An Update from Coach Alex
I'm excited to share some great news with you all: the changes have worked.
The smaller class sizes and having Zak and I take the majority of the classes, along with students attending twice a week, mean we can truly mentor our students in a way were not able to do before and the benefits have been so rewarding.
The structural change in my students as people has been a huge win. I have seen some given painful feedback on how their actions affected others and after careful mentorship have grown into to some of the most supportive students in any class they attend. They are now kind, courteous, and helpful. The mentality switch has been tremendous, and I am deeply proud of them.
The light and fun news!
Parent's Classes Are Permanant
Due to overwhelming demand, we are now running the parents’ class every Friday night from 5:45 - 6:45pm.
If you haven’t tried it yet, you absolutely should. New things can be scary, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve moved, but know that every other parent in that class is in the same boat.
Watch the video below to see one of our parents (Leah) talking about it.
Outdoor Classes Every Second Week
We are now running outdoor classes every second week to prepare our community for the National Parkour Gathering. These classes are recommended for, but not restricted to, those aged 13+ who are intermediate and above.
They will be held from 2 - 3 pm at Civic Park, twice a month. You must book via the app so that if the weather is poor or we have to cancel for another reason you can see via the app if it is removed or not. We will always cancel at least 2H before start time.
Advanced class additions.
All Ages Advanced
To accomadate our higher level adults we are opening one of the advanced classes to all ages!
9 - 12 Yrs advanced ( in progress )
We have a few of our younger students who are progressing really fast and have nowhere to go. We will be planning on adding a class for their age group soon as soon as we can find a new head coach, more on that later.
The National Australian Parkour Gathering (NATGAT)
This year, we are hosting the Newcastle National Parkour Gathering from October 4th to 7th.
We expect around 200 people from all around Australia and further abroad coming to train in Newcastle!
Experience city training, skill challenges, night games, beach meet-ups, skate park sessions, and more.
If you are a member of Newcastle Parkour, you won’t need to purchase a ticket. Just bring your NPK branded wristband for gym entry that weekend. More info below!
The hard news.
After 7 years of being the head coach and 12 years of being newcastle's community leader Its finally time for me to leave.
I want to redirect my focus towards supporting my best friend, partner, and wife, who has been a pillar of strength and unwavering support for all of my endeavors, including the gym, despite the significant toll it has taken on our relationship and personal life.
I am so grateful for all the support and love that she has shown me throughout the years. It's time for me to give back just as much as she has given. I want to help her to pursue her dreams just like she has always supported and encouraged me to follow mine.
Over the next 3 - 6 months i wish to gradually pull back from classes.
And for that to happen we need to find someone that has around 8+ years training parkour, 8+ years of teaching, is willing to move interstate for this job and genuinely cares about their students.
Those are some very difficult and expensive shoes to fill. We see the path forward and it is possible, it will just be dependent on how many new students sign up and how many will stick around for next year after the $190 loyalty price moves to the $245 on the first of January 2025.
At the end of the year, we will need to make a decision based on our numbers, and the possibility of finding a new head coach. The current options in order of "success" are:
Upgrading to a better location.
Moving to a similar location
Relocating to a smaller space near outdoor training facilities.
Or
Close down once our lease expires in March 2025.
All i have ever wanted to do is mentor our young people to improve their lives and hopefully make the world a slightly better place than when i came into it.
The gym has been such a focal point of my mind, my body and my soul for so many years. Both the gym and I are heading towards our next stage in life. Even though I am heading on a separate path I will always be the owner, supporting my team to be a little less alone along the same path i took.
I appreciate your patience, care, and support. Thank you to all of our families who have been with us through this journey and for entrusting us with your children.
Both Zak and i are forever grateful.
Thankyou.
Alex; Founder of Newcastle Parkour
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