l am new to parkour / freerunning, and am trying to get as much knowledge of the sport before l begin to do anything serious. While researching techniques, l have seen a toss-up of sites that tell me the best way to learn to jump from high ledges, is to just do it foot by foot perfecting your roll outs, and adjusting your feet to the impact. l am wondering weather using a mat would help me adjust to heights... Jumping on, perfecting the roll, then doing the same on a slightly harder surface, then grass etc. Is this a good way to do it? If so, where could l get these kind of mats? If not, how should l do this?

Yes, that is probably the best way to get started. l started by going off of a kind of short thing then worked my way up. You might be able to get one at Sports Authority. And be patient, it may take long to perfect.