Breaking tests are commonly used in taekwon-do (and other martial arts) to test or demonstrate the power and effectiveness of various techniques.
Breaking tests are a good way to practice concentration, power, focus, speed, and accuracy on objects other than people, without injuring yourself or someone else.
Your body as a weapon
It is important to understand that you need to use the best possible technique, because you can easily suffer injuries, sometimes even permanent ones. By breaking objects, you become aware that your own body is a powerful weapon. As a result, you will realize that you must be careful with your training partner during training.
Theoretical background
To successfully break a plank (or any other material), you must create a pressure point that exceeds the critical limit applicable to that material. This pressure point occurs when you try to break the plank, which is fixed at two points. If you perform your breaking technique correctly, you strike the center of the plank, resulting in an even distribution of force across the two (fixed) sections.
Both ends of the plank provide a counterforce equal to half of the explosive force applied to the plank. When the force reaches the plank, its upper side is under compression while the underside is fully under tension. This produces torsion around the axis at the center of the plank. If this torsion is great enough, the plank will break.
Besides pressure, other elements such as power, drive, and speed are important factors. The thicker the plank, the harder it will be to break. That is why several smaller/thinner planks are used instead of one thick plank. The pressure created between the individual planks is more efficient in terms of buildup and pressure distribution during the breaking process than when it has to be distributed across a large surface.
Assuming that every taekwon-do practitioner will encounter a breaking test during demonstrations, examinations, or competitions, this component should therefore be prepared for carefully.
Training program for preparation
As with the other main components of taekwon-do, an extensive training program should also form the basis for performing breaking tests. Targeted training using punching shields, punching bags, and kicking shields provides the right timing and hardening of the body parts that come into contact with the material.
With the right mental attitude, combined with correct technique, it is possible to perform demanding breaking tests without problems and without sustaining injuries.
Breaking tests provide insight into your own often underestimated abilities. Performing breaking tests also stimulates perseverance, self-discipline, and self-confidence.
Reusable breaking boards for training
Although it is naturally great to perform breaking techniques with wooden boards, roof tiles, or gypsum concrete, this quickly becomes an expensive activity and is also not very environmentally friendly.
For this reason, reusable plastic boards have been developed that can usually be broken dozens of times with the same amount of force.
