How Students Level Up at Freedom in Motion
Everything your family needs to know about progression at FiM.
The Big Picture
At Freedom in Motion, we don't rush students through levels. Every promotion is earned through demonstrated skill, safe technique, and the readiness to thrive in a more advanced class. We use a structured system so families always know where their student stands, what they're working toward, and how they'll get there.
Little Explorers (Ages 5 to 6)
Our youngest athletes start in the Little Explorers program, which is all about fun, basic body awareness, and falling in love with movement. This age bracket does not level up. Once students turn 7, they move into our Youth Level 1 classes, where the level system begins.
Level 1: Building the Foundation
Level 1 is where students learn the fundamentals of parkour: how to land safely, how to vault, how to roll without using their head, and how to listen and learn in a group class.
Coaches evaluate Level 1 students once per quarter. There's no formal "test" at this stage. Evaluations are based primarily on behavior, safety awareness, and the ability to perform foundational skills. Most students are ready to move into Level 2 around the 3-month mark, but every kid moves at their own pace, and that's completely normal.
Want to check in on your student's progress? Talk to your weekly coach or schedule a private lesson for a one-on-one evaluation.
Levels 2 Through 5: Skill-Based Progression
Starting at Level 2, students level up by demonstrating real parkour skills.
There are two ways to do it:
1. Level-Up Weeks (Primary Method)
Once per quarter, we run Level-Up Week across all three gym locations. During this week, Level 2+ classes are dedicated entirely to skill testing. Here's how it works:
Each level has 6 defined parkour challenges. Students run through a standardized course and must complete all 6 to level up. They get multiple attempts at each challenge during the class period, so one rough try doesn't end it. The course, setup, and standards are identical at Riverside, Murrieta, and Loma Linda.
After the test:
- All 6 completed: Your student levels up and moves into the next level the following week.
- 4 or 5 completed: Almost there. Students can finish their remaining challenges during Open Gym with a coach observing, as long as it happens before the next Level-Up Week.
- 3 or fewer completed: No worries. Students keep practicing and retake the test next quarter, or level up through ongoing skill tracking in regular classes.
2. Private Evaluations
Can't make it to Level-Up Week, or want a focused assessment outside the group setting? Students can also level up through a private evaluation with a Head Coach. This is a one-on-one session where the coach assesses all level-appropriate skills. The standard is the same as Level-Up Week, just in a private setting. Talk to your Head Coach or the front desk to schedule one.
How Long Does It Take?
Every student is different, but here's a general sense of pacing:
- Level 1 to Level 2: Around 3 months
- Level 2 to Level 3: Around 3 to 9 months
- Level 3 to Level 4: Around months
These are averages, not deadlines. Some students move faster, some take longer, and both are completely fine. The goal is real, lasting skill, not speed.
At Level 3, students are strongly encouraged to join our Competition Team, which is the primary pathway for athletes who want to push further, though Levels 4 and 5 classes are also available.
Feeling Stuck?
If your student feels like they aren't progressing, don't stay quiet. Let us know. We often work one-on-one with students in private lessons, during Open Gym, or provide extra focus in class to help anyone who feels stuck get back into a state of progression. Talk to your weekly coach or Head Coach right away. That's what we're here for.
Questions?
Here is how to reach your gym's general manager in case you have questions or need extra help.
Email us at
Murrieta: Hello@fimmurrieta.com
Loma Linda: Hello@fimlomalinda.com
Riverside: Hello@fimriverside.com