"Boards don't hit back"

[thingy]

I quite agree. Throw the boards into a holder, take a step back, then smack them. That's all the preparation you need. Though if you're trying techniques you're not used to breaking boards with then at first it's advisable to take a moment to make sure you're not going to break your toes due to standing at the wrong angle, stuff like that.

Yep, the boards do come in different strengths, for instance a white board is supposed to mimic 1" of pine, a black board 2" of pine. I've found that volume can have an effect in the solidity of the target over just the maths of adding up the numbers. For instance, 4 white boards is harder than 2 black boards.

[Shorin Ryu Sensei]

aefibird said:

Anyway, is board breaking a component of your training?

No, and if it ever comes down from the powers that be, I won't do it.

If it isn't would you like it to be?

See above.

Does it have useful value or is it just a stupid party trick?

I believe that board/brick breaking instills a sense of false confidence in a martial artist. Yes, it teaches proper fist/wrist positioning, but so does punching a heavy bag, and the heavy bag will give you a better workout. Another thing that really bugs me about breaking, is to see the MA take a dozen (or more) warmup movements, many deep inhales of breath, a loud KIAI scream, and maybe, just maybe, break the board or brick. Somebody tell me they've seen a fight where an opponent is going to stand around for 2-3 minutes or more waiting for you to psyche yourself up to deliver a "death blow"? Sorry, I see no real benefit to breaking and feel that a axe works better for making kindling.

[Aefibird]

srs said:

Another thing that really bugs me about breaking, is to see the MA take a dozen (or more) warmup movements, many deep inhales of breath, a loud KIAI scream, and maybe, just maybe, break the board or brick.

Yes, that always gets my goat too. As I said in an earlier post, as did thingy, if you're gonna break boards then just break them! Don't phart around with long warmups and lots of shouting and waving your arms around, just break the darn thing.

I agree that there are better ways of learning fist positioning, and better ways of practising hitting a hard object.

However, there can be some psychological benefit to breaking - it can overcome hurdles for some MAists who have a hear of hitting or who believe that their strikes aren't powerful.

Plus it's fun. ;D

[subzero72]

we did on a test one with the rebreakable ones I did enjoy it the problem is that sometimes I need something better to hit lol

[Andy]

Not a judgement on breaking, but just a story that came to mind.

In one style I trained in, we had to break a 2" thick board for black, which wouldn't normally be a problem, but that when we turned up for the grading, the board was held in a metal frame.
Not only was it held in a frame, but it was screwed in with clamps that pushed the grain together, where if it was held by hand, it would flex somewhat.
We had to nominate a hand to break with, and were given three attemps, but you weren't allowed to change hands.
One of the guys I was down with broke his hand on the first attempt, then proceeded to try again and again, which when I think about it now, was silly of him, and downright irresponsible of those running the grading.

For me, it can be a sense of acheivement, something to overcome like Aefibird said, but I'm under no illusion as to whether it translates into anything meaningful or not.

Can it instill false confidence in someone?
Depends on the person.
It's a bit like the Sport MMA thang, except I think that's worse.
Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate that for what it is, but I'm under no delusion as to what it isn't, in much the same way as I don't believe someone training Combat Hapkido can snatch my punches from the air.

[pasmith]

"It's a bit like the Sport MMA thang, except I think that's worse."

Out of interest could you explain this please?
Worse how?
How is sport MMA worse for the individual than breaking bits of wood?

[Andy]

pasmith said:

"It's a bit like the Sport MMA thang, except I think that's worse."

Out of interest could you explain this please?
Worse how?
How is sport MMA worse for the individual than breaking bits of wood?

Sure.
Look at the context;

Can it instill false confidence in someone?
Depends on the person.

Lee Murray could arguably be an example, but the more general delusional MMA wannabe populace appears to be becoming more of an infestation than Daniel San impersonators.

[subzero72]

jadedragon said:

The only time I got to break a board was on one of my tests and I loved it, I like to break things lol

Yes I know you do *bows*

[Aefibird]

subzero72 said:

we did on a test one with the rebreakable ones I did enjoy it the problem is that sometimes I need something better to hit lol

Rebreakable ones are alright but start to lose their "oomph" after first being broken. The join on them can get really loose. I prefer something more solid to break but if I need to just actually hit something then I always find a heavy bag is good. Or a lower grade. ;D