Steve Valiquette’s Parkour Journey: From Beginner to International Competitor

Steve Valiquette, born in New Brunswick, Canada, never imagined himself becoming a professional parkour coach. His journey began at a Boys and Girls club when he was around 10 years old. “I was never good enough at sports to make the teams, so I lost interest in all athletics, until I discovered YouTube,” Steve recalls. He watched videos of “ninja guys” doing flips and jumps online and was initially skeptical, thinking it was fake. However, a real-life encounter changed everything and Steve Valiquette’s parkour journey was born.

“I saw a guy doing it for real,” Steve shares. “He showed me flips and tricks that I never imagined were possible. He blew my mind.” This encounter ignited Steve’s passion for parkour, a sport that combines athleticism, creativity, and a sense of freedom that traditional team sports couldn’t offer him. In that moment, he became Parkour Steve even if he didn’t know it.

The Early Days: Self-Teaching and Inspiration

Steve’s journey into parkour was largely self-taught, inspired by the pioneering work of David Belle and his crew, who are considered the founders of parkour. “I didn’t have any coaches at the time because Parkour gyms were such a rare thing in Canada back then,” Steve explains. “I wanted to figure it out on my own, to stand out from the crowd like the guy I saw.”

Without formal coaching, Steve relied on YouTube videos and a lot of trial and error. “I’d run into the guy who inspired me now and then, and he’d give me tips. It was always just enough to keep me motivated,” Steve says. This self-reliant approach not only honed his skills but also instilled in him a mindset of perseverance and self-improvement.

Coaching: Sharing the Passion

After mastering the basics on his own as a hobby, Steve decided to put Parkour on the backburner while he pursued a career in Environmental Science. After 5 years of working in the forest, an opportunity arose like no other. A new local business was looking for a Parkour Instructor, and Steve happened to know a guy with over 10 years experience. “For four years, I was a professional parkour coach,” Steve says. “Seeing my students, especially the kids, accomplish things they thought were impossible is incredibly rewarding.”

Steve emphasizes the importance of breaking down complex goals into achievable steps. “Parkour is all about overcoming obstacles, both physical and mental,” he explains. “I teach my students to focus on small victories, which build up to larger successes.” This approach not only improves their parkour skills but also instills a resilient mindset.

What he saw in his students led him to want to challenge himself to compete. “I only ever took on the challenge of competing because of my students, and how much it would motivate them.” Steve said.His students were influenced by him competing which has led to a circle of inspiration between he and the students he coaches. Steve mentioned, “The thought of them working harder based on my successes as a competitor pushed me to work harder, too.”

From Enthusiast to Competitor

As Steve’s skills grew, so did his desire to compete. “Parkour competitions range across three main types: speed, skill, and style,” Steve explains. Speed competitions focus on how quickly athletes can navigate obstacles, skill competitions test technical prowess, and style competitions showcase creativity and acrobatic moves.

“I’ve competed in four major competitions, and each one is a learning experience,” Steve says. “The last one in Montreal was the biggest and scariest yet.” Despite the challenges, Steve continues to push his limits, finding inspiration in the constant progression and the community of athletes around him. Today, he is able to qualify and compete in one of the biggest Parkour competitions in Vancouver, British Columbia in August. Steve will put his skills on display at the Sport Parkour League (SPL) at Origins Parkour and show his students that they can do anything they put their mind to.

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Injury Prevention and Recovery

One of the biggest challenges in parkour is injury prevention. “Parkour can be dangerous, and injuries are likely to happen,” Steve admits. He has personally experienced numerous injuries, including torn ligaments and twisted joints. “Starting young and without guidance, I had to learn the hard way,” he says.

Steve’s coaching now includes a strong emphasis on joint strengthening exercises and responsible recovery practices. “Building bulletproof joints is essential for long-term participation in parkour,” he advises. “Even if you have previous injuries or are afraid of getting hurt, the body is incredible and can recover with the right approach.”

The Mental Aspect: Patience and Perseverance

The mental aspect of parkour is as important as the physical. “In a world of instant gratification, parkour teaches patience,” Steve says. “It’s about finding joy in the process, not just the outcome.” He encourages his students to embrace failure as part of the learning journey. “Every failure is a new challenge and an opportunity to learn,” he adds.

Steve’s philosophy is that parkour is a continuous journey of self-improvement. This is one of the reasons for adopting the name of Parkour Steve. It has become part of his identity and journey. “Whether it’s nailing a new move or building up strength, every small success keeps you motivated,” he says. This mindset has helped him navigate through tough times and stay committed to his goals.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Steve’s journey from a curious kid to a professional coach is a testament to the transformative power of parkour. “Parkour is for everyone, regardless of age or athletic ability,” he says. He uses demonstrations and interactive sessions to attract newcomers. “Seeing someone do a cool trick can spark interest, but showing them they can do it themselves hooks them,” Steve explains.

He believes that the core of parkour’s appeal is its accessibility and the sense of achievement it offers. “You don’t need a team or special equipment to get started. All you need is the willingness to try,” Steve says. A large goal for Steve is to open his own gym, where the emphasis will be making parkour accessible and safe for anyone. He knows that through his gym he could foster a supportive community where people of all ages and abilities come together to grow and thrive.

Overcoming the Impossible

Reflecting on his journey, Steve is grateful for the lessons parkour has taught him. “I’ve learned that no goal is truly impossible if you break it down into smaller, manageable steps,” he says. This lesson extends beyond parkour into all areas of his life, from personal projects to starting his own online personal training business, Dynamic Freedom Fitness.

“Parkour has given me the confidence to tackle anything,” Steve concludes. “It’s not just about the physical skills, but the mindset of perseverance and creativity. That’s what I hope to pass on to others.”

Steve Valiquette, or Parkour Steve’s,  journey into parkour showcases how this unique sport can change your life. From a self-taught enthusiast, to a professional coach, to now competing on the world stage, Steve has overcome countless challenges and now inspires others to do the same. His story is a reminder that with patience, perseverance, and a passion for learning, anyone can achieve their goals and discover their potential.

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