IGN: Theminer30 Server: Parkour Detailed: So basically on the left side of where you start, there's a bunch of ice you can just jump on from. You basically skip the main part of it...
I think it's perfectly fine. The goal is to reach the end of the course by jumping from block to block. Yes, you are not doing the main course, but you can always take a detour. They haven't put in any invisible walls either so you have full access to that area.. Unless they do add them. It's not like you're going to be kicked for it either. Plus, there's more jumps ahead of you to fail on so it really doesn't matter.
The ice itself is parkour. I tried this shortcut a long time ago. It works, but you don't get a better time, and it is kinda hard as well.