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Working with Sham at the Room Center honestly changed my life. Learning new forms and pushing my limits physically was one thing, but beyond that, there was a deep investigation of the philosophy behind training methods. I wasn’t entirely sure what I was looking for when I came to the center, but I left with a deeper understanding of myself not just as an athlete and martial artist, but as a human.
Life at Koom is simple in a way that can be — and should be — challenging if you’re used to the noise of modern life. The basic room is monastic, bathrooms are shared, and lights are out at 10 pm. If any of that feels like it’ll make you uncomfortable, I would say lean in: there’s really interesting self-discovery to be had in that environment. 6 am begins the training day, meals are structured, and meditation is part of the training. It’s an excellent way for anyone, regardless of their skill level, to get out of their comfort zone.
Even though you’re living a fighter’s life, it has to be said that the food is incredible: I was on a strict gluten-free/vegan diet during my training and the entire Koom family took great care of me. The retreat is on a working farm and all the food comes from there or the nearby markets.
A few things to consider going in:
WATER: Most folks will need bottled water for drinking, and tooth brushing — and depending on the time of year (temperatures in the summer can top 100 easily) — a lot of it. Budget accordingly. CASH: The nearby village is only a short walk or bike ride, but the shops only take paper currency — the Moroccan Dirham (MAD) — so be sure to have some on hand. BUGS: The retreat is on a working farm in nature, so bug spray is great, but won’t keep everything away. Make your peace with a few little critter friends here and there. TOILETRIES: Bathrooms are shared so a dorm-style kit is your best bet.
All that said, Sham is an incredibly perceptive and accommodating leader, and usually knows if someone needs something before they’ve asked. He was always open to requests and suggestions and is great about checking in with your progress.
If you’re a new fighter looking to build skills, or an experienced martial artist, yogi, or athlete looking to rediscover a connection to your practice, Koom is an amazing place to visit. I’m planning to return, and I hope I’ll...
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Best Experience of My Life!
I first attended Koom at the end of December 2023, seeking an experience that would push my fitness and help me get into shape. The experience I received was so much more. The training was amazing; I learned so much in a short space of time, my fitness was pushed through fun exercises, and I felt leaner and faster.
The days were structured in a way that provided enough flexibility to train, recover, and have time to oneself. It was great to have my own room; after a training session, it was nice to have my own space, and the rooms were lovely. The staff was a highlight; the team worked so well together, and it felt like everyone was part of a massive family. The food was fresh, served at the same time every day, punctually, with a range of options each day.
What made the experience memorable were the people. When you leave Koom, you have the option to join a community WhatsApp chat. One of the messages invited us to come back in February 2024, and I took up this invitation, spending another week at Koom. It was a great chance to further extend my fitness and learn different martial arts training. I wish I could have stayed longer; I will definitely be back sometime this year!
Everything is organised around you and for you: the food, the training, equipment, transport to and from the airport. I just had to book my flight, and everything else was sorted, which made the experience stress-free.
In addition to the training, which I didn't expect to have an impact on, was my mental health. I have a busy life, working in a busy city and rarely taking time off. Being at Koom gave me a chance to reflect, provided tools to develop, and offered space to really figure out what my goals were and how to achieve them. There are different parts of Koom to experience, and each time I went, it was completely different but equally amazing. I highly recommend it...
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Koom...where do I even start to try to put into words if there is even any that can fully express the feeling of the warm, kindness, caring and understanding you receive at koom from the moment you arrive from Sham and his wonderful family in their beautiful home on the most amazing scenic working farm there is. You can feel you have arrived somewhere special from the moment you enter into the environment that's been created out of pure love and understanding. It truly and really is special there and its not just the senary but its the complete package with also the such unbelievable teachings and training you receive there at koom, and its not just the amazingly challenging physical training that suits everyones abilities, but its the mental teachings you receive also with the meny difference techniques in meditation and the wonderful eye and mind opening talks in the common room at the end of each day were truly magical for me and life enhancing and changing, I can not praise koom enough from my experience there and the food a meal time's is also just second to none in the preparation and quality and love that the food is made with for you to enjoy. All in all I can not honesty point out one bad fault about the place and I can not wait for my return there to learn more again on so meny more things. ..you know the expression..."you jump and the universe will catch you"...well for me that really did ring true in my deciding to go to Koom and really and truly it was the best and most positive decisions i made for myself in years apon years and i came away feeling so greatful to myself that I did take the jump and I hope my words here inspire meny others to take the jump also and to be kind to yourself and go visit koom and receive whatever it is you seek because it truly is all here waiting for you in whatever it is you need and desire from within...
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