Today we’d like to introduce you to Aj Aljaafreh
Hi AJ, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started doing Parkour when I was 15 years old. My dad had passed away from ALS a few years before, and because of that, my mom struggled financially, and we were left on food stamps, but she always encouraged us to pursue our passions. I was drawn to the idea of Parkour. The minimalism that came along with Parkour training. All you need is your body and some creativity. It started with my friends and me training at our local college campus. This led me down an interesting adventure. Along the way, I’ve taught Parkour internationally and have been featured on ESPN Sports Center, Cheddar, Ruptly, etc. I’ve competed on the show World Chase Tag and also lived in my car for two and a half years to pursue a move called “Descents,” where you drop down the sides of parking garages. In 2020, I opened my own Parkour gym in The Woodlands, Texas, called Believe Commit Achieve. and created my own Parkour clothing brand called Spyglass Parkour Company.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Following your dreams always has its ups and downs. The Parkour industry in America is still in the beginning stages. So creating work is one of the main routes at the moment. I’m a hyper-focused person, so finding a balance between my social life and training has been tough sometimes. Financially, things weren’t always stable, but I’m grateful to say that my investments are finally paying off. I’m in the best position I’ve ever been, and I’m living a very blessed life. I can be more picky about the projects I want to work on now.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m probably known best for pursuing a move called Descents. This is where you drop from the sides of a Parking garage. The most difficult one I did was at Chase Bank on Colorado and 6th Street in Downtown, Austin. I would say mentally, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But I’m also an artist at heart; I would say my biggest goal is to be relatable to the everyday Parkour athlete. To understand each individual to the best of my ability, and create a positive change in the world.
What are your plans for the future?
Currently, I’m living a nomadic lifestyle. my goal is to build my clothing brand from the ground up. I also started a podcast in hopes of helping further the Parkour industry. I just put together a Parkour demo reel as well to pursue stunts for movies and acting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spyglasspk.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkourjournal/
- Other: https://believecommitachieve.com
Image Credits
Chase Morales
