From Streets to Coaching: Orabi’s Parkour Journey

From tumbling on the streets to revolutionizing parkour in Egypt, Mahmod Orabi has embarked on a remarkable journey through the world of movement and agility. Over the past 12 years, Orabi has turned challenges into triumphs, evolving from a committed traceur into a visionary coach and a prominent figure in the parkour community. 

In this interview, we explore Orabi’s journey, examine his innovative coaching techniques, and discover his aspirations for the future of parkour!

Hello Orabi, it is our pleasure to have you today! 

Can you tell us more about your journey in the parkour field over the past 12 years? What initially drew you to parkour?

Well, my journey in parkour started 12 years ago, training in the streets without any safety or proper guidance. I’ve always been a very active kid, constantly doing somersaults and flipping around wherever I could. That natural energy found a purpose when I discovered parkour – it became my passion. Even though I faced challenges early on, like breaking my arm due to the lack of safety, I didn’t give up. Eventually, I found some parkour coaches who taught me the basics, and after some time, I became part of their team.

Unfortunately, I suffered a cruciate ligament injury because the training environment wasn’t always the safest. This injury turned my life around. Despite not fully recovering, I kept pushing myself until I needed another surgery. But once I fully recovered, I returned stronger than ever and became a skilled coach who can easily instruct others. Today, I train at two locations, including one of the biggest parks in Egypt, "Eagle Nest." I’m proud to say that I've become one of the influential figures in the parkour scene, shaping the sport for the next generation.

How did your background in stunt performance and calisthenics training influence your approach to parkour coaching?

Actually, it was the other way around – parkour helped me develop my skills in stunt performance and calisthenics. The control, agility, and strength that I gained through parkour naturally translated into these other disciplines. When I coach, I draw from that experience, focusing on fluid movement, body awareness, and building strength the right way. I know how crucial it is to have a strong foundation in parkour to excel in stunts and calisthenics, so I make sure my students develop both physical and mental resilience.

What are some key principles or techniques you emphasize when coaching parkour?

I place a strong emphasis on balance, building strength, and improving reaction time. My goal is to ensure that my students can overcome obstacles as quickly and as safely as possible. It's not just about speed but about using the right technique to minimize risks. Whether it's precision in landings or maintaining control while moving through complex environments, I teach them to focus on efficient and safe movement at all times.

How do you ensure the safety of your athletes while pushing them to achieve excellence?

I always start with a high level of safety and heavy protection in place. Gradually, as the athletes progress and gain confidence, we start to reduce the safety measures. This way, by the time they’re ready to perform the movements on solid ground without any assistance, they’ve already built the necessary skills and mental readiness. The ultimate goal is for them to be able to execute these techniques safely in real-world environments, like the streets, with full control and precision.

Can you share an example of a challenging coaching situation you faced and how you handled it?

One challenge I’m currently working through is training a woman who’s 45 years old and has almost never done any physical activity before. It’s been tough at times, but her progress is really starting to show, and seeing that improvement is incredibly rewarding. Another challenge I’ve faced is coaching kids with ADHD. It can be difficult to keep their focus and manage their energy levels, but I’ve learned to adapt my coaching style, making the sessions more engaging and structured to suit their needs while maintaining a positive and supportive environment.

What was your role in organizing events and major competitions in Egypt, and how did these experiences shape your career?

In addition to being a judge, I was also responsible, alongside another person, for designing the tracks for each age category in the competition. Each age group had a different track tailored to their abilities, and we created separate tracks for both the qualifications and the finals. Judging itself is a very challenging and sensitive task because it requires 100% focus. A small mistake could lead to unfair results for an athlete. These experiences have shaped my career by deepening my understanding of the sport from both a technical and strategic perspective, and they’ve helped me grow not just as a coach but as a leader in the parkour community.

Can you describe your experience as a judge in the Power of Motion competition? 

Judging at the Power of Motion competition was a transformative experience for me. It was a significant responsibility that required intense focus and dedication. As a judge, I had to be fully engaged, as even a momentary lapse in concentration could impact a participant’s outcome. Ensuring fairness and accuracy in every decision was crucial, and it reinforced the importance of maintaining high standards in parkour judging.

How do you engage with the parkour community to promote the sport and its values?

I actively engage with the parkour community by mentoring young traceurs, emphasizing the importance of safe and proper training techniques. This helps minimize injuries and ensures that we present ourselves positively to the world and to people in Egypt. Additionally, I participate in parkour jams with athletes from various backgrounds, where we come together to share experiences and knowledge. These gatherings foster a strong sense of community and help spread the values of parkour.

