mentor log

4/27/08
3:00p.m.-10:00p.m.

I met Rhett Crowe at her house, we sat down and brainstormed different ideas for products. we discussed the possibility of making a video of my personal training regime and documenting my learning experience over the course of the project. we also discussed the possibility of creating a pictorial of training programs, we finally decided on creating a packet that could be used to sell the idea of a parkour class. we spent about two hours coming up with ideas of what possible employers were looking for, how one should present themselves, and other things relating to possible employment. after creating a rough document containing some information about myself and my intentions in teaching a parkour class. after that we began creating a packet of information that could be used to sell the idea of a parkour class to prospective employers, we began by making a brochure in adobe indesign. most of the remaining time was spent creating this document, figuring out the best wording, and deciding on pictures that should be included in this document. I learned a lot about what possible employers look for in a physical activity teacher, what qualifications are needed, such as CPR and first aid certification. because of the extremely new nature of parkour itself there is no regulation on the teaching of parkour classes, there are no standard certification classes for parkour instructors so in this document I really focused on safety and proper progression, making sure to stay away from the extreme sport mentality and thrill seeking attitude.

most of the discussion we had was about how to sell myself to prospective employers, we decided that employers were primarily looking for was skill in the art of parkour, teaching skills, personal dedication, and reliability. we then answered the questions of who what when where why and how? so how would I train people in the art of parkour? I would begin in a safe padded environment to get people used to the movements utilized in parkour. once a elementary level of fitness and technique was attained we would move the students outdoors. now we wondered what I should tell them parkour is? I decided to say that it is a Physical Discipline that focuses on efficient movement by way of training total strength of body and mind. who am I and why am I qualified to teach parkour? I am Carson (obviously) I have been dedicated to training parkour for almost the last 2 years, I am one of the founders of the Athens parkour group, and I am a leader for the south east parkour community. why should someone hire me to offer parkour classes? Parkour is a fairly cutting edge activity that has spread through Europe and is coming to america. if someone were to offer parkour classes it would put this gym at the forefront of physical training methods in Athens. we then took this information and manipulated it into cohesive structure that introduces me and parkour to a possible employer. the most challenging part of this was choosing words carefully to invoke positive ideas and make a possible employer feel like I know what I am talking about, will not put anyone in danger, and provide a service that can help people develop healthy exercise habits.