control. Impact conditioning (landing drills, rolls) to prepare joints/tissues. Mobility and flexibility for range of motion. Endurance for linking long sequences. It’s functional, full-body training prioritizing power-to-weight ratio, resilience, and movement efficiency.
The Best Online Resources for SAFE Parkour Progressions
Searching “parkour tutorial” online yields risky stunts alongside helpful drills. Finding safe resources is key. Look for channels or websites run by experienced, certified coaches or established parkour organizations (like Parkour Generations, Apex Movement). Prioritize resources emphasizing foundational movements (landings, vaults, balance), safe progressions (starting low, gradual increases), body conditioning, and the importance of risk assessment. Avoid channels solely focused on big jumps or flips without prerequisite training context. Reputable sources always prioritize safety and fundamentals.
Parkour Safety: Spotting, Checking Surfaces, Knowing Limits
A near-slip on a wet ledge hammered home the non-negotiable aspects of parkour safety. Core principles: Thoroughly check all surfaces for stability, grip, and obstacles before attempting any move. Use spotters (experienced practitioners) when learning new or challenging skills. Understand and respect your current physical and mental limits – progress gradually. Have safe “bailout” options planned if a move goes wrong. Never train impaired or overly fatigued. Safety isn’t optional; it’s the foundation that allows for sustainable practice and progression.
Proper Landing Techniques (Parkour Roll!) to Absorb Impact
Landing stiff-legged from even small drops sent jarring shocks through my body. Learning proper landing technique is vital. The key is absorption: Land softly on the balls of the feet, immediately bending knees and hips deeply to absorb impact through the legs. For higher drops (relative to skill), transition immediately into a parkour roll – tucking chin, rolling diagonally across the back from shoulder to opposite hip, dissipating impact forces over a larger area and longer time. Mastering these prevents injuries and allows handling greater heights safely.
How I Incorporate Parkour Training into My Fitness Routine
Finding dedicated parkour time was tough, so I started integrating it. My runs turned into explorations, using park benches for vaults, low walls for balance drills, stairs for plyometric jumps. Bodyweight conditioning (push-ups, squats, planks) became standard. Even simple things like precisely stepping onto curbs or balancing on railings during walks reinforced movement patterns. Seeing the everyday environment as a potential training ground allowed me to practice parkour principles and conditioning elements consistently, even outside formal sessions.
My Favorite Durable Pants/Shoes for Parkour Training
My regular jeans ripped quickly, and skate shoes lacked the right grip/feel. Finding durable gear suited for parkour’s demands took trial and error. For pants, athletic joggers or specific parkour/climbing pants made from durable, stretchy fabrics worked best, allowing freedom of movement without tearing easily. For shoes, minimalist trainers or specific parkour shoes (like those from Ollo or Strike Mvmnt) offering good grip, flexibility, moderate cushioning, and durability became my favorites. Gear needs to withstand abrasion and allow precise movement.
Dealing with Fear and Hesitation Before Attempting a Move
Staring at a challenging jump or high climb often triggered intense fear and hesitation, freezing me up. Overcoming this mental block involved several techniques: Breaking the move down into smaller, less intimidating parts. Visualizing successful execution repeatedly. Using positive self-talk and focusing on my training. Checking safety aspects thoroughly to build confidence. Controlled breathing to calm the nervous system. Sometimes, simply taking a step back and returning later was necessary. Managing fear is a constant practice in parkour.
How I Learned to See the Environment as a Playground (Safely!)
Initially, I saw walls as barriers, stairs as just stairs. Parkour training fundamentally changed my perception. I started seeing potential movements everywhere: ledges became balance beams, railings became vault obstacles, walls became climbing challenges. This “parkour vision” involves creatively analyzing architecture and natural features for movement possibilities. Crucially, it must always be paired with rigorous safety assessment – seeing the potential movement doesn’t mean attempting it without ensuring it’s safe and within one’s capabilities.
Basic Parkour Vaults Explained (Safety, Speed, Lazy)
Vaults are fundamental for clearing obstacles efficiently. Safety Vault: Inside hand plants, outside leg swings over, inside foot steps onto obstacle – very secure, good for beginners or uncertain surfaces. Speed Vault: Similar approach, but outside leg leads, inside leg follows quickly as you push off hand, maintaining forward momentum – faster. Lazy Vault: Approach parallel, outside hand plants, legs swing over together in a relaxed motion – efficient for lower obstacles when speed isn’t primary. Each serves different purposes in fluidity and safety.
The Surprising Mental Discipline Required for Parkour
I thought parkour was just physical – jumping, climbing. I quickly discovered the immense mental discipline involved. It requires intense focus to execute movements precisely. Constant risk assessment demands analytical thinking. Overcoming fear builds mental resilience. Problem-solving how to navigate an obstacle creatively trains adaptability. The dedication needed for repetitive conditioning and skill practice fosters discipline. Parkour is as much a mental training methodology, teaching focus, courage, and problem-solving, as it is a physical pursuit.
