Standards for breaking

[Taikudo-ka]

I've never done any "formal" breaking, but I've had plenty of experience breaking up wood for various reasons, mostly as firewood.

 

One thing I've learnt is that the type and condition of the wood mean more than the thickness. I mean, 12" of wood don't mean jack if it's old and dry and rotten and eaten by termites.

 

Also the proportions are more important than absolute thickness. Noone could break a 2" square, 1" thick, but the same thickness 12 feet long and 2" wide is less of an issue.

 

What are the standard sizes, types and condition of wood used for breaking in karate? What about other materials?

 

Anyone care to boast of their breaking exploits? (Standardized sizes, of course...)