Your Kinesthetic Education Journey Awaits
"Uncover Your Body’s Language: AOM Celebrates Your Unique Movement."
"Emotional and physical wellness thrive in our ability to share a common language—a language rooted in our physicality, music, and the body. Through movement, we unlock creativity and nurture a sense of community."
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AOM signifies Supreme Power—named after the Primal Vibration in Vedic Scripture, from which all sounds and creation emerge
"A Transformative Kinesthetic Journey":
Developed by Ben Hemmer Liu, AOM is a Coaching System and School of Kinesthetic Learning, Creativity, and Personal Development that fuses movement, awareness, and personal growth into a powerful journey of self-discovery. More than an acronym, AOM stands for the 'Art of Movement', 'Awareness of Motion', and 'Anthropology of Movement'—all rooted in the primordial sound AUM or OM, the vibration initiating all creation referenced in Hinduism and Yogic Culture. This system transcends traditional approaches, inviting you to explore the deeper layers of your being through embodied practice.
Origin Story: The Vision Behind AOM
AOM was born from Ben Hemmer Liu’s passion for movement as a universal language and a tool for profound self-discovery. Drawing on his extensive background in martial arts, dance, theatre, yoga, and somatics, Ben envisioned a transformative system that would blend these disciplines into a unified, life-changing educational experience.
A Holistic Approach to Personal and Professional Growth
AOM offers a comprehensive learning experience through private coaching, hands-on workshops, immersive retreats, and integrative teacher training. Whether you seek to deepen your personal practice or inspire others, AOM provides the tools and support you need to thrive.
Our Commitment: Building a Global Community
We are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can explore their potential, connect with like-minded practitioners, and contribute to a global movement of embodied awareness. Our retreats and training programs celebrate the richness of movement and the transformative power it holds.
Join Us on This Journey
Step into a new realm of learning with AOM and discover how transformative movement and awareness can be. Embrace the opportunity to grow, explore, and connect with a community dedicated to the art of movement and self-discovery.
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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, 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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The AOM Vibe: Explore, Evolve, Thrive
Ben Hemmer Liu's Coaching System is a holistic educational framework and community dedicated to movement culture, research, education, and play. We believe our physical instrument is imbued with power and that mindful movement is a boundless source of intelligence, growth, and wellness. To fully harness this potential, we create dedicated spaces for embodied practice and engagement with the broader movement community.
Journey to 5 Spaces for Growth and Connection
Ignite Your Strength – Enter The Forge
Cultivate inner strength and resilience through dynamic, combative practices. Harness your inner fire, strengthen your skills, and set clear boundaries.Free Your Voice – Step onto The Stage
Unleash your expressive potential with breathwork, vocal awareness, and storytelling. Expand your breath, express with clarity, and explore and communicate your truth.Dive into Creativity – Enter The Lab
Embrace fluidity and artistic exploration through physical theatre, dance, and somatic arts. Play and create, navigating the flow of your creative essence.Find Your Ground – Enter The Sanctuary
Ground yourself with contemplative practices and somatic education. Root yourself in the earth, cultivate emotional intelligence, and find inner stability.Celebrate, Integrate, and Lead – Enter The Retreat
Engage in our Integrative Retreats and Professional Development Programs. Deepen your mastery of the AOM system, expand your professional skills, and cultivate your role as a leader and guide within our vibrant community.
The 5 Elements of Your Body
The Empowered Body
Harness your inner fire, strengthen your skills, and set clear boundaries.The Grounded Body
Root yourself in the earth, cultivate emotional intelligence, and enhance your stability.The Articulate Body
Expand your breath, express with clarity, and communicate your truth with confidence.The Experimental Body
Embrace creative flow, play, and make art through movement.The Teaching Body
Develop your role as a leader and guide, integrating and applying AOM principles to inspire and lead others.
