Ultimate challenge for MK Gallery Street Arts coach

Ruel DaCosta, MK Gallery’s partner in Parkour for its Street Arts programme since 2021, is toughening up for his latest role as a professional Ninja warrior athlete on one of the most challenging series on television, Ninja Warrior UK, which returns to our screens on 3 September.

Fortunately, the local Fishermead resident has solid credentials to commence battle on the TV show which is seen by many as the ultimate test of strength and courage. Ruel has built up more than 20 years’ experience as an international Parkour athlete, actor, stuntman, obstacle consultant for TV and film, choreographer, personal trainer, Pilates instructor and Parkour coach.

Ruel has been running the Gallery’s Street Art Summer workshops for local young people and on Thursday 1 September there will be a FREE performance in Margaret Powell Square at which participants on the programme and members of Paramount Parkour’s Elite squad will be demonstrating their Parkour skills for all to enjoy. After the performance, children from the audience will be invited to learn a parkour move taught by a member of the Elite squad.

Ruel said, ‘For over 15 years I have been teaching parkour in and around Milton Keynes. Parkour has given me a platform to work with 1000s of young people and engage with them on a completely different level, earning their trust and respect. Then using this opportunity to teach them to have respect for fellow humans, themselves, and property. To be brought on to this project means a lot to me. Young people are the future of this city and many of them do not have the best of starts, so giving them these opportunities could be life changing.’

The Street Arts performance is ticketed, and free tickets are available from the Gallery box office or via the MK Gallery website.

Street Arts is funded by Safer MK and promotes and anti- knife crime message. Join them in preparing for a safe and peaceful academic year 2022-2023.