Carry Your Roots, Own the Floor: B-boy Oshan’s Rise to the World Stage
For B-Boy Oshan, Breaking does not start when the music begins. It starts long before that, with place, movement, and a deep sense of belonging that travels with him wherever he steps onto the floor. It is a journey of identity, of learning, and of purpose.
Born on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, Oshan grew up surrounded by sea, nature, and strong family ties. His childhood weekends were filled with camping, fishing, diving, and exploring his environment, deeply connecting him with country and community. When he moved to Brisbane at the age of six, he learned to navigate two very different worlds, city and island life, without ever losing touch with his roots. That grounding continues to shape the athlete and the person he is today.
“I am very blessed to call Thursday Island my home,” Oshan says. “My background empowers me in Breaking and in life.”
Discovering Breaking
Oshan began Breaking in 2011 at Brisbane’s street dance studio Fresh Elements. His first mentor was B-boy Versastyle (Wicked Force, Skill@Will), followed by B-boy Monsta (Team Cream, Real Artwork Crew), who later became his crewmate. Under their guidance, he discovered that Breaking was more than a dance style, it was a way to learn, grow, and connect.
Inspired by Hip Hop culture, its history, and its message of empowerment, Breaking immediately felt familiar. The more he explored its origins, the more it resonated with his own experiences of community, storytelling, and self-expression.
“The more I learned about where Breaking comes from the more it reminded me of home.” he explains
Breaking also became a framework for life lessons. Every event, every battle, every person he met offered learning experiences that shaped his character and approach to challenges.
“Breaking taught me so many life lessons,” Oshan reflects. “The people you meet, the events you go to, there’s a lesson in everything.”
Beyond competition
As Oshan matured, his relationship with Breaking evolved. It now represents balance: supporting both physical and mental health while continuing to challenge and motivate him.
“It’s something I never want to let go of,” he says. “It keeps me focused, motivated, and ready for the next challenge.”
Breaking also connects people. Across cities, cultures, and continents, it creates shared understanding through movement, fostering empowerment and inspiration.
“It’s magical,” he says simply. “When it’s done right, people really come together.”
Preparing for the stage
Oshan’s first official WDSF competition was the World Championships in Kurume, Japan, last December. Stepping onto the international stage for the first time, alongside athletes he had long admired, was both thrilling and humbling.
“It was amazing,” he recalls. “Some of the athletes there are my idols. Being able to connect with them is a memory I will always cherish.”
Each round challenged him in different ways, with every experience shaping his growth as an athlete.
“I knew my preparation wasn’t enough to reach the top 64,” he admits. “But witnessing all the action on the main stage, especially battles like Dias vs Shigekix, was unforgettable.”
Oshan approached competition with practical strategies: keeping warm, stretching, and focusing on his body and mind. These routines helped him manage nerves and stay ready for each battle.
“At the end of the day, it’s what you do on the main stage,” he says.
Kurume also shifted his mindset.
“It showed me that this is legit. It forced me to level up my game. This is something I really want to do.”
Perspective on Breaking and the global stage
For Oshan, the inclusion of Breaking in major DanceSport events is both an honour and a responsibility. From the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Breaking’s participation at Youth Olympic Games Dakar this year, to its path to return for the Olympic Programme at Brisbane 2032, this DanceSport discipline has grown into a global stage that inspires the next generation.
“Seeing how far Breaking has come since the 1970s is incredible,” he says. “Being part of a younger generation motivates me to train harder, connect more, and keep experiencing.”
When audiences or fellow athletes watch him perform, Oshan hopes they take away positivity, focus, and inspiration.
“Just positive,” he says. “That’s the message I want to convey.”
Personal reflection and goals
Breaking has taught Oshan lessons he hopes to pass on to young athletes: perseverance, humility, consistency, and a positive mindset.
“It’s always going to be challenging, but that’s why you keep going. Stay humble but confident. Talk positively. Be consistent. And remember, not everyone who smiles at you is your friend. Just keep pushing.”
Looking ahead, his goals are grounded yet ambitious: maintaining his body and spirit, traveling the world to connect with dancers, and one day competing in the Olympic Games in Brisbane 2032.
Looking ahead: ready for the battle
Now, that journey continues in real time. This weekend, B-boy Oshan steps onto the floor at the World Breaking DanceSport Festival, bringing with him movement, memory, and meaning shaped by his experiences so far. Grounded in his roots and focused on the future, he is ready to take the floor, not only as a competitor, but as an athlete carrying identity, culture, and purpose onto the global stage.
Photos Courtesy of B-Boy Oshan.
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