What I Offer
Progressive Framework
A science-based system developed through extensive practice and research to achieve peak performance in mind, body, and spirit through personal and group training.Personal Development
Self-inquiry, healing through somatic care, breathwork, and meditation.Stress Management & Resilience
Skills for managing stress, improving emotional and physical resilience, and self-defense training through combatives and martial arts.Creative Expression
Tools for developing creative expression through integrated movement arts and storytelling.Flexible Training Options
Train at home or in my studio, with opportunities for growth and community engagement through group workshops.Educational Content
Access a range of video programs addressing specific topics like back pain and movement challenges, crafted in collaboration with experienced professionals including guest teachers and content experts.Integrative Retreat & Professional Development
Celebrate, integrate, and lead through our Integrative Retreats and Professional Development Programs. Deepen your mastery of the AOM system, enhance your professional skills, and elevate your role as a leader within the community.
My Approach
My approach is a 5-element framework, honed through professional certifications and a lifetime of personal practice. It integrates insights from teachers, scientists, and artists across dance, theatre, martial arts, psychology, and healing.
Holistic Support
A blend of somatic psychology, education, martial arts, personal training, and physical theatre to support your journey to optimal health, creativity, and self-discovery.Empowerment
Dedicated to helping you grow and thrive in all aspects of your life—whether improving fitness, deepening your mind-body connection, refining performance skills, or enhancing communication.Personalized Training
Offering individualized attention, goal-oriented programming, and a commitment to excellence to help you build confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve lasting results.Scientific Approach to Movement
Grounded in the latest research in kinesiology, neuroscience, and psychology, our methods are designed to optimize movement efficiency and enhance body awareness. By understanding how the body functions and responds to different practices, we tailor our training to promote sustainable growth and prevent injury. This evidence-based approach ensures that you receive the most effective and safe training methods, empowering you to unlock your full potential.Anthropology of Movement
Dive deep into the study of human movement as a fundamental aspect of our cultural and personal identity. Our approach explores how movement reflects and shapes our understanding of ourselves and our world, integrating diverse practices and philosophies to enrich your experience.Podcasts & Media
Engage with our podcast series featuring in-depth discussions on movement, personal growth, and interviews with guest teachers and experts in the field. Explore various facets of movement and its impact on our lives through engaging and informative content.
Experience the transformative power of personalized training and coaching and community workshops. Let's embark on this journey together and strive for your best self.
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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 Integrated Through 5 Dynamic Elements of Transformation.”"
Spirit Quintessence : The Integration of All Elements
“Movement Education Unveils the Language of Your Body, Revealing the Powerful Stories, Skills, and Knowledge Within. Kinesthetic Education and neuroplasticity is a lifelong arc, living in embodied memory, shared with our peers and passed on to future kin.” ”
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Awareness of Movement: Cultivate a deeper understanding of your body's unique expression and story.
Art of Movement: Engage with innovative practices that inspire creativity and vitality.
Anthropology of Movement: Connect with the rich tapestry of human movement, history, and culture.
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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.
Kinesthetic Foundations
Description:
Structured at-home training designed for ease of access and minimal time commitment. Perfect for those starting their movement journey.
Key Benefits:
Engaging articles and podcasts tailored for foundational movement resources.
Sneak peeks of innovative training materials and workshops.
Insights from my personal journey and guest experts.
Movement Collective
Description:
Structured at-home training designed for ease of access and minimal time commitment. Perfect for those starting their movement journey.
Community-focused learning with opportunities for peer feedback and interaction. Ideal for those looking to deepen their connection with others.
Key Benefits:
Interactive sessions with guest teachers to enhance learning.
Connect with like-minded individuals in a vibrant community.
Opportunities for collaborative practice and feedback.
Engaging articles and podcasts tailored for foundational movement resources.
Sneak peeks of innovative training materials and workshops.
Insights from my personal journey and guest experts.
Mastery & Mentorship
Description:
Personalized coaching with tailored training plans and expert insights. Suitable for those committed to their growth and mastery in movement.
Community-focused learning with opportunities for peer feedback and interaction. Ideal for those looking to deepen their connection with others.
Structured at-home training designed for ease of access and minimal time commitment. Perfect for those starting their movement journey.
Key Benefits:
Exclusive access to one-on-one coaching sessions.
Customized resources to support your unique journey.
Continuous feedback and mentorship from experienced practitioners.
Interactive sessions with guest teachers to enhance learning.
Connect with like-minded individuals in a vibrant community.
Opportunities for collaborative practice and feedback.
Engaging articles and podcasts tailored for foundational movement resources.
Sneak peeks of innovative training materials and workshops.
Insights from my personal journey and guest experts.