AOM Journeys Await You.
“Stories in Motion, Somatic Discovery, Movement, Play & Creative Expression”
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In New York City and internationally, AOM fuses martial arts, theatre, dance, somatics, and storytelling into immersive journeys of self-discovery and creative expression:
Each workshop is designed to challenge, heal, grow skills, and inspire through an embodied practice that connects body, mind, and spirit.
From the energy of the stage to the intimacy of shared movement, these workshops offer a unique opportunity to explore your body’s intelligence, adapt to stress and conflict, and express your personal story through the power of movement and performance.
Explore and elevate your practice.
For those looking to deepen their practice at their own pace, AOM offers a tiered training program designed for easy access with minimal time commitment. With structured at-home training, you can start your movement journey from anywhere.
Join our AOM Movement Community today—whether live in the studio or from the comfort of your home—and step into a space where transformation happens through Movement, Play, and Creative Expression".
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Holistic Education for All
AOM is founded on three guiding principles:
Every person with a physical body is capable of lifelong learning and development.
Every individual has a story to convey that can change the world.
"Everyone has the ability to cultivate movement awareness, unlocking a deeper connection to human experience, nature and universal knowledge."
Based on these principles, AOM is dedicated to cultivating a platform where the awareness, skill, and culture of human movement are central to a comprehensive, holistic education. We aim to empower and train the polymath within each of us.
At AOM, our work is centered on healing, education, and creativity, all driven by embodied wisdom and kinesthetic learning. We champion the essential value of somatic awareness, storytelling, and movement arts as intangible cultural heritage, recognizing their profound impact on personal and societal growth. These aspects, often neglected in conventional education, are crucial to restoring a more holistic learning environment across all areas of society.
Our mission is to reintroduce these vital elements into the heart of education, creating a platform that unites science, tradition, and innovation into a shared global culture. We provide individuals, communities, and organizations with the tools to cultivate their "physical instrument"—a concept that transcends the mere physical body and embraces the dynamic interplay between consciousness and movement.
A key aspect of our work lies in challenging and reshaping body culture through kinesthetic learning, encouraging the exploration and expression of personal narratives through interdisciplinary art forms. By advancing a science-informed, holistic education, we seek to address the needs of both the present and the future.
AOM’s media channel is committed to showcasing how people from all walks of life experience and understand their bodies. We highlight the work of historical and contemporary experts dedicated to kinesthetic learning, practice, and culture, contributing to a global, democratic society's holistic growth.
We believe that true democracy begins with the body. To achieve equality, education must include an awareness of what we share as human beings before the acquisition of verbal language and learned skills. Language, often tied to social class and privilege, can divide us. However, movement is a universal language that transcends these barriers. By examining our shared physical heritage, informed by millennia of kinesthetic anthropology, we can begin to address the biases and histories that shape our current world.
Humanity's shared education in physical practice is our most fundamental connection—our ability to move, tell stories, and develop throughout our lives. By exploring movement across cultures and contexts, we uncover both our shared human experience and the uniqueness of each individual. Movement, therefore, becomes a practice of empathy, curiosity, and compassion, fostering a deeper understanding of others and ourselves. Moreover, through the study of movement, we can connect with other species and the non-living world, developing a spiritual practice that transcends religion and cultural divisions.
AOM is dedicated to fostering creativity, discovery, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be alive as an evolving, communicating, and developing human being.
As a teacher, I dedicate my work to my ancestors, family, friends, and all the teachers, scientists, artists, and inspirations who have influenced me. Whether through formal education, personal research, or the wisdom passed down through generations, these figures represent a vast universe of knowledge. I apologize for any I may have overlooked.
