Freerunning
Defying gravity: How Pavel Petkuns redefines movement and human potential
Pavel ‘Pasha’ Petkuns, aka 'Pasha the Boss,' isn’t just a freerunner – he’s a revolutionary in the realm of human movement.
With unmatched creativity, Pavel Petkuns transforms urban landscapes into his personal playground, blending jaw-dropping athleticism with a playful, artistic edge. As a three-time Red Bull Art of Motion champion, Pasha has carved out a legacy that keeps fans and freerunners on their toes.
What sets him apart is his ability to blend movement with storytelling. Calling himself a “movement artist” he explains, “I just use my body and my skills to do some art. That’s the best way to describe it.” He’s not just jumping around; he’s reimagining what’s possible in the freerunning world, inspiring an entire generation to think beyond the basics. “I just explore it in myself, everything is movement and your body can do a lot of different types of movements. And I get super excited when I find a new way that your body can move.”
Watch him in action below:
2 min
Pasha: Lost and Found in Medellín
Watch as Pasha Petkuns shows off his skills to the thousands of people living in the Medellín comunas.
01
A journey of innovation and mastery
Starting with backflips and Taekwondo in Daugavpils, Latvia, Pasha’s athlete journey began in 2006 after watching a YouTube video of Oleg Vorslav doing parkour. Inspired, he jumped in with no formal training and never looked back.
Pavel Petkuns’ freerunning career is more than just titles – it's about redefining the sport. A three-time Red Bull Art of Motion champion (2011, 2012 and 2013), Pasha has created countless viral moments through his inventive tricks and incredible stunts. “I put up 2,000 posts. And pretty much every trick is different,” he says. Drawing inspiration from others and blending them with his own style, he’s built a repertoire that’s influenced millions worldwide.
Pasha lights up the Istanbul sky
© Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool
One of his most iconic stunts took place on Latvia’s sand dunes, where he performed a front flip dangerously close to the edge. “That one was one of the most viral,” he recalls. His more recent feats include cleverly staged falls from buildings, only to pull off an unexpected save at the last second. “...I have a big surprise element, to never let them [people] know your next move. Just when you think that you know what I'm doing, you don't,” he smirks.
Beyond competitions, Pasha took freerunning to new heights with the Human Pinball project – a decade-long dream brought to life in 2021. This wasn’t just a video; it was a cinematic masterpiece that turned an arcade game into reality. From his storytelling video series featuring the best locations of the world to working as a stuntman in movies, Pasha continues to turn everyday spaces into cinematic playgrounds.
Discover more about the world of freerunning
02
Training and preparation
For Pasha, physical preparation is the foundation of his freerunning artistry. “What I noticed is that if I spend more time in the gym and put more work into my body to be physically stronger, I can create better art,” he explains. His training combines calisthenics, plyometrics and mobility work, alongside stretching. “I do stretching because I feel like stretching is very important – maybe even more than exercising with weights, especially for me because there are a lot of impacts,” he says. “If you’re flexible, you can take impacts in a very different way.”
Pasha Petkuns redefining movement
© Samo Vidic/Red Bull Content Pool
Your body will guide you if you just listen
Freerunning outdoors is a major part of his training. He explains, “I like to go on the open floor, start rolling around, jumping over blocks. It’s like pilots – they fly for 10,000 hours and get better. It’s the same thing. Just fly your body for 10,000 hours, and you’ll be fine.”
His training philosophy has evolved over time, shifting from relentless eight-hour days to a more mindful approach. “Your body will guide you if you just listen. You don’t always have to be in the best shape; you just need to listen to your body, which is the hardest thing ever.” But one thing remains constant: his dedication. “Consistency in training helped me to grow,” he says simply.
In freerunning, the mind is as important as the body and Pasha has honed his mental strength to match his physical abilities. His ability to “zoom everything out” and focus on one thing has become his greatest mental strength. Music, too, plays a big role in his mental preparation, especially to get pumped up for a big event. For him, movement is his meditation.
03
Training for the impossible: a look at his unique routine
Pasha Petkuns is an icon in freerunning circles
© Leo Francis/Red Bull Content Pool
Now a father, Pasha’s routine is a balancing family life, creativity, and training. Mornings are spent with his daughter, but as soon as she naps, Pasha gets to work. “If I have two hours to do something for myself, I will make sure it's productive and it's worth it,” he shares.
With a home gym for strength training and a parkour gym for creativity, Pasha ensures every session fuels his artistry. His dedication to movement and adaptability allows him to maintain peak performance without compromising on life’s priorities.
04
What we can learn? Applying Pasha's approach to our own lives
A self-taught athlete, Petkuns shows us that art of movement is his way of living. His creative inspiration often comes from unexpected places – like watching a child squat in a park. “I saw this kid, butt-down to the ground, playing with a toy car. I thought, ‘I want to squat like that.’ So, I started stretching more.” He also finds ideas in streetdance styles such as breaking, or contemporary ballet.
Pasha has found a balance between striving hard and enjoying his sport that keeps him going. While he’s no longer chasing the wildest flips, he’s always looking for unique and fun ways to move. “I’m just trying to do what I love,” he says, emphasising that mastery doesn’t have to mean constantly breaking records – it’s about finding joy in the process.
Pavel Petkuns glides over the Santorini rooftops
© Predrag Vuckovic/Red Bull Content Pool
I'm just trying to do what I love
His approach combines consistency, experimentation and playfulness. Whether you’re pursuing parkour or any other passion, apply his philosophy – redefine your limits, cultivate your unique style and always keep learning.
Pasha’s story is about more than athleticism; it’s about transforming creativity into a lifestyle. His life goal is simple yet profound: “Stay healthy, train and be happy.” Whether you’re a freerunner, dancer, or someone discovering your rhythm, Pasha’s journey reminds us that with curiosity, dedication, and a bit of play, there are no limits to what we can achieve