Meade “Mr Mr” Ridgley
1. Why did you start freerunning? What was the initial spark?
The reason I started freerunning was because I started doing tumbling for fun. Then I saw some classes for parkour, which I had never heard of before, so I looked it up and watched some videos. The moment I started seeing these guys moving so fast and fluently, I knew this is what I was going to do. This is where FoR began as well.
2. What’s one of your proudest moments so far?
Some of my proudest moments so far are completing moves which I had never thought I could do. Even though this does not seem all that impressive, I remember running up a wall that was a lot taller than I was and reaching the top to climb over when I was 9. The feeling that you get when you complete a move that you have been training for is indescribable, it gives you a sense of accomplishment.
3. Looking back on when you started, what was one of your biggest fears or hesitations that you got over?
For every freerunner there are always some fears. One of the ones I got over was flipping on the floor, I’m always afraid I will not be able to complete the rotation needed and land on my head. This is a fear that almost everyone has, but it can be overcome by lots of practice. Actually all fears can be defeated with enough effort.
4. What’s your ultimate goal for your training? Any big future plans?
The goal of my traning is to get as far as I can. I don’t have any big future plans but to stay with my team and maybe compete in Ninja Warior. My family members and some other people say that I’d be a good actor, and one of the jobs that I’d like to do is stunt work for movies and TV shows.
5. Got a tip or two for people who want to get started seriously training?
If you are new to freerunning, come to Tempest Freerunning Acadamy. They have the best trainers and coaches you’ll ever see. Never try to do anything that you can’t do. Keep doing it, it pays off for so many things, and most importantly never give up!!!
Kman “Fro” Crawford
1. Why did you start freerunning? What was the initial spark?
The reason I started freerunning was because I saw a video of David Belle, and from then on, I was completely obsessed with it.
2. What’s one of your proudest moments so far?
One of my proudest moments by far was when I was introduced to the FoR family, and when I recieved my team name “Fro” because of my hair.
3. Looking back on when you started, what was one of your biggest fears or hesitations that you got over?
Looking back on when I started freerunning, my biggest fear was loud noises while I was getting ready for a flip. I got over that fear by zoning everything out and just focusing on the flip.
4. What’s your ultimate goal for your training? Any big future plans?
My only goals as of now are to hone in my skills and get our team’s name out there. My future plans consist of stunt work, getting known worldwide, and passing on my knowlage and skills down to my future generations.
5. Got a tip or two for people who want to get started seriously training?
The only tips or advice I can give anyone who wants to learn parkour and freerunning is train your hardest, never give up, and follow your heart!
Ethan “Shamrock” Wattles
1. Why did you start freerunning? What was the initial spark?
I have always jumped over things, and then my brother, Kyle, showed me some videos and I got hooked. We went to Seattle for vacation and did a summer camp at Parkour Visions in 2010. When we came back to California, we found a gym in Simi that Shane Daniels was teaching at, and then we followed him to Tempest. We have been there ever since.
2. What’s one of your proudest moments so far?
Some of my proudest moments were performing with Tempest at a TruHope Assembly, and when I mastered my backflip.
3. Looking back on when you started, what was one of your biggest fears or hesitations that you got over?
Failing at a trick and getting hurt.
4. What’s your ultimate goal for your training? Any big future plans?
I want to be a stunt man.
5. Got a tip or two for people who want to get started seriously training?
Don’t ever be afraid to try new things, and never give up, because eventually you will get it.
[Parents are important too! Click the next page to read some of Stacy Wattles' thoughts about parkour and FoR!]