Names such as George Hebert, Etienne Decroux, Moshe Feldenkrais, Jean Pierre Barral, Andrew Taylor Still, William Sutherland, Ida Rolf, Thomas Myers, Vladimir Vasiliev, Michael Ryabko, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, B.K.S. Iyengar, T.K.V. Desikachar, Joseph Hubertus Pilates, Eugen Sandow, Max Sick, Alexander Zass, Charles Atlas, Jack LaLanne, Pavel Tatsouline, Francois Delsarte, Jean Louis Barrault, Jacques Lecoq, Antonin Artaud, Marcel Marceau, Jerzy Marian Grotowski, Augusto Boal, Viola Spolin, Anton Chekhov, Konstantin Stanislavski, Vsevolod Meyerhold, Lee Strasberg, Sanford Meisner, Molière, Shakespeare, Rudolph Laban, Pina Bausch, Martha Graham, Ohad Naharin, Steve Paxton, Gabrielle Roth, Keith Johnstone, Charlie Chaplin, Guy Laliberté, Anne Bogart, Bruce Lee, Yip Man, Morihei Ueshiba, Kano Jigoro, Zhang Sanfeng, Master Zhang, Wang Zhi Peng, Wong Shun-leung, Nino Bernardo, Hélio Gracie, Antonio Damasio, Immordino Yang, Daniel Wolpert, George Lakoff, Andrew Huberman, and many others have laid the foundation for our culture and education of embodiment, storytelling, and the cultivation of mind-body-spirit awareness.
Through AOM, we strive to honor their legacies and continue building a rich, inclusive, and holistic approach to education and growth in movement.
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AOM: The Art of Movement, Awareness of Motion, Anthropology of Movement
AOM is a transformative coaching system founded on the primal vibration of "OM," representing the essence of creation. Developed by Ben Hemmer Liu, AOM blends movement, awareness, and personal growth into a powerful journey of self-discovery and creative expression. More than just a practice, AOM is a pathway to understanding the body’s potential through a fusion of martial arts, dance, theatre, somatics, and personal development.
The Vision Behind AOM
Born from Ben Hemmer Liu’s passion for using movement as a universal language, AOM integrates multiple disciplines to offer a holistic approach to growth. This system helps you explore the deeper layers of your being, empowering you to grow both personally and creatively.
A Holistic Path to Personal Growth
AOM offers a comprehensive learning experience through private coaching, workshops, and immersive retreats. Whether you're seeking to deepen your practice or inspire others, AOM provides the tools and community to help you thrive.
The 5 Elements of the AOM Journey:
The Forge: Cultivate resilience and inner strength through dynamic martial arts and combative practices.
The Stage: Free your voice and express your truth through breathwork, vocal awareness, and storytelling.
The Lab: Dive into creativity and artistic exploration through physical theatre and somatic arts.
The Sanctuary: Ground yourself in somatic practices and emotional intelligence to find stability.
The Retreat: Celebrate growth, deepen your mastery, and connect with a global community through integrative retreats.
What AOM Offers:
Progressive Framework: A science-based system for optimizing performance in mind, body, and spirit.
Creative Expression: Develop your unique voice through movement arts and storytelling.
Personalized Training: Customized programs to support your individual goals and growth.
Educational Content: Access expert insights, video programs, and more to refine your practice.
Brilliant Community: Join a supportive, vibrant network of like-minded individuals committed to transformation.
Join the AOM Journey
Step into a new realm of learning with AOM. Whether you're seeking personal growth, creative expression, or community connection, AOM offers the tools, support, and space to explore your full potential.
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The Art of Movement: Introducing The 5 Elements
A framework designed to guide you through a transformative process. Train your mind, body, and spirit through the integration of 5 dynamic elements of transformation.
