Whether you're a beginner just starting or an experienced traceur looking to refine your skills, understanding the Safety Vault is crucial.

In this post, we'll dive into what the Safety Vault is, how to execute it safely, and why it's a foundational move in parkour.

The Safety Vault is a fundamental parkour move that allows practitioners to quickly and efficiently navigate over obstacles while maintaining balance and control.

It involves using one hand and one leg to propel yourself over an obstacle, ensuring that you can see where you're landing and adjust your movement as necessary.

The Safety Vault is particularly useful for beginners because it provides a secure way to practice moving over obstacles without losing momentum or risking injury.

Executing the Safety Vault correctly involves a few key steps:

Approach the Obstacle: As you run towards the obstacle, decide which hand you will use to support yourself. If you're right-handed, you'll likely use your right hand and left leg, and vice versa for left-handed individuals.

Jump and Plant Your Hand: As you reach the obstacle, jump slightly and plant your chosen hand firmly on top of it. Your hand should be placed close to the edge of the obstacle for better leverage.

Swing Your Opposite Leg: Simultaneously, swing your opposite leg (the one not on the same side as your planted hand) over the obstacle. Your other leg should follow naturally, creating a fluid motion.

Land Softly: As your legs clear the obstacle, prepare to land on the other side. Your landing should be soft, with knees slightly bent to absorb the impact.

Continue Moving: Once you land, continue your movement forward, maintaining your momentum.

The Safety Vault is a versatile move that offers several benefits:

Safety and Control: As the name suggests, the Safety Vault prioritizes safety by allowing you to maintain control of your body and balance throughout the move. This is particularly important for beginners who are still developing their parkour skills.

Versatility: The Safety Vault can be used in various scenarios, from low walls to railings, making it a valuable move to have in your parkour toolkit.

Building Confidence: Mastering the Safety Vault can help build your confidence as you learn to navigate obstacles more efficiently and safely.

Like any physical skill, learning the Safety Vault involves practice and attention to detail. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:

Incorrect Hand Placement: Ensure your hand is placed close to the edge of the obstacle for better leverage. Placing it too far back can cause you to lose balance.

Not Swinging the Leg High Enough: Your leg needs to clear the obstacle fully. Practice swinging your leg higher to avoid clipping the obstacle.

Poor Landing Technique: Focus on landing softly with knees slightly bent to absorb the impact. A hard landing can lead to injury.

To improve your Safety Vault, consider these training tips:

Practice on Low Obstacles: Start with low obstacles to build your confidence and technique. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the height of the obstacles.

Strength and Conditioning: Building upper body strength, particularly in your arms and shoulders, can help improve your Safety Vault. Incorporate exercises like push-ups and pull-ups into your routine.

Balance and Coordination: Work on your balance and coordination through activities like slacklining or balance board exercises. This will help you maintain control during the Safety Vault.

Safety should always be a priority in parkour. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Wear Appropriate Gear: While parkour doesn't require specialized equipment, wearing comfortable, non-restrictive clothing and sturdy shoes with good grip can enhance your performance and safety.

Warm Up Properly: Always warm up before practicing parkour to prevent injuries. Include dynamic stretches and light cardio to get your muscles ready.

Start Slow: If you're new to parkour or the Safety Vault, take your time learning the move. Rushing can lead to mistakes and injuries.

Practice with a Partner: Having a partner can provide support and feedback, helping you improve your technique and ensuring safety.

Once you've mastered the basic Safety Vault, you can explore advanced variations to challenge yourself further:

Reverse Safety Vault: This involves performing the Safety Vault but in the opposite direction, starting with your back facing the obstacle.

Safety Vault to Precision Jump: Combine the Safety Vault with a precision jump to land on a specific target after clearing the obstacle.

Safety Vault with Spin: Add a spin to your Safety Vault to increase the complexity and visual appeal of the move.

The Safety Vault is a cornerstone of parkour, offering a safe and effective way to navigate obstacles.

By mastering this fundamental move, you can build confidence, improve your technique, and lay the groundwork for more advanced parkour skills.

Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to your form, and prioritize safety to get the most out of your parkour training.