The virtues of board breaking

[bushido_man96]

Great explanation, DWx. Different types of breaking help develop different aspects of technique. I have an easier time with power breaking than I do with speed breaking.

A passing thought on this to add to the posts already made!

To break is a test ourselves, to test our mind and ability.

We fight to test our selves, breaking is no different to that!

Great point!

[wilberbear]

It is true that board doesn't hit back. Breaking is originally not from Karate, Taekwondo, Kung Fu but from an art called Kiai-jutsu which is called Kihapsul in Korean. It's Korean origin; it is from an art called sundo which is called Kooksundo today. It's the Korean version of Yoga & Qiqong. That's the origin of Breaking. I will make a post on this.

[Hawkmoon]

It is true that board doesn't hit back.

...waves on the beach ...waves on the beach! ...waves on the beach!

One of my all time favorite comments!

(In fact maybe I should list it in the pet hates thread!)

My view , not picking a fight or looking to call the fire brigade!

"Boards don't hit back!"

From the film "Enter the dragon", the line is spoken by out hero Mr. (Bruce) Lee to Oharra before the big fight!

A board in itself does not hit back, 100%, but the line and the meaning associated with it in the film context and since it was uttered on screen is a profound meaning one I get but do not agree with, sorry!

Many of us break boards in the dojo, at demonstrations, never once has a board got up dusted itself down and offered to hit us back!

We watch other Martial Artist's break boards in another demo and even at tournaments!

We fight these guys in tournaments ...

Sorry Boards do hit back, and I'd have to say when they do they tend to do so with both hands and feet as a rule!

[sensei8]

True, boards don't hit back, and as Bruce put it, and implied, BUT I DO HIT BACK!! It's not going to be that one sided because I'm not just going to stand by idle and allow you to have your way. Attack me, I'll defend myself...take a stance with arms up, and your intent seems quite clear. And unlike a static board, I won't be static, and I DO HIT BACK. Hit me, I will return the favor ten fold!!

[sarah]

I've seen so many students come to break for the first time, look at me and say "but this is impossible" and I say "no, you've learnt the technique in class, use it here to prove that good technique works" and then they break the board easily and this improves their understanding of the importance of good technique and just believing in themselves. So much of training is mental really, and breaking is an overt lesson in that.

You can say over and over why using a specific part of the hand or foot as the weapon is important, but a student doesn't necessarily grasp that until they need to break boards rather than just kick the air or some padding.

[sensei8]

I've seen so many students come to break for the first time, look at me and say "but this is impossible" and I say "no, you've learnt the technique in class, use it here to prove that good technique works" and then they break the board easily and this improves their understanding of the importance of good technique and just believing in themselves. So much of training is mental really, and breaking is an overt lesson in that.

You can say over and over why using a specific part of the hand or foot as the weapon is important, but a student doesn't necessarily grasp that until they need to break boards rather than just kick the air or some padding.

Solid post!!

Welcome to KF, Sarah; glad that you're here!!

[sarah]

Aw, thanks!