A Coach's Guide to Professional Development in Parkour

As parkour gym owners and coaches, we're constantly juggling many responsibilities, from class planning and safety management to business operations and community building.

In this environment, our own professional development often takes a back seat.

This framework offers a structured way to understand your current stage of development as a parkour coach and identify specific skills to focus on next.

Based on Robert Kegan's adult development theory and adapted specifically for parkour coaching, it breaks down the journey from beginner to master coach into manageable steps.

How to Use This Framework:

1. Identify your current stage - Most coaches operate primarily from one developmental stage while showing aspects of others. Review the characteristics of each stage to determine your current center of gravity.

2. Choose ONE skill to develop - Rather than trying to improve everything at once, select a single skill from the next developmental stage that feels both challenging and attainable.

3. Create a micro-practice - Design a small, specific practice that fits into your existing coaching routine. For example, if you're working on "Creative Instruction," you might commit to creating one new drill or analogy before each class.

4. Get feedback - Ask a trusted colleague or mentor to observe you practicing this skill and provide specific feedback.

5. Reflect weekly - Take 5 minutes at the end of each week to journal about your progress, challenges, and insights.

Remember, development isn't linear. You'll likely show different stage characteristics in different aspects of your coaching. The goal isn't to race to "Stage 3" but to continuously evolve your coaching practice in ways that benefit both your students and yourself.

Use this framework as a map, not a scorecard. Your journey as a coach is unique, and this tool is designed to support your growth at your own pace.