Boabom

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Boabom is a system of moving meditation, active relaxation, and self-defense [1]. Its teachers stress that, while the movements learned in the art could effectively be used in a combat situation, the central aim of the practice is to heighten bodily awareness and help the student attain an optimal state of health, energy, and vitality [1]

The roots of the Art in which Boabom is based upon are identified with an ancient tradition originated in the pre-buddhist Tibet [1]. Despite the fact that Tibet is not famous for its martial arts but is more associated with Buddhism, this country has a long story in these type of teachings, including systems such as Dob-Dob [2] and Khamba wrestling systems. Some authors acknowledge the influence of these Tibetan Arts on Chinese martial arts [3] and in yoga [4]

This teaching is also described as a science of physical and mental development, a technique of self-medicine through movement, relaxation, meditation, and various forms of physical and psychological self-defense[5].

There are several specific aspects of Boabom that make it different from most other systems of currently popular exercise. First is Boabom's progressive teaching method, forming a chain of increasing complexity movements that the student is able to master one step at a time. There is neither an excessive repetition leading to boredom nor an advance that is too quick or complicated for all of the students to understand, and there is no contact whatsoever in the classes. The Boabom school follows a philosophy of doing no harm to the body; this requires no contact. As well, contact creates fear, whereas the objective is the increased self-confidence and self-security of each and every student. Finally, there is no competition or hierarchy in Boabom, and in fact the class is designed to encourage the exact opposite: an enjoyable, pleasant, fun place to learn how to move your body and focus your mind.

[edit] Practices

Boabom is a general name for a teaching comprising three distinct arts or branches:

  • Boabom or Osseous Boabom is a system of quick movements focused on speed and agility. It is often called the 'Art of Self-Medicine through Self-Defense'[1]. This branch is dedicated to the study and practice of movements that develop fast reactions, agility, self-control, balance, speed, precise reflexes, spontaneity, breathing, concentration. Also, the teaching differs from other systems for its movements are taught in a progressive way, resembling a chain in which each new movement learned is linked to the previous one.
  • Seamm-Jasani or Gentle Boabom is a slower, calmer system that consists of slow and fluid exercises that improve coordination and balance, and help to build an equilibrium between body and mind through various techniques of breathing and movement [6].
  • Yaanbao is a Boabom practice involving the use of implements. In this Art one studies the perfection of the movement, its solidity, while using different types of sticks (which differ both in length and in shape) as an extension of the body [7].

[edit] Notes & References

  1. ^ a b c d Asanaro; The Secret Art of Boabom. Penguin/Tarcher (2006) ISBN 978-1585425211.
  2. ^ Adventures of a Tibetan Fighting Monk by Khedrup, Tashi. Orchid Press (2006) ISBN 978-9748299174
  3. ^ Art of Shaolin Kung Fu, by Wong Kiew Kit. Tuttle Publishing (2002),ISBN 978-0804834391
  4. ^ Kundalini Yoga, by Satya Singh. Robin Book (1996), ISBN 978-8479271404
  5. ^ Bamso, The Art of Dreams, by Asanaro (2007)
  6. ^ The Secret Art of Seamm-Jasani, by Asanaro. Penguin/Tarcher (2003) ISBN 978-1585422418
  7. ^ The Legend of the Mmulmmat, by Asanaro. lulu.com (2007)