Eric-TKD

I know a lot of arts nowadays practice breaking wood and brick and the like, but is it neccesary? My school doesn't practice breaking of any kind, and I'm wondering if I'm missing out on something important. My Master is a 7th Degree Blackbelt, and I believe he was taught by a former student of General Choi himself. So I'm wondering if breaking is something important or just an on-the-side sort of thing used to chart progress. Wasn't breaking originally used to impress Americans and convince them to practice martial arts anyway? Sorry if this topic has already been discussed, I'm new.

Heh...I practice ITF Tae Kwon-Do and we are definitely taught to execute front kicks using the ball of our foot. I think in the end it makes much more sense to use the ball of your foot, as using the top, or instep, could result in injury pretty easily. Of course if you've got shoes on it may be a different story all together.

Whoa...I wasn't expecting so many people to respond..heh. Thanks guys.

Here is something written by my Master regarding Tae Kwon Do and what it is: "Tae Kwon-Do is an international martial art 'originating in Korea,' which teaches the scientific use of the body in methods of self-defense." The above quote is reffering to ITF Tae Kwon Do, but I think it's ridiculous to think that any form of martial art that teaches you how to block, kick, punch, etc. would be useless in a situation where you needed to defend yourself.

Hey guys, I just recently stumbled upon these forums, and I think they're great. I look forward to posting, and it's great to find so many fellow martial artists on the 'net in one place!