Do my homework for me! No really!

[Scott_LIFE180]

Now that I have your attention with my well crafted subject line...

Honestly though, I am doing a demonstration speech for my public speaking class and I would like to do it on breaking. What I would really appriciate from the good people, and the bad people, here on KF is your honest opinion as to the purpose of breaking in MA.

So if a few of you would be willing, that would be really awesome.

To give you a little more info the speech will have three parts to the main body, the first talking about the history of breaking, the second the purpose of breaking and the third the techniques of breaking followed by a quick demonstration. It has a 7-9 minute time limit so I don't need a whole heap of information, but the more the better.

[Grego]

I don't have much use for breaking.

I don't think that breaking wood, concrete or diamond is indicative to my skills as martial artist.

[bushido_man96]

I think that breaking demonstrates the abilty to channel power through technique. Most of the techniques that we do are done in such a way as to maximize the efficiency of the body's musculoskeletal system. So, by showing that we can destroy a few boards are bricks with a well done technique, we can show the efficiency and power that the body is capable of producing.

It isn't the end all, be all, like Grego mentions, but it can have its uses.

[Wa-No-Michi]

Now you just have to fit in the classic "breaking" line somewhere... and of course own it:

"Daniel: You think you could break a log like that? Miyagi: Don't know. Never been attacked by tree."

WNM

[Scott_LIFE180]

Now you just have to fit in the classic "breaking" line somewhere... and of course own it:

"Daniel: You think you could break a log like that? Miyagi: Don't know. Never been attacked by tree."

WNM

I was going to go with Bruce Lee's line, "Boards, don't hit back."

But good looking out WNM.

[Grego]

We break boards occasionally in Chito-ryu. I've never attempted to break more than two. I don't like it, I kinda think its a waste of perfectly good lumber.

[Traymond]

Chong Li also said "Good, bricks not hit you back"..

I think its a good show and good for demonstration, but thats about it. It shows how conditioned you are, and how well you can power through stuff. Its a good demonstration of your power.

But...

Learn what your breaking...dont break boards and try to break roofing tiles...

I do plan on my 25th birthday to break a baseball bat with a twisting forearm.

[the beast]

For the history of breaking, I have always heard that it was done because the people of Okinawa being banned from owning weapons needed to be able to break through samurai armor which was made of wood/bamboo. I'm not sure how true this is or if it will help or not.

[Scott_LIFE180]

Thank you all for your replies, Beast I've not heard that before, but I'll look into it.

[Grego]

Alot of samurai armor was made of iron (as per wikipedia).

Likely, it was just a way to show off.