Overcoming Plateaus in Learning New Parkour Movements
I got stuck for weeks trying to master the climb-up (getting from hanging onto a wall). Breaking the plateau required targeted effort. I focused on strengthening specific muscles (pull-ups, dips). I broke the movement down, practicing just the explosive pull and transition phases separately. I sought feedback from more experienced practitioners who identified technique flaws. Sometimes drilling related movements or simply resting and coming back fresh helped. Plateaus require analyzing the sticking point and changing the training approach.
How I Use Drills to Improve Balance and Precision
Linking complex movements requires exceptional balance and precision. I used specific drills: Walking and balancing on narrow railings or curbs (forward, backward, turning). Precision jump drills – repeatedly jumping between small targets on the ground, focusing on sticking the landing perfectly without adjustment steps. Stationary balance challenges (one-legged stands, pistol squat holds). These isolated drills, practiced consistently, fine-tuned the proprioception and motor control needed for confident, accurate movement on challenging obstacles.
What Parkour Taught Me About Overcoming Obstacles (Literally!)
Facing a high wall that seemed insurmountable, then figuring out the technique to climb it, felt incredibly empowering. Parkour directly teaches problem-solving and perseverance. Every obstacle presents a physical challenge requiring analysis, creativity, and often repeated attempts to overcome. This process – analyzing the obstacle, assessing capabilities, formulating a plan, executing, failing, adapting, succeeding – builds a powerful mindset for tackling challenges not just in movement, but in life itself. It teaches that obstacles can be overcome.
My Top 5 Tips for Absolute Parkour Beginners (Safety Focus!)
For anyone inspired to start parkour, safety must be the priority:
- Master Landings First: Learn to land softly and roll effectively before jumping off anything.
- Start Low & Slow: Practice basics on the ground or very low obstacles. Gradual progression is key.
- Condition Your Body: Build foundational strength and impact resilience.
- Check Everything: Thoroughly assess surfaces and structures before every move.
- Train with Others: Seek experienced guidance; don’t learn complex moves alone from videos.
What I Wish I Knew Before Starting Parkour
Looking back, I wish I’d understood the critical importance of foundational body conditioning from day one – strength and impact readiness prevents injuries. I underestimated how much time should be dedicated to mastering landings and rolls before attempting bigger moves. I also wish I’d sought out experienced practitioners or classes sooner, as their guidance on technique and safe progressions would have accelerated learning and prevented some bad habits learned from just watching videos without feedback.
The Best Way to Condition Your Body for Parkour Impacts
Parkour involves repetitive impacts; conditioning the body is crucial. Best methods include: Progressive plyometrics (box jumps, depth jumps – starting low!) to train explosive power and landing mechanics. Practicing landings from gradually increasing heights onto forgiving surfaces first. Mastering the parkour roll on various surfaces to dissipate force. Strength training focusing on legs (squats, lunges) and core for stability and absorption. Gradually exposing joints and connective tissues to impact allows them to adapt and strengthen over time, reducing injury risk.
How Different Environments Challenge Your Parkour Skills
Training only in a controlled gym felt limited. Moving outdoors presented new challenges. Urban environments offer diverse architecture but hard surfaces and potential security issues. Natural environments (forests, rocks) introduce uneven terrain, variable grip (wet rocks, loose dirt), and require adaptability to organic shapes. Each environment demands different risk assessments, movement adaptations, and challenges specific skills (e.g., grip strength on rock vs. precision on rails). Training across diverse environments builds well-rounded, adaptable movement capabilities.
Finding Experienced Parkour Practitioners or Gyms to Train With
Learning parkour alone felt slow and potentially unsafe. Finding experienced guidance was key. I searched online for local parkour communities or organizations (using terms like “[City] Parkour,” “ADAPT certification”). I looked for dedicated parkour gyms offering classes with certified coaches. Attending community jams or beginner workshops allowed me to connect with practitioners, get feedback, and learn safe progressions. Training with experienced individuals provides invaluable mentorship, safety spotting, and accelerates skill development significantly compared to solo efforts.
The Mental Game: Calculating Risk vs. Reward Before Every Move
Standing before a challenging gap jump, my mind raced – assessing the distance, landing surface, potential consequences of failure versus the reward of accomplishment. This constant risk vs. reward calculation is central to parkour’s mental game. It involves honestly evaluating your current skill level, physical condition, environmental factors, and fear level. Making smart decisions – knowing when to push limits and when to walk away – requires discipline, self-awareness, and prioritizing long-term health and progress over reckless impulse.
My Ultimate Goal: Linking Complex Parkour Lines Fluidly / Competing (If Applicable)
While mastering individual moves is rewarding, my ultimate parkour goal is to achieve true flow – linking multiple complex vaults, jumps, and climbs into seamless, efficient, and creative lines through an environment. It’s about seeing the path and executing it fluidly, adapting instantly. [Or, if relevant: My goal is to participate in a style competition like Art of Motion, showcasing creativity and technical skill.] This long-term vision drives my training, pushing me to master fundamentals, build connections, and develop a unique movement style.
