Breaking, or breakdancing, is a style of street dance that originated in the Bronx, New York City, in the early 1970s. It is widely recognized as one of the four original elements of hip hop culture, along with MCing, DJing, and graffiti. B-boys, or breakers, are the individuals who practice and perform breaking. Bojin is a renowned B-boy from China who has made a name for himself in the international breaking scene. In this article, we will explore his journey and style of breaking.
The Beginnings of Bojin's Breaking Journey
Bojin, whose real name is Zhang Jiawei, was born in 1985 in Shandong Province, China. When he was seven years old, he started practicing martial arts, a common activity in his hometown. He became skilled in several styles, including kung fu, taekwondo, and sanda. He continued to practice martial arts through his teenage years, but his interest in hip hop also grew. In 2003, he discovered breaking through a friend and was immediately drawn to its acrobatic movements and energetic music. He decided to pursue it seriously and started training at a local studio. At first, he struggled to find balance between his martial arts training and breaking, but he gradually developed his own style that incorporated elements of both.
The Bojin Style: Combining Power and Fluidity
Bojin's style of breaking is characterized by a unique blend of power moves and fluid transitions. Power moves are high-energy, acrobatic actions that involve spinning, flipping, and balancing on one's hands or head. Examples include windmills, flares, and airflares. Fluid transitions refer to the ways in which a breaker smoothly transitions between moves, creating a seamless flow of movement. Bojin's ability to combine these two elements has made him stand out in competitions. He is known for his explosive power, but also for the gracefulness of his movements. His signature move is the \"Bojin Flip,\" a move that combines a backflip with a swipe, a move that involves kicking one's legs in a circular motion.
The Road to Success
Bojin's dedication to breaking paid off when he won the 2012 Red Bull BC One China Cypher, an annual breaking competition hosted by Red Bull. This win earned him a spot in the BC One World Final, the most prestigious breaking competition in the world. He competed in the 2012 and 2013 World Finals, but did not make it past the first round. Despite the setbacks, he continued to train and compete. In 2016, he won the World BBoy Classic in Beijing, China, and in 2017, he reached the semifinals of the UK B-Boy Championships. He has also performed in international events, such as the Hip Hop International World Championships in Las Vegas, demonstrating his skills to audiences around the world.
B-Boy Bojin is an inspiration to aspiring breakers, both in China and around the world. His unique style and dedication to breaking have earned him recognition and respect from his peers. Breaking is not just a type of dance; it is also an art form that allows individuals to express themselves through movement. Bojin's journey is a testament to the creativity and passion that are at the heart of breaking culture. Through his performances and competitions, he has demonstrated that breaking is not only a means of entertainment, but also a way of life.
