Parkour development takes another step forward in Guam

Parkour development in Guam has taken another step forward following a three-day coaching and development visit supported by the Oceania Gymnastics Union (OGU).

Japanese Parkour coach and international judge Jumpei Yakuwa visited Guam from 25–27 August, working with local coaches and participants to build their knowledge of Parkour coaching, safety and athlete development.

Delivered in partnership with the Guam Gymnastics Federation (GGF), the project focused on coach education and practical participant sessions as the Federation continues to build its Parkour program.

Guam has shown a growing interest in developing the discipline. In 2024, GGF sent a coach and athlete to Japan to compete at the FIG Parkour World Championships, providing valuable international experience and helping build the foundations for further development of the sport in Guam.

Across the three days, Jumpei worked closely with local coaches at Guma I Sindalu Siha, including Deren Perez and Coach-in-Training Serena Taitano.

The first two days focused on coach education, with Jumpei sharing his knowledge of Parkour techniques, coaching principles and safe delivery. On the final day, local coaches put their learning into practice by delivering sessions to participants while Jumpei observed and provided feedback.

GGF President Jayne Flores said the visit was an important opportunity to continue developing local Parkour knowledge and coaching capability.

“GGF is very grateful to OGU for the wonderful opportunity to have a Parkour coach and judge of such international calibre as Coach Jumpei Yakuwa visit Guam,” Jayne said.

“Coach Yakuwa shared his knowledge of Parkour techniques and importantly, how to teach those techniques, with our Parkour coaches and athletes.

“Parkour is a growing sport in Guam. This training was very important to us because with this type of continued opportunity, our goal is to have one or two Guam Parkour athletes ready to compete in the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.”

Deren Perez, an accomplished Ninja Warrior athlete who hosted the visit, is working with GGF to further develop Parkour in Guam, with the longer-term aim of establishing more opportunities for local athletes to train in the discipline.

Jumpei brings more than 10 years of Parkour coaching and development experience and is a FIG Parkour International Judge and FIG Parkour International Coach Level 1. He has coached Japanese athletes at FIG Parkour World Championships and Asian Championships and was also a judge and Team Japan coach at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu.

For Jumpei, developing strong coaching foundations and a focus on safety are essential as Parkour continues to grow.

The visit forms part of OGU’s ongoing work with Member Federations to build local coaching capability and support the sustainable development of gymnastics disciplines across Oceania.

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