Issue October 22, 2004

BOABOM by Kate R.

Boabom is an ancient art of mind and body awareness that dates back further than the popular art of 'yoga'. Boabom is based on the idea that mind and body act as one, and what you do to one directly affects the other. It's a proud and respectful art, yet the ego is left out.

Boabom provides a positive way to release pent up energy. For almost 2 months now we the Castle students have been learning the art of Boabom. We started out a little hesitant about the strange sounds and movements we had to make. We soon learned why the ego was left out. It's hard to hold any dignity while you are jumping on one foot, with your arm stretched out to the side clicking your fingers and breathing like you are in a birthing class. Eventually we felt into the smooth, tranquil yet powerful rhythm that Boabom possesses.

Every wee we take the short walk to the YMCA with our teacher Ben Kelley. The power of Boabom comes not just from the movements but from the positive power that they invoke. Each class we start out with a series of warm-ups: this gets our bodies moving. Then we move on to the movements that we learned in the past classes. Although these moves can be used as self-defense, that is not their main purpose. They are a vehicle for the flow of energy. The last part of the class is when we learn the fun new stuff. Every class we learn a new movement. We end the class with a breathing exercise and an ancient Boabom ritual. If you would like to know more about the fascinating art of Boabom you can go to www.boabom.org.