For PDF of # 20 right click here and - Urban Freeflow

The Urban Runners team from
Mexico have been around since the
dark ages and are the most
prominent team within their own
country. In fact, anyone involved
in the global community regardless
of where they are based, will more
than likely have seen one of the
many videos that they’ve produced
over the years. We caught up with
the elusive Daer Sanchez, who as
their frontman, spoke on behalf of
the team for this piece....
Hi Daer, when exactly was the
Urban Runners team formed?
Daer: Urban Runners was formed
on May 8th 2005 in Mexico City
with Daer, Fénix, Gato and Dark as
founders of the team.
Where did the name come from?
Daer: Initially the name did not
have a special meaning or anything.
It was the first name that came to
my mind but as time passed by,
it developed a great strength and
finally it became one of the main
references of Parkour in Mexico.
Were all the team members friends
before doing Parkour or did you all
meet after?
Daer: Dark and Gato were already
friends of mine. Fenix and I met
months before forming the team.
Sometime later and thanks to the
UR website more people arrived and
a team started growing with people
that met each other for the first time
thanks to the Parkour.
How do you go about inviting new
members into the team?
Daer: Usually people arrive at our
classes and those who step up and
prove to have potential are
eventually invited to train with us.
We then help to increase their level
and if they have what is necessary,
then they are invited to be a part of
the team. In addition, the team is a
family, so the most important thing
to be part of UR is not only having
a good level or something like that,
but to treat each other as part of
“THERE ARE ALWAYS PEOPLE WHO APPROACH
US AND ASK WHAT WE ARE DOING AND
WHETHER THEY CAN JOIN US.”
the family. It’s more of an attitude
thing, not just training level.
Is there any initiation to go through
like having to drink a gallon of milk
in one sitting or having to streak
down the high street naked?
Daer: YES!!! There is
an initiation in which we make a
“bandita” to the new people (the
foreigners that have come here to
train know what I am talking about)
it is basically a set of punches and
strikes. Nothing serious, it is just a
game but it is always funny.
Out of all of you, who has the most
annoying habit in the team and
what is it?
Daer: I think we all are
characterized for something special,
but I don’t remember any
outstanding annoying habit.
The last time I was in Mexico, the
scene was big and really healthy.
Are things still growing there?
Daer: The scene has really kept
growing. There are some people
with a really high level who are
growing really well. Moreover, most
of them are very united and you can
always find people training without
caring if they are part of one team or
another.
Do you guys train within the
community quite often or do you
train together more as a team?
Daer: We train as a team, but we
also frequently train with the other
teams and people from the area
and even from other areas. There’s
been a long time since we last had
an exclusive UR training and there
are always people from other teams
with us and it is really exciting and
funny.
What’s your overall opinion of the
Mexican scene?
Daer: As I mentioned, the scene has
grown a lot and overall the level that
is now showing up is really good.
But certainly what characterizes this
community is the fact that it does
not matter if you are from one team
or another or how long have you
been training, the community will
always receive you with the arms
wide opened to train and spend
some good times.
Seeing as Mexico is technically part
of America, what’s your overall
opinion of the US scene?
Daer: In general the style in the US
is a little bit different…they have
many high level people practicing
Parkour but there is still the
impression that the whole
community is kind of fresh,
despite this there are now really
good attempts and regular
gatherings trying to build a more
solid community.
Have you had much TV and general
media exposure in Mexico?
Daer: The interest in the media has
become less nowadays, but there
was a period of time in which we
used to have a report every week.
Outside of media exposure, what do
you think is the best approach when
it comes to inspiring new people to
get involved?
Daer: The best way to attract people
is by training, right where they
can see us in the streets. There are
always people who approach us and
ask what are we doing and whether
they can join us.
Do you guys travel around much
within Mexico?
Daer: We usually travel in order to
meet new people, see new places
and have a good time training.
Moreover, people such as Rocko,
Sweet and I, are frequently invited
to teach at workshops for gatherings
in other cities.
What is your fave Mexican hotspot
(outside of your own area) and why?
Daer: Well, I think it is not that easy
to choose because there are a lot of
good places outside Mexico City but
I must say that Guadalajara is one of
the favorites after our own city as