02/09/2021
Message from the founder:
20 years ago sometime in September 2001, I first started Parkour after I saw a Parkour pioneer team (Yamakasi) being featured on a TV show. Then sometime in 2007, we started doing some small scale performances before finally registering the first Parkour company in Singapore, "Ashton Movements Agency" in 2009.
We had good times, we had bad times and I assured you this 13 to 14 odd years has been a wild ride. I personally grew a lot, especially during the struggles.
Having said that, for the past 2 years, the fact is something has always been at the back of my mind, which is: The original reason why I started this company was simply because, I would like to kick start something and provide a platform for the young talents to showcase their skills. Back in those days, there is often this saying that we have no talents and we have to "import" from overseas.
I started alone, and recruited a group of talented kids I trained with. Not joking, they were just between 14 to 18 while I was about 21. Zero business experience and not even a diploma. But hey, let's just see how far we go before we failed right? I even jokingly said since Singapore has nice environment to train in, Parkour Singapore may even be famous one day and produce world class traceurs.
So over the years, we did our thing. Performed for many clubs, events, National day parade, opening of youth Olympics and across various countries. From Malaysia, to Thailand and we reached as far as India.
The last few years has been rather quiet, we aren't functioning much except for some lessons. Of course, this whole Covid thing is pretty much the final nail to the coffin. But I asked myself, is there still something I should be holding on to? Should I just have a proper closure?
Going back to the original reason and vision, the company isn't doing much is also simply because since many years ago, it has already achieved its goals. To help the community grow, to showcase our talents. Actually we aren't needed anymore. If you are an entrepreneur reading this now, you may wonder why I didn't renew the company's vision. Firstly, throughout my journey, I was never really a "businessman", and I'm lacking a lot in leadership. Secondly at that point, I also doubt it may make that much difference. My priorities also changed in life.
After 20 years of Parkour and 14 odd years of running this, with the last 5 years of just dragging it around, let me officially announced the end of Ashton Movements Agency.
We wouldn't have gone this far without the support of friends and community. My final words is this, whatever you want to do, "just go ahead and try". See how far you can go. It may not last as long as you want it to be, but at the very least, you learnt something during the journey and you may still leave a legacy.
Ashton Movements Agency 2009-2021