How do you integrate stunt performance and calisthenics into your parkour training regimen?

I integrate stunt performance and calisthenics into parkour training by using a combination of motivational techniques and friendly competition. For example, I sometimes demonstrate how persistent effort and dedication can lead to mastering difficult moves that initially seemed out of reach. This approach highlights the value of hard work and passion in achieving progress. Additionally, I incorporate competitive elements among athletes of similar skill levels. This healthy competition drives improvement while maintaining a positive and supportive atmosphere.

What methods do you use to motivate and inspire your students to push their boundaries?

I motivate and inspire my students by sharing my personal achievements and experiences. For instance, I highlight how I've evolved to better support my athletes, including serving as a judge at Egypt's largest parkour competition. I also emphasize the success of organizing parkour events and shows in collaboration with others. One of my proudest accomplishments is being a source of inspiration for many, which keeps me going despite challenges. Additionally, I take great pride in helping individuals overcome obstacles like smoking and substance abuse, guiding them toward a healthier and more focused path through sports.

Can you share some of your proudest moments or achievements in your parkour career?

Some of my proudest moments include evolving to better support my athletes and serving as a judge at Egypt's largest parkour competition. I've also collaborated with others to organize successful parkour events and shows. One of my most significant achievements is being an inspiration to many and helping individuals overcome challenges such as smoking and substance abuse by leading them towards a healthier lifestyle through sports.

What are your future aspirations in the parkour field? Are there any specific goals or projects you are currently working towards?

My aspirations for parkour in the near future involve elevating the sport to become one of the most prominent activities in Egypt. Parkour offers diverse opportunities, from stunt work to overall physical fitness and quick reflexes. Currently, I'm focused on organizing workshops and planning a new type of parkour competition that will be a first in Egypt. These initiatives aim to further develop the sport and provide new avenues for athletes to showcase their skills.

How do you handle traceurs who may struggle with fear or lack of confidence in performing certain movements?

Fear is a common challenge for many beginners in parkour. To address this, I use safety measures such as mats and progress gradually to reduce their anxiety. By breaking down movements into manageable steps, traceurs can build confidence and overcome their fears. On the other hand, for those who may exhibit overconfidence, I guide them to practice parkour safely and correctly to balance their approach. Confidence generally increases over time with consistent practice and mastery of techniques.

How do you continue to develop your skills and knowledge in parkour and related disciplines?

I continually develop my skills and knowledge by exploring different training methods, which enhances my creativity. I also focus on learning more about physical conditioning and functional training to benefit the sport. Additionally, I stay updated through reading and expanding my knowledge, while also engaging with other athletes and coaches both locally and internationally. This ongoing interaction helps me stay at the forefront of parkour and related disciplines.

Can you discuss any influential mentors or experiences that have shaped your coaching philosophy?

One of the most influential figures in my coaching philosophy is Pedro (Phosky), a Spanish athlete who serves as my role model. His approach to parkour, especially his fluid movement and physical style, has profoundly impacted how I view and practice the sport. Although his moves may not always be the most complex, the smoothness and aesthetics of his performance have inspired me to focus on the flow and presentation of movements in my own coaching.

How do you tailor your coaching methods to suit different skill levels and learning styles among your athletes?

I tailor my coaching methods by assessing each athlete's skill level and then designing a personalized program or set of movements that match their abilities. I consider factors such as their age, weight, and overall fitness level to ensure that the exercises are appropriate for their development. By customizing the training to fit each individual’s needs, I can effectively address different learning styles and help athletes progress at their own pace.

What role does feedback play in your coaching, and how do you provide constructive criticism to your students?

Feedback is crucial in my coaching approach. I actively seek input from my students by asking for their concerns, suggestions, and any observations they might have. I value their perspectives because I understand what it feels like to be in their position. This openness helps me refine and develop the training program to better meet their needs. When providing constructive criticism, I focus on offering specific, actionable advice while encouraging their progress and highlighting their strengths to maintain motivation.

Looking ahead, how do you see the field of parkour evolving over the next few years, and what role do you envision for yourself in that evolution?

Parkour is rapidly evolving, with its skill levels and popularity growing significantly. Over the next few years, I expect it to gain even more recognition and become a major sport. I aspire to play a key role in this evolution by becoming an influential figure in the parkour community. I aim to contribute to its growth and development through innovative training methods, organizing events, and inspiring the next generation of athletes.