🔥 Fire: The Combative Body
Space: The Forge
Archetype: The Warrior
Focus: Courage, Strength, Mobility, Resilience
Description:
The Warrior archetype embodies bravery, strength, and discipline. In this space, you’ll tap into your inner warrior to build physical strength and mental resilience. This element empowers you to face challenges head-on with determination and unwavering confidence, channeling the energy of fire to fuel your journey.Practice Overview:
Engage in dynamic martial arts and cross-disciplinary movement. Utilize functional training with bells, clubs, maces, and animal-inspired patterns to transform your energy into action, fortifying your body and mind.🌬️ Air: The Articulate Body
Space: The Stage
Archetype: The Storyteller
Focus: Breath, Voice, Communication, Knowledge
Description:
The Storyteller archetype is the communicator of truth. This space invites you to refine your communication skills, express your thoughts clearly, and discover the power of your voice. Focus on breath control, clarity of speech, and expressive gestures to enhance your ability to connect and inspire through storytelling.Practice Overview:
Master breath, voice, and storytelling to articulate your truth with confidence. Develop your communication skills, refine your personal narrative, and explore new creative ways to express emotions.💧 Water: The Creative Body
Space: The Lab
Archetype: The Alchemist
Focus: Creativity, Adaptability, Flow, Emotion
Description:
The Alchemist archetype embodies transformative creativity and fluidity. In this space, you’ll explore your creative potential through movement, dance, and physical theatre. Work with theater masks and engage in cross-disciplinary art to express emotions and cultivate deeper connections with yourself and others.Practice Overview:
Tap into your creativity through movement and collaborative performances. Embrace the fluidity of life, express your emotions through art, and discover new ways to engage with your creative self.🌍 Earth: The Grounded Body
Space: The Sanctuary
Archetype: The Seeker
Focus: Stability, Mindfulness, Awareness, Presence
Description:
The Seeker archetype is about grounding and introspection. In this space, you’ll foster mindfulness and stability through somatic practices and meditation. Cultivate inner peace and presence, rooting yourself in the present moment to navigate life with clarity and purpose.Practice Overview:
Anchor yourself through somatic coaching and mindfulness practices. Ground your mind and body, enhancing awareness and inner peace as you move through life with stability and intention.🌟 Spirit Quintessence: The Integration of All Elements
Space: The Retreat
Archetype: The Teacher
Focus: Integration, Wholeness, Celebration, Community
Description:
The Teacher archetype represents the culmination of your journey. In this space, you’ll experience the harmonious integration of Fire, Air, Water, and Earth through retreats, teacher training, and community-building. Celebrate your transformation and connect with a supportive community of like-minded individuals.Practice Overview:
Engage in retreats and teacher training to integrate the elements. Embrace the full spectrum of your transformation, while learning to guide and inspire others in their own journeys.
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AOM is the primordial vibration of creation also transcribed as OM or AUM.
It also stands for
Anthropology of Movement: Connect with the rich tapestry of human movement, history, and culture.
Awareness of Movement: Cultivate a deeper understanding of your body's unique expression and story.
Art of Movement: Engage with your peers in an innovative practice that inspires creativity and vitality.
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As a certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, martial artist, actor, and movement educator, my journey has been shaped by a deep understanding of movement as a transformative tool. I’ve dedicated my career to exploring the intersection of physicality, creativity, and personal growth. Through my work, I have had the privilege of guiding diverse populations, including:
Individuals with neurological and physical challenges such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke recovery, chronic pain, and spinal injuries.
Dancers, martial artists, and actors seeking to deepen their physical expression and refine their creative practice.
School children, fostering early kinesthetic awareness and confidence.
Busy professionals looking to incorporate movement and mindful practices into their daily lives for better health and balance.
Each unique experience has enriched my approach to movement as a holistic practice. My philosophy is simple: Movement is a language—one that connects body, mind, and spirit. It serves as a bridge to self-awareness, unlocking creative potential, and fostering a deeper connection to our authentic selves.
Mission:
My mission is to empower individuals through movement, helping them rediscover the inherent power of their bodies, unlock their creative potential, and build meaningful connections with themselves and others. By integrating a holistic approach to movement—one that bridges body, mind, and spirit—with my expertise in somatic practices, I aim to guide clients on their journey of self-discovery and transformation.
In recent years, I have begun incorporating a scientific approach to my work, documenting case studies and assessing outcomes to understand the profound impact of movement on both the body and mind. While my background is rooted in practical experience, my studies in academia—particularly in psychology, anatomy, and exercise science—alongside my training with osteopaths and physical therapists, have reinforced my desire for hands-on practice and real-world application. I am now exploring ways to scientifically validate the transformative effects I’ve observed in individuals, including those with neurological conditions, dancers, and martial artists.