How to execute a proper Kong vault / Speed vault
These vaults are key for clearing obstacles quickly. Kong Vault: Approach obstacle, plant both hands flat on top, tuck knees towards chest, push strongly off hands, extending legs forward to clear the obstacle in a diving motion. Speed Vault: Approach at slight angle, plant inside hand, swing outside leg forward and over, push off hand as inside leg follows, landing almost immediately to continue running – minimal speed loss. Both require precise timing, strong push-off, and commitment to clear the obstacle efficiently.
The secret to climbing walls efficiently (cat leap/wall run)
Scrambling inefficiently up walls wasted energy. Efficient climbing uses technique: Cat Leap (to grab top ledge): Get close, jump vertically, grab ledge firmly, immediately plant feet high on wall below ledge, pull/push explosively upwards into top-out position. Wall Run (for height): Approach fast, plant foot high on wall, drive up, not just forward, reach high for next handhold or top. The secret is converting forward momentum into upward drive using precise foot placement and explosive power from legs and upper body.
Why your landings are loud and hard (absorption fix)
My landings used to thud loudly, jarring my joints. Loud landings mean poor impact absorption. The fix involves multiple layers: Land on the balls of the feet first. Immediately bend knees and hips deeply, absorbing force through leg muscles like springs. For higher drops, seamlessly transition the downward momentum into a parkour roll across the shoulder/back, spreading the impact over time and surface area. Silent landings indicate efficient energy dissipation and are crucial for joint health and sustainability in parkour.
Underbar / Kash vault techniques
Navigating under or combining vaults adds complexity. Underbar: Approach a rail/bar, dive or swing feet first underneath, using hands on bar or ground to guide/push through, regrasping if needed. Kash Vault (Kong + Dash Vault): Execute a Kong vault, but instead of extending legs forward to land, push off hands and immediately bring legs down to land closer to the obstacle, often followed by another vault – linking moves efficiently. Both require body control, spatial awareness, and specific techniques for smooth execution.
Best minimalist shoes for parkour feel and grip
Seeking better connection with surfaces, I explored minimalist shoes. Ideal parkour shoes offer: Excellent grip (rubber compound and tread pattern for various surfaces). Good ground feel (thin, flexible sole for proprioception). Durability (withstanding abrasion on concrete/brick). Secure fit. Popular choices include Ollo, Strike Mvmnt, Feiyue (classic, cheap but less durable), or some specific models from trail running/minimalist brands. Reading reviews from parkour practitioners helps find shoes balancing grip, feel, durability, and minimal cushioning suited for parkour’s demands.
How I improved my jumping distance and precision
My precision jumps felt short and inaccurate. Improvement required targeted training: Plyometrics (box jumps, broad jumps) built explosive leg power. Specific precision jump drills (jumping between lines/targets on ground, gradually increasing distance/decreasing target size) honed accuracy. Strength training (squats, deadlifts) built foundational leg strength. Technique refinement – focusing on powerful arm swing, full leg extension on takeoff, and controlled landings – maximized efficiency. Consistent, focused training on both power and accuracy yielded significant gains.
Analyzing [Famous Parkour Athlete]’s flow and technique
Watching Storror [Replace with Jason Paul, Dom Di Tommaso, etc.] move through complex environments is inspiring. Analyzing their style reveals incredible efficiency (minimal wasted movement), creativity in finding lines, mastery of fundamental techniques executed flawlessly under pressure, exceptional body control, and seamless transitions between movements. They don’t just do moves; they link them with purpose and fluidity. Studying how they approach obstacles, manage momentum, and adapt provides valuable lessons in achieving true parkour flow.
Parkour specific strength training (upper body, grip, legs)
Hitting walls (literally) in my progress revealed strength deficits. Parkour demands specific strength: Upper Body/Grip: Pull-ups (various grips), dips, muscle-ups, rope climbs, dead hangs for climbing and vaulting power. Legs: Squats (especially pistol squats for single-leg strength/balance), lunges, plyometrics for jumping power and landing absorption. Core: Planks, levers, leg raises for body control and stability. Training these functional movements directly translates to improved ability to execute parkour techniques effectively and safely.
How to scope out and assess new training spots safely
Arriving at a new potential parkour spot, excitement needs tempering with caution. Scoping involves systematic assessment: Check surfaces meticulously for grip, stability, and damage (wetness, moss, cracks, loose parts). Assess landing zones for hazards (rocks, glass, uneven ground). Verify structural integrity of walls, rails, ledges. Consider pedestrian traffic and potential conflicts. Look for escape routes or “bailout” options if a move fails. Thoroughly scoping out every aspect of a spot before training is paramount for safety.
Understanding the philosophy of parkour (être fort pour être utile)
Initially, I saw parkour as just cool moves. Learning about its roots revealed the philosophy: “Être fort pour être utile” – Be strong to be useful. Developed from military obstacle course training, its core principle is functional strength, resilience, and adaptability not just for self-improvement, but potentially to overcome obstacles in real-life emergencies or help others. This adds depth beyond physical feats, emphasizing discipline, humility, responsibility, and using developed capabilities for positive purpose within the community.