free running – Home of the Art and Science of Calisthenics https://www.calisthenicsmag.com Home of the Art and Science of Calisthenics Wed, 15 Apr 2015 10:41:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Interview: Dominik Sky, Elite Parkour Calisthenics Expert https://www.calisthenicsmag.com/dominik-sky/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dominik-sky https://www.calisthenicsmag.com/dominik-sky/#comments Tue, 05 May 2015 06:33:05 +0000 http://www.calisthenicsmag.com/?p=1613 To watch Dominik Sky, is to watch pure athletic genius. There is no doubt about it.

He is a master of doing the impossible.

If you don’t believe me check him out in this video where he does what was once considered impossible. He does a clapping push up on gymnastic rings. This is freaking impressive. You can fast forward the video to the 6:43 second mark in the video. And yes he actually lite his arms and hands on fire while doing push ups on gymnastic rings.

Dominik is a creative master when it comes to pushing the fold and literally going where no man or woman has dared to go.

When you watch a Dominik Sky video, you are pretty certain that you are going to witness something out of the ordinary or just down right un-freaking believable.

When the opportunity presented itself to interview Dominik I was absolutely thrilled and honored.

I wanted to find out what makes this guy tick?

In the interview, I wanted to know his perspective on training and on life in general.

Could you tell us briefly about how you first got started in parkour and street workout?

I started with parkour about 7 years ago. When I was a kid I really liked climbing and jumping so when my brother showed me a parkour video on YouTube I loved it right away. That’s when I decided to start training this amazing sport. I didn’t have a gym or a trainer so I learned everything outside by myself. That’s also the reason I had quite a few injuries but I never gave up and I’m quite happy with the level I’m currently on.

Your videos are absolutely death defying, and the ring push up, where you drop the rings, clap and than catch the rings to finish your push up, was just incredible, where do you get your motivation and inspiration from? What drives you?

I actually started street workout in order to get in a better shape for parkour. I was quite a fat kid so in the beginning I couldn’t even perform a single pull up. But after a few years of training I got hooked and bodyweight training became a huge part of my life.

Actually I don’t know. I just love doing what I do. Once I set my mind to achieve something I don’t stop until I succeed. I know that I’m on the right path so I’m just trying to train as hard as possible and see how far I can go.

Who are your mentors or people you might respect? Why?

My biggest inspirations are Zakaveli and Ido Portal. Zakaveli because of his inhuman endurance and ruthless proper form when performing the exercises. Ido Portal because he is an incredible mover. He inspired me to work with a barbell for my lower body and also to pay more attention to mobility and flexibility. I still watch their videos every day and I hope one day I’ll be lucky enough to train with them.

What’s been the most important lesson you have learned thus far?

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you have to train no matter how you feel. Even if you are sick, even if you don’t feel like it, even if you are sick, even if your muscles feel sore, even if your elbow hurts, even if it’s cold outside. Once you skip training you can’t get it back. You did not give your best that day and if you don’t give your best you will never be where you want to be. In conclusion NEVER skip your training!

What’s an important habit that has contributed to your success both in sports and life?

Drinking at least 3 cups of coffee a day.

What I truly appreciate about our videos is that you also show the training and as we call them blooper reels or outtakes, what do you feel is vitally important that you would like to share with those newcomers or beginners when it comes to parkour and free-running?

If you are not absolutely sure when doing something then don’t do it! Trust yourself 100% and you can do whatever you set your mind to. Most of the injuries happen when you doubt yourself. I learned that the hard way… Don’t make the same mistake.

In one sentence or phrase how would you define success?

I think success is every day you go to sleep knowing that today you did absolutely everything you could to be one step closer to your dreams.

What is the one defining personality trait that you think has been important for you up to this point in your life?

Definitely stubbornness.

Your stunts are simply amazing, probably some of the best out there thus far, if you were to die tomorrow what is the legacy you want to leave?

If I die tomorrow I have to say I’d be really pissed because I feel like I still have a long road ahead of me. I just started to impact the people around me and I know this is only the beginning. I hope to become the best version of myself and inspire other people to do the same.

What was the most difficult decision you had to make?

Probably leaving college. I wasn’t satisfied with spending most of my time learning stuff I will never need in life. So I decided to leave and spend all of my time just training and learning movement, parkour, calisthenics and so on. It was really hard to bet on myself especially because my parents weren’t too happy about me leaving school. The first couple of years were pretty hard. I didn’t make any money with my free running or calisthenics so I had a few part time jobs and I spend most of the time wondering whether I’m going to make something of myself or not.

What was the best decision you made?

Also leaving college. After a couple of years the hard work finally started paying off and I’m really glad I made the right decision.

What question should I have asked you that I didn’t? Why is it important and what is the answer?

Are you a vegan or vegetarian? NO!

]]>
https://www.calisthenicsmag.com/dominik-sky/feed/ 1