An introduction to Boabom

Boabom is the art of active relaxation and meditation in movement. It comprises of various systems ranging from gentle movements, through active and stationary meditations, to a unique form of defence that eschews contact and competition. It creates instead a ‘non-defence’ system reaching beyond just the physical sense into the emotional and psychological realms as well. Boabom’s roots are in pre-Buddhist Tibet, but today its practice is growing around the world. Many people find its perspective a refreshing change and its exercises a profound way to develop all aspects of health. With its focus on positive energy and gradual progression, Boabom in any or all of its forms, helps to achieve those elusive twin goals of inner tranquillity and resilient vitality.

Seamm-Jasani: The perfection of quietude

Seamm-Jasani is the first major branch of the Boabom Arts. It consists of simple warm-up exercises and gentle, fluid movements, all bound closely with the fundamental force of life—the breath. These movements work with the whole body, allowing the body to be strong yet flexible. The deep breathing techniques used throughout Seamm-Jasani cleanse the body whilst channeling a strong internal energy. A class begins with a gentle warm-up designed to awaken the whole body, to stretch and work every muscle from the toes to the eyes. When this cycle is complete, more coordinative movements begin, starting with simple arm movements.

As you go through a Seamm-Jasani class, the rhythm of this breath forms the basis for the melody of the movements. This produces a deep inner relaxation and attunes our mind to positive thoughts. With its harmonious movements that reflect joy and comfort, Seamm-Jasani helps guide us towards joviality, increasing our positive energies. All of this predisposes us to face our daily lives constructively and with optimism. Because of this, Seamm-Jasani is also known as the ‘Art of Eternal Youth’.

“Self-defense is Nature’s eldest law.”
–John Dryden, British poet and dramatist

Osseous Boabom: The art of defense and energy

Osseous Boabom is the second principal branch of the Boabom Arts. It brings speed, energy and elements of defence to the same structure of exercise as a Seamm-Jasani class. The warm-ups are quicker and more intense, followed by movements and co-ordinations that can function as practical and effective defence. Yet in Boabom there is never any contact or competition; this is in fact one of its fundamental tenets and one of the many differences between Boabom and martial arts. As students learn, they gradually build a web of movements, one piece at a time, focussing on producing the maximum energy in combination with a precise technique.

In most martial arts, the expectation of being hit or having to hit, creates stress. No matter how much practice goes in, it is a thought that can run very deep, creating a hidden tension that reveals itself in a moment of stress. With Osseous Boabom, you can express your strength without the fear of aggression or the perceived danger of contact. This way you are able to maintain a clear and open mind in any moment of danger. This enables you not only to find a non-violent solution out of a threatening situation, but also to be clear and quiet in the face of stress. Thus we see that the word ‘defence’ means much more than something physical; rather, defence becomes a manifestation of resilience, of confidence and security that we can carry with us every day.

Meditation and movement in practice

In both, Seamm-Jasani and Osseous Boabom, as well as other branches of the Boabom Arts, one of the principal goals is to use the body to move the mind.

A simple breathing exercise, done a few times daily, can yield excellent results. A Seamm-Jasani or Osseous Boabom class practiced once a week helps to develop the body and mind in unison and to improve the overall state of health. You do not need to be of a certain age or physical condition, for while the practice of Osseous Boabom requires a basic level of physical fitness, Seamm-Jasani can be practiced by anyone, of any age, so long as students work within their measure, advancing slowly over time. At a Boabom school you will find students from the ages of five to 85, breathing, stretching, and working in a way that is right for them, under the guidance of an experienced teacher.

If there is no school nearby, you can learn from one of several books; there are instructional guides that provide a progressive class of several months’ duration. You can also learn the basic Seamm-Jasani breathing technique on YouTube.

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Muay Thai is a close contact combat sport, requiring quick and efficient movements. It uses only eight parts of the body: elbow, fist, knee, head, shin, ankle, upper arm and forearms. The prime objective of this sport is to take on the opponent and disable him even if he is in close contact with you.

An important part of the game is the surprise element, which comes from the eye contact that has to be maintained with the opponent at all times. That ensures that your quarry does not anticipate the direction from which you will attack. This requires sharp focus and some guesswork.

Is it different from boxing?

Boxing does not involve as much close contact as Muay Thai and there is more leg movement in boxing.

Muay Thai, on the contrary, demands more flexibility because to attack from close contact, you need to be flexible and be able to grapple swiftly. In fact, grappling can continue for long, when in a contest. This needs sheer strength.

Though Muay Thai comes across as a gruelling sport, a lot of people are now taking it up for its health benefits:

• Muay Thai helps tone your muscles. Since you are only using body strength, it gives your muscles a good workout, making them stronger and more supple. So if you’re not for heavy weight training and bulking of muscles, this is just the sport for you.
• It improves flexibility and stamina exponentially. The rigorous practice of Muay Thai helps you build resilience of mind and body. You will find that you’re better capable to take on stress because you are now stronger from within.
• It helps lose weight and keep you lean. You are constantly on the move, there’s lot of practice and you are using your entire body, which gives you an excellent work-out and burns calories.
• It improves concentration, focus and reflexes. Muay Thai involves precision, focus and planning before you can execute your move and all this has to be done in seconds, before you get knocked down by your opponent.
• It helps release pent up anger and stress. Muay Thai is particularly helpful in releasing suppressed emotions. The action of punching and kicking helps relieve frustration, leaving you feeling light and relaxed.
• It tones your abs. The kicking and punching movements need you to engage your core. Hence, after regular practice of Muay Thai, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to notice firmer and better toned abs.
• It strengthens your back. Your back muscles are engaged often and that helps relieve mild back pain.
• Regular practice of this sport helps in improving your sense of balance. You become more aware of your feelings, impulses and reflexes.
• Though you may take it up as a sport or for weight loss, the added advantage is that you learn a form of self defense that equips you to handle an emergency situation on your own, irrespective of your physical built or gender.

How is it different from other martial arts?

All forms of martial arts focus on katha—the series of warrior/dance movements. This demands a long learning curve. But in Muay Thai, even though it involves katha, the learning and preparation to become a warrior starts immediately. It is more practical than other martial arts. Nonetheless, every form of martial arts has its unique qualities.

All forms of martial arts focus on katha—the series of warrior/dance movements

The class module is such that it helps improve your focus and flexibility. Muay Thai is a tough sport, but it’s worth the challenges. It requires developing special skills, but it’s exciting and includes other forms of exercise such as power training, yoga, rope jumping and running. All this helps you prepare to punch and kick better.

Who can learn Muay Thai?

Anybody with a keen interest. Just like with any other sport or fitness activity, if you have any physical complaint, consult your physician before taking it up.

Is it a manly sport?

Muay Thai is being taken up by men and women, equally. Surprisingly, women are better at this sport because they are more committed. They may take longer to learn than men, but they learn it in more perfect form. Also, since it is a form of self-defence, it helps them protect themselves when they are on their own.

What are the chances of injury?

In Muay Thai, injury usually happens only in combat. In training, injuries may happen if there is no warm-up. But you are protected if you wear proper gloves, a shin guard and face guard [if you progress to actual punching]. Also, listening to the instructions carefully and following the rules of the sport also saves you from getting injured.

Why is it suddenly so popular?

It’s easy to learn, equips you to protect yourself and is generally a good skill to have. People always want newer ways of staying fit and this way is one of the best.

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