Boards Don't Hit Back...Or Do They?!

[sensei8]

As prophetic and simple as Bruce Lee had stated in hushed matter-of-fact, I'd like to address this famous quote of Bruce's with a tongue-in-cheek overtones, if I may.

A board doesn't hit back because it can't; I just broke it, I killed it.

It [the board] just lies on the ground in several pieces. What was once a solid piece of timber, is now no more than a heap of splinters.

Now, apply that same force, or more than that to effect the distruction of any said tameshiwara object(s) to flesh and bone, or for that fact, to me; I won't be hitting back either/anytime soon.

As incorrect applied technique(s) will loudly attest; boards will and do hit back with defined cause. Besides, I just want to give boards and the like their deserved due, credit, and/or respect so they'll feel not so...ahem...not so broken.

[MasterPain]

Just don't forget to yell at them.

[sensei8]

Just don't forget to yell at them.

[Kuma]

I agree 100%, sensei8. Breaking is actually a fairly useful tool, not for everyone obviously but it's not only fun but beneficial if done correctly and with the proper training.

[sensei8]

I agree 100%, sensei8. Breaking is actually a fairly useful tool, not for everyone obviously but it's not only fun but beneficial if done correctly and with the proper training.

Solid post!!

Tameshiwara is the meta portion of MA training, imho.

[DWx]

Hmm actually I know people and Bruce Lee meant that quote to mean "don't bother with board breaking because the boards won't hit back" (although basic mechanics tell you they will ) it actually is a pretty good way of saying "they won't hit back if you hit them hard enough first!!!"

[sensei8]

Hmm actually I know people and Bruce Lee meant that quote to mean "don't bother with board breaking because the boards won't hit back" (although basic mechanics tell you they will ) it actually is a pretty good way of saying "they won't hit back if you hit them hard enough first!!!"

I think Bruce was telling O'hara....boards don't hit back, but I/you/me DO!!

[ps1]

In all actuality, Newton's 3rd law will lead you to understand that the board hits you as hard as you hit it. Breaking it is more a matter of density and leverage than force.

[evergrey]

I love my tameshiwari! It helps me gauge how my focus is doing, and how my technique is coming along, without breaking my classmates, haha!

Well except the time I accidentally broke a couple ribs. D: I still feel bad about it, even though she smiles and laughs and said "this lump is yours!"

Anyway, pads and heavy bags also don't hit back. They are also training tools, however. They make for sustainable training. This is a good thing.

And did I mention fun?

[Martial Walrus]

Boards may not hit back, but trees do sometimes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pg1bLu_w4c

Similar thing happened to me when I tried practicing on a walnut tree. I avoid them now.