While most people would assume that the popular street craze of "parkour" is a modern day invention, it actually has a long standing history and tradition going back over 100 years.
In 1902, a volcano blew up in the Caribbean. As a French officer, Lt. George Hebert attempted to coordinate the evacuation and rescue of the island's inhabitants, he noticed how badly obstacles slowed down the whole escape. As the years passed, he eventually came up with methods of easily getting around obstacles and he invented a physical discipline that he called "the natural method."
Using the human body to its best and most efficient abilities, Hebert came up with new ways to seamlessly jump around and over any obstacle on the ground; little did he know that it would become a fun past time for people all around the world!
In the video below you can see some amazing vintage footage of stuntman Arnim Dahal and John Ciampa doing some crazy parkour moves all around 1940s New York City. These two stuntmen really wowed the crowds with their insane jumps and climbing abilities. You just have to love what he does with the kid on his back at the :40 mark!
Known by names such as "The Human Fly" or "The Brooklyn Tarzan," these two men show how parkour is nothing new at all. The stunt he pulls at the 1:34 mark? I don't think I've ever seen anyone do something like that before!
Check out this amazing vintage news reel that features some amazing stunts and jumps from these brave risk takers!
And please SHARE this footage if you were impressed!
