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AMP Level 1 Certification

In 2006, APEX Movement was established as the first formal PKFR (Parkour and Freerunning) training program in the western hemisphere by Ryan Ford in Boulder, CO. As one of the first practitioners in the USA, Ryan was forced to teach himself and others PKFR through trial and error. Over the years, Ryan refined his teaching methods based on his experiences training with the Yamakasi in France, Parkour Generations in the UK, and well known groups from all over the USA. Additionally, other prominent American practitioners became involved and instrumental in the evolution of APEX Movement's teachings including Will Schultz, Amos Rendao, Dr. Ken Kao, Jake Smith, Dylan Baker, and Erica Madrid. APEX Movement currently has the world's largest PKFR gym in Englewood as well as locations in Boulder and Loveland.

Our trainers are continually at the forefront of developing the best, new, innovative training methods in PKFR including Amos Rendao's Ukemi for Parkour (the art of falling), Dr. Ken Kao's application of chiropractic to Parkour, and Ryan Ford's renowned online training series called Demon Drills. In addition, APEX Movement has trained many elite athletes who have been featured in TV shows and movies, performed internationally, dominated Japan's Ninja Warrior course, and won national PKFR competitions.

The AMP (APEX Movement Parkour/Freerunning) Level 1 Certification was primarily designed by Ryan Ford, and is based off the learnings gained from teaching thousands of people PKFR since 2006. The certification was designed to provide PKFR instructors with the necessary knowledge and experience to maintain the true spirit of PKFR and teach beginning practitioners safely and effectively. Ryan Ford and Amos Rendao, with assistance from other APEX Movement coaches, will lead participants through lecture, physical participation in mock classes, and practical experience in a fully operating PKFR gym. In addition to hands-on learning of APEX Movement's full beginner program, instructors will also learn about topics including:

Basic Philosophy and Knowledge of PKFR
  • PKFR and Other Movement Arts
  • History and Spirit of PKFR
  • The APEX Movement Training Theory

    Safety
  • Assessing Safety
  • Risk vs. Danger
  • Scaling and Gradualism
  • Mindstate
  • Ukemi
  • Parkour Armour

    The Human Body
  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Evolutionary Medicine
  • Mobility, Structural Hygiene, and "Pre"-hab
  • Metabolic Conditioning
  • Bodyweight Exercises
  • Gymnastics Conditioning
  • Fundamentals of Weightlifting
  • Programming and Scaling

    The Practice of PKFR
  • Motor Skill Milestones: The APEX Movement Model of Movement Development
  • Quadrupedal Moving
  • Landing and Falling
  • Balancing and Jumping
  • Vaulting and Wall Running
  • Brachiating and Climbing
  • Twisting and Flipping
  • Additional Movement Concepts and Drills

    Principles of Coaching
  • Movement Mantra
  • Sports Psychology
  • Working with Different Ages and Abilities
  • Communication Skills
  • Group Management
  • Creating an Optimal Learning Environment Location: APEX Movement, Englewood, CO

    Price: $795

    Dates: May 25-27, August 1-3

    Time: 9am-5pm each day

    Questions?: Email parkour@apexmovement.com for more information.
    Registration Requirements

    In order to register for the AMP Level 1 Certification, you must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • At least 1 year experience in PKFR.
  • Complete the online application (click here to download).
  • Receive, via email, confirmation and approval of the application.
  • Full payment must be made no later than 7 days before the certifcation.

    We Strongly Recommend...

  • At least 3 years experience in movement arts. Movement arts include but are not limited to PKFR, martial arts, breakdancing, tricking, gymnastics, CrossFit, dance, rock climbing, and track and field.
  • Physical competancy in the fundamental techniques of PKFR including quadrupedal movement, rolls, landings, handstands, precision jumps, vaults, tic tacs, wall runs, underbars, cat leaps, and climb ups.
  • Physical competancy in the fundamental exercises of PKFR including kipping pull ups, push ups, knees to elbows, squats, lunges, broad jumps, handstands, burpees, and dips.
    Certification Requirements

    In order to receive the AMP Level 1 Certification, you must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Attend and fully participate in the AMP Level 1 Certification
  • Pass the written test (80% or higher)
  • Pass the 3 practical tests (technique, drill, workout)

    The written test is to be taken on the last day of the certification. Students will be notified of the results within 1 week of the test. If a student does not pass the test, they will be allowed to retake a harder test via email. The practical tests will consist of applying the knowledge learned at the certification to a class environment. Students will need to film themselves teaching a specified technique, drill, and workout to a small group. More information on this process will be revealed at the certification.

    Upon Completion...

    We will mail you the AMP Level 1 Certificate of Completion which certifies you as:

  • Capable of teaching and conveying the basic movements and true spirit of PKFR.
  • Capable of running group PKFR classes in a controlled, familiar environment for beginning practitioners (less than 6 months training) between the ages of 13 and 50.

    Additionally, we will list you on our website as a certified instructor and direct any relevant local inqueries regarding PKFR training to you.
    APEX Movement Certified Instructors

    Level 3 Instructors
  • Ryan Ford (Denver, CO)
  • Amos Rendao (Boulder, CO)

    Level 2 Instructors
  • N/A

    Level 1 Instructors
  • Cosmo Dudley (Denver, CO)
  • Brett Robert (Santa Rosa, CA)
  • Justin Sikkema (Boulder, CO)
  • Mason Fleet (Denver, CO)
  • Charles St. John (Denver, CO)
  • Risa Scott (Boulder, CO)
  • David Doan (Denver, CO)
  • Francesco Caban (Scottsdale, AZ)
    Testimonials

    "The AMP Level 1 certification greatly helped my understanding of teaching Parkour in a safe, progression-friendly manner. I grew as an instructor and gained the insight to help others learn in a multitude of methods. When one student is having trouble learning a particular way, I can teach it to that student in several other ways allowing for a faster comprehension of Parkour."

    - Cosmo Dudley, co-owner of Movemental Apparel, PK/FR and Tricking instructor at APEX Movement Englewood

    The course was rigorous and I would describe the content as college-level. The 3-day course is 24 hours of instruction which works out to roughly 1.5 semester units of college coursework. The cert covered a lot: history, biomechanics, physics, specific movements, progressions, drills, curriculum, and general coaching concepts. It was well put together and I learned a lot.

    - Brett Robert, PK/FR instructor at Rohnert Park Gymnastics

    "Through the AMP Level 1 Certification, I've become extremely confident in my ability to pass on the knowledge of Parkour movements and the passion that comes along with it. After getting the certification, I feel like I have the right tools to teach students effectively, safely, and in a correct manner. It's a great feeling to be able to allow others to grow in the same way I once did!"

    - Christian Greene, PK/FR instructor at APEX Movement Boulder
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