By approaching movement education in this way, I aim to provide clients not only with a personal, intuitive experience but also with data-driven insights into how these practices can improve their physical and mental well-being. Through ongoing case studies and documentation, I seek to refine my methods and contribute to the broader understanding of movement as a tool for healing and growth.
A Global Journey in Motion
My journey began in a whirlwind of cultural shifts and global events. Born in India and raised amidst the world’s conflicts and transformations, my early years were shaped by my father’s career as a photojournalist, capturing pivotal moments in history: from the streets of Los Angeles to the battlefields of Afghanistan, the Tiananmen Massacre, and the Fall of the Soviet Union. My upbringing immersed me in a world of constant motion and adaptation. My parents, fleeing wars and revolutions, imparted in me a deep understanding of resilience and a global perspective.
Growing up, I experienced a rich tapestry of cultures and languages. My childhood was a dance between French, English, Chinese, and Russian influences. My family’s diverse background—my mother’s French-Algerian heritage, my father’s Chinese-American roots, and our shared experiences across various countries—shaped my adult life, spent between Paris, Beijing, New York City, and now Lisbon, instilling in me a profound appreciation for movement and identity.
Movement as a Language
Movement is more than a physical act; it’s a language that conveys our deepest truths. Traditional anatomy often dissects the body into parts, but this view can obscure the interconnectedness of our physical and emotional systems. Muscles do more than move; they protect, creating tension patterns that are often overlooked in conventional fitness culture. Understanding and harnessing these patterns is a journey of both therapeutic and linguistic exploration.
Trauma and emotional tension are intricately connected to our body’s organization. Healing requires awareness, skill, and the support of others. Group energy and shared experiences play a crucial role in this process, challenging the individualistic approach to healing often seen in Western societies. My coaching integrates these insights, emphasizing the power of collective energy and external observation in personal growth.
Body Awareness and Identity
Body awareness shapes our interactions with the world and influences our perceptions, decisions, and habits. It’s a fundamental aspect of our consciousness, rooted in our evolutionary biology. Despite our modern, visually dominant society, ancient systems of perception and movement remain crucial for our well-being.
My upbringing, influenced by diverse cultures and physical practices, underscores the importance of body awareness. From my grandmother’s athletic pursuits to my mother’s dedication to dance and qigong, movement was always central to my life. These experiences have informed my approach to coaching, highlighting the need for a holistic understanding of the body and its role in our lives.
The Philosophy of Movement
Movement is a universal truth, a mystery that humanity has explored physically, intellectually, and spiritually. My work as a teacher has involved developing a framework that uses movement as a core principle, revealing the deep connections between movement, knowledge, and human experience.
Traditional education often neglects the body, promoting a sedentary culture that undermines our physical potential. I believe that movement is not just a physical practice but a source of intelligence and self-discovery. This perspective challenges conventional views and emphasizes the importance of embodied education in our evolving world.
Embracing the Future
Despite technological advancements and evolving understandings, movement remains an elusive truth. Our identities and perceptions of the body are in constant flux, influenced by consciousness and societal behaviors. The journey of discovery and practice is ongoing, inviting us to explore movement and self-awareness through structured play and collective engagement.
In essence, my approach integrates the wisdom of ancient practices with modern understanding, aiming to foster growth, healing, and connection through movement. I invite you to join me in this exploration, embracing the profound and transformative power of movement in our lives. My educational approach integrates movement and mindfulness, utilizing the four elements—Fire for physical endurance, Air for dynamic expression, Water for creative adaptability, and Earth for somatic stability—to enhance personal growth.
"Movement education isn’t just about training the body—it’s about awakening the neural pathways that shape perception, expression, and skill. What emerges is the untold story of you."
The Art Of Movement Framework: 5 Elements for Transformation and Growth
Transform your movement practice into a powerful language, training mind, body, and spirit through five dynamic elements.
Each workshop follows a clear structure, allowing space for personal and collective expression.
The Retreat - Integration & Reflection
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