Frank Mejia Parkour SuperStar

  • Frank Mejia, 26, from Cincinnati, OH, started parkour in 2009 and coaching in 2014.
  • He began competing in parkour in 2016 and Chase Tag in 2018, setting a 2.5-second fastest tag record in 2021.
  • Frank has coached at PK Move, Urban Evolution, and others, focusing on community impact.
  • His journey includes personal growth, travel, and a philosophy of movement as empowerment.

Biography Overview

Frank Mejia is a dedicated parkour coach and competitor whose career reflects passion and community engagement. Starting parkour at age 10 in Arlington, VA, in 2009, he began coaching by 2014 and competing by 2016. His notable achievements include setting a record for the fastest tag in Chase Tag in 2021 and working with organizations like PK Move, which serves special populations, and Urban Evolution in Alexandria, VA.

READ ALSO = Elijah van der B, From Parkour Prodigy to World Chase Tag Aspirant in Alexandria, VA

Competitive Highlights

Frank’s competitive journey includes teams like “The Boys” in 2018 and APK Blue in 2021, where he achieved his record-breaking 2.5-second tag against APEX Sun. His participation in World Chase Tag highlights his strategic and teamwork skills.

Coaching and Philosophy

As a coach, Frank emphasizes empowerment, teaching at various facilities and viewing his role as a privilege. His work with PK Move and travel experiences have shaped his approach, focusing on personal growth and community bonding.

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Detailed Biography and Analysis of Frank Mejia’s Parkour Journey

Frank Mejia, a 26-year-old parkour coach and competitor from Cincinnati, OH, embodies the spirit of movement and community in the parkour world. Born around 1999, his journey began in 2009 when, at the age of 10, he started training parkour with friends in Arlington, VA. This early exposure to the discipline, which involves navigating from one point to another efficiently using only the body and environment, set the stage for a career marked by dedication, resilience, and impact.

Early Life and Introduction to Parkour

Frank’s introduction to parkour in 2009 was casual, rooted in playful exploration with peers. Parkour, with its roots in military obstacle training and martial arts, includes activities like flipping, running, climbing, and vaulting, often practiced in urban spaces. For Frank, it was more than a physical activity; it was a way to see the world differently, envisioning potential for movement around, across, through, over, and under environmental features. This passion grew, leading him to dedicate himself to mastering the art, which would later define his professional path.

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Coaching Career: A Commitment to Empowerment

By 2014, at just 15 years old, Frank began coaching parkour, marking the start of a significant chapter. His coaching career is notable for its breadth and depth, working with several key organizations. He has been involved with PK Move, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to sharing parkour’s transformative power with special populations, including seniors and underserved communities. PK Move’s programs, like PK Silver, focus on falls prevention and creative movement for older adults, reflecting Frank’s commitment to accessibility. He has also coached at Urban Evolution in Alexandria, VA, a beginner-friendly facility offering parkour, aerial silks, tricking, free running, acrobatics, gymnastics, yoga, dance, and more. Additionally, Frank has coached at Phoenix Free running Academy and Movement United in Michigan, further expanding his reach.

Frank’s approach to coaching is deeply personal and community-oriented. He views teaching as a privilege, a sentiment captured in his quote from a 2019 interview: “Teaching is such a privilege. It’s so much fun to bring people up and show them this thing they didn’t think they could do.” This philosophy has made him a beloved figure, known for his patience, enthusiasm, and ability to inspire beginners and seasoned athletes alike. His work with PK Move, in particular, highlights his dedication to making parkour meaningful for those who might not typically access such activities, fostering confidence and creativity through movement.

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Competitive Career: From Parkour to Chase Tag

Frank’s competitive career began in 2016, expanding his parkour journey into the competitive arena. Chase Tag, a sport combining parkour with tag in an obstacle-filled arena, became a significant part of his story starting in 2018. That year, he competed with the Original US team “The Boys,” marking his entry into this high-stakes, strategy-driven competition. After a brief break in 2019, he returned in 2020, competing with APK Grey in the US Tournament. His most notable achievement came in 2021, when, as part of APK Blue, he set the record for the fastest tag at just 2.5 seconds against APEX Sun, one of the top teams in the nation. This feat showcased not only his physical prowess but also his mental agility and teamwork, essential in World Chase Tag, where athletes must navigate pressure and collaborate effectively.

Frank’s participation in World Chase Tag, detailed in a 2019 feature, revealed his insights into the game’s intricacies, emphasizing strategy and community. His journey also included qualifying for the North American Parkour Championship (NAPC) by winning first place at a qualifier, a moment he described as exciting and unexpected, reflecting his growth from a competitor who once struggled with injuries and fatigue to a confident athlete.

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Achievements and Highlights

Frank’s career is punctuated by several key achievements:

  • Fastest Tag Record: In 2021, he set a 2.5-second record in Chase Tag against APEX Sun, a testament to his speed and precision.
  • NAPC Qualification: Winning first at a qualifier, a proud moment that marked his competitive prowess, especially given past challenges like injuries and mental hurdles.
  • Coaching Impact: His work with PK Move and Urban Evolution has reached hundreds, providing free and low-cost classes to underserved populations, as seen in PK Move’s mission.

Despite facing obstacles, such as a knee injury mentioned in a 2020 feature, Frank’s resilience has been evident. His ability to recover and continue competing and coaching underscores his dedication.

Personal Philosophy and Evolution

Frank’s journey has been shaped by personal growth and a maturing philosophy on parkour and competition. Travel has played a significant role, broadening his coaching skills and deepening his appreciation for diverse training environments. He views competitions not just as contests but as opportunities for personal development and community bonding, a perspective that evolved from early skepticism to a fulfilling part of his career. His reflections, shared in interviews, highlight a balance between individual achievement and collective impact, seeing parkour as a tool for empowerment and connection.

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Community and Future Aspirations

Frank’s impact extends beyond his personal achievements to the broader parkour community. Through his coaching, he has built supportive networks, helping individuals from all walks of life discover the joy of movement. His work with PK Move, in particular, aligns with a mission to make parkour accessible, using games, flow patterns, and household items to teach skills that enhance everyday living. As he continues to evolve, Frank remains committed to sharing parkour’s transformative power, inspiring others to see their environment as a playground for creativity and growth.

Table: Summary of Frank Mejia’s Key Milestones

YearMilestoneDetails
2009Started ParkourBegan training at age 10 in Arlington, VA, with friends.
2014Began CoachingStarted coaching at 15, working with PK Move, Urban Evolution, and others.
2016Started Competing in ParkourEntered competitive parkour, marking the start of his athletic career.
2018Competed in Chase Tag with “The Boys”Joined Original US team, beginning his Chase Tag journey.
2019Took Break from CompetitionBrief hiatus, reflecting on his career and recovery.
2020Competed with APK Grey in US TournamentReturned to competition, showcasing resilience and skill.
2021Set Fastest Tag Record (2.5 seconds) with APK BlueAchieved record against APEX Sun, highlighting peak performance.

This detailed biography and analysis underscore Frank Mejia’s significant contributions to parkour, both as a coach and competitor, and his ongoing commitment to community and personal growth.

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