Background & History
Freerunning has developed over a number of years with many influences including the ways of indigenous tribes, natural childplay, martial arts, and personal expression.
1875-1957
French marine officer Georges Hebert developed a form of training known as the ‘Natural method’ or ‘Parcours’. He was inspired by the ways of indigenous tribes during the time he had spent in Africa. This included movements such as climbing, balancing and jumping, which were later incorporated into French Military education.
Sébastien Foucan’s own personal expression of Freerunning has developed over many years:
1989
In his youth Sébastien Foucan and his friends practiced an extension of childplay in their town, they called it ‘Parkour’ with reference to ‘Parcours du combattant’ (Obstacle courses developed by French military).
Soon Sébastien felt limited and noticed weaknesses, so started his own quest, reflecting on his practice and feeling what was right for him. He began to understand where the feeling of fear comes from and how to control it. He drew inspiration from the processes of Bruce Lee in his own practices. Sébastien structured his Parkour discipline by naming the different techniques and defining the fundamental elements. He felt there was another dimension to his way, a philosophy similar to Martial Arts and he began including it naturally in his work.
1992
Sébastien discovered the discipline of “Tao du Jeet kune do” and became interested in the concepts of “Aïkido”, “Lao tseu”, “Hagakuré” and others, which he began to incorporate into his practice.
1993
He started to put names to the key moves he was practicing.
1994-1996
As a firefighter in Paris as part of military service, Sébastien suffered a serious injury. It was a turning point for his practice, reinforcing his determination to encourage people to take care of themselves and respect their body, mind and environment.
1997-1998
He was an early member and contributor to the Yamakasi group before moving on to follow his own path.
2001
Sébastien wanted to give extra dimension to his discipline, to separate himself. Looking for a universal word he named his discipline FREERUNNING . The aim of it was to promote positive feeling, show his art, explain the philosophy and give inspiration to others.
He created his own concept and belief - ‘Follow your way’ - encouraging freedom of expression.
2002
Sébastien always wanted to share what he had discovered but after doing several classes and teaching a number of individuals he realized he was missing his own need to do the discipline and refocused on pushing himself.
2003
He took part in groundbreaking documentaries, JUMP LONDON and JUMP BRITAIN which became a key reference for the discipline of Freerunning.
Since the programme aired, a small community started to build up based on Sébastien’s core principles, and although the most dynamic community was in the UK, there were similar smaller groups appearing all over the world
2005
Sébastien worked exclusively on the ideas and beliefs of Freerunning and started to try to put his vision into reality.
2006
A busy artistic year which included choreography and performance on MADONNA’s CONFESSION TOUR. He showcased the art of Freerunning in the JAMES BOND film CASINO ROYALE alongside Daniel Craig.
2007
He signed with K-Swiss who launched the first Freerunning shoe, The ‘Ariake’, and filmed his second movie, THE TOURNAMENT with Robert Carlyle.
2008
Sébastien published his first book, ‘Freerunning: Find your Way’. K-Swiss launch the Ariake and Sebastien stars in their global marketing campaign.
The Future
Sébastien always encourages people to follow their own way, and it is his intention to continue to do so through a Freerunning academy and Freerunning Tour.
Preparations are now taking place.