Why so Destructive?

Why Martial Artists Break Wooden Boards and Other Objects: Purpose and Significance

Martial artists break wooden boards, bricks, and other objects for several reasons, which include demonstrating power, testing technique, building confidence, recruitment and providing a form of entertainment.

Students often ask when they are going to break a board in their enthusiasm to be part of something they see as an almost mystical power.  I remember the first time I broke a board, it wasn’t even during training.  I had been practicing the Martial Arts for about 2 years, I was a freshman in high school, and my homeroom was the Wood Shop.  Homeroom was an intimidating place especially since the Teacher was rarely there until the last minute to release us.  I was a small freshman, though confident.  One day two of the more volatile guys, both football players, one huge the other average size, were trying to break a board with no luck. The bigger guy, Darren Rule (no joke) was getting frustrated.  I don’t know why I did, but I walked over and asked if I could try.  The first thing I noticed was they were holding the board with the grain horizontal.  I asked if I could see the board, it was a solid ¾ inch pine board.  I handed it back to Darren with the grain vertical, they didn’t notice the difference.  Again I had never broken a board but I understood the principles of power, focus and targeting through an object (thanks to a lot of bag work).  I took a deep breath centered myself and with one thrust snapped the board in two!  Darren and his friend stood stupefied as I walked away without comment.  Fortunately the teacher entered and released us so I was able to avoid their questions and requests for a repeat performance.  Needless to say while we never became friends they also never hassled me the way they did other kids of my stature! 

I share this memory because as a Martial Artist I have never put a lot of value on breaking things.  That said I can speak to the reasons it is popular and can be a helpful tool.

Demonstrating power: It does make a powerful demonstration and it always adds to the mystical marvel of younger students!  Breaking objects serves as a way to showcase strength, speed, and power. When a Martial Artist breaks boards or other objects, they are providing a tangible example of the effectiveness of their training and the force they can generate. This display of power can be an important aspect of martial arts recruitment, demonstrations and competitions, as it allows spectators to witness the martial artist’s abilities firsthand.

Testing technique: While I think there are better testing techniques, breaking objects can be a useful training tool for martial artists to test and refine their techniques. In order to successfully break a board or other object, they must execute their strikes with precision, which demonstrates a proper understanding of body mechanics, and focus. This practice encourages martial artists to pay close attention to their technique, to avoid injury, which can help them improve their overall skills.

Building confidence: My least favorite reason in support of breaking.  Some see successfully breaking objects as a way to give martial artist’s a sense of accomplishment and help build their self-confidence. Overcoming the challenge of breaking a board or brick can be an empowering experience, as it reinforces the martial artist’s belief in their own abilities and the effectiveness of their training.

Entertainment and tradition: In some cases, breaking objects is incorporated into martial arts demonstrations as a form of entertainment.  When used this way often various cheats are employed to insure success and exaggerate the action (more on this in another article).  The dramatic visual of breaking boards, bricks, or other objects can captivate an audience and add an element of excitement to a performance and thereby help with recruitment. Additionally, breaking has been a part of martial arts traditions for centuries, particularly in styles such as Taekwondo and Karate. Maintaining this practice helps preserve the heritage of these martial arts and connects modern practitioners to their historical roots. Which I feel is the strongest reason to support breaking objects, tradition can rarely be over emphasized. 

While breaking objects is an impressive and popular aspect of martial arts, it is essential to remember that it is just one component of a much broader system of training that encompasses self-defense, physical fitness, mental discipline, and personal growth.  Demonstrations of Control can be more difficult to master and often more impressive if less showy!

Please follow and like us: