The Eagle of Parkour: Omar Yasser Unleashes The Adrenaline of Parkour

Omar, a 27-year-old wearing many hats, is a testament to the pursuit of passion. By day, he juggles the technical intricacies of communication engineering and the strategic world of marketing as a media agency owner. But when he sheds his corporate persona, Omar transforms into a free spirit, soaring through the air as a parkour coach and the proud owner of "Eagle Nest," a parkour playground. Parkour, for Omar, is more than just a discipline; it's a way of life, a chance to experience the exhilarating feeling of flight and the liberating sense of freedom. We were thrilled to interview him as a parkour coach and a business owner.

Hello Omar, we are excited to know more about you and your journey with this outstanding sport can you tell us about it?

I'm Omar Yasser, 27 years old. I started parkour in 2011 after watching videos of parkour on YouTube, then began searching for training methods. Initially, I trained independently for three months—an approach I wouldn't recommend due to safety concerns—before discovering a parkour gym in Giza and enrolling in its classes.

Within two years, my dedication led me to become an assistant coach and then a full-fledged parkour coach. In 2015, I established my parkour academy. From 2015 to 2020, I led a parkour team called "Rouge Extreme" that participated in various events, including action scenes and movie fight scenes.

How did you become a professional coach in less than two years?

I've always been passionate about sharing my knowledge and found a deep sense of fulfillment in parkour by coaching others who share the same enthusiasm. Upon joining a parkour gym, I began observing coaching methods and supplementing my knowledge with online tutorials to learn new techniques and movements.Recognizing the importance of practice, focus, and dedication in mastering parkour, I diligently invested my time in honing my skills.

What inspired you to start your own team and how did you form this team?

Driven to create a distinct and long-lasting team, I identified areas for improvement in existing teams and set out to build a strong, stable group based on my own vision. I prioritize recognizing individual contributions, believing them to be crucial for fostering a positive and balanced team environment.

In your opinion, why isn't parkour a very popular sport in Egypt, and why does it lack an official championship or federation?

Parkour has gained international recognition as a sport with established championships. However, in Egypt, it's still categorized under gymnastics within the gymnastics federation. This affiliation, along with a lack of awareness and understanding of parkour's unique techniques and rules by the federation, hinders its growth.

Culturally, there's a general misunderstanding and apprehension surrounding parkour and its safety regulations. I believe that promoting parkour's technical aspects and rules will play a key role in raising awareness and appreciation for the sport.

Parkour is often seen as a rebellious or fringe activity. What kind of criticisms do you often receive and how do you deal with them?

From the outset of my parkour journey, I've encountered a common misconception: many view parkour as dangerous and reckless, failing to recognize its potential benefits. I've dedicated myself to raising awareness and correcting this misunderstanding by highlighting the positive aspects and structured rules of parkour.

What are some of the non-physical skills parkour helps develop that might surprise people?

I develop the surprising mental benefits of the discipline. I emphasize how it fosters confidence and a unique perspective on challenges. Instead of seeing obstacles as barriers, practitioners develop a problem-solving mindset, viewing their environment as a playground of possibilities. This newfound confidence spills over into other aspects of life, making it easier to overcome fears and develop patience.

What advice would you give to someone interested in trying parkour for the first time?

I prioritize supervised training, recognizing the prevalence of injuries sustained by individuals attempting parkour independently. These negative experiences often lead to increased apprehension towards the discipline.