Breaking tests are commonly used in taekwon-do (and other martial arts) to test or demonstrate the power and effectiveness of various techniques.
A breaking test is a good way to practise 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 the best possible technique is required, 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 realise that you must be careful with your training partner during Training.
Theoretical background
To successfully break a board (or any other material), you must create a pressure point that exceeds the critical time limit applicable to that material. This pressure point occurs when you attempt to break the board, which is fixed at two points. If you perform your breaking technique correctly, you strike the board in the centre, resulting in an equal distribution of force across the two (fixed) sections.
Both ends of the board provide a counterforce equal to half of the explosive force applied to the board. When the force reaches the board, its upper side is under compression and its underside is fully under tension. This produces torsion around the axis at the centre of the board. If this torsion is large enough, the board will break.
Besides pressure, other factors such as power, drive, and speed are important aspects. The thicker the board, the harder it will be to break. That is why several smaller/thinner boards are used instead of one thick board. The pressure created between the individual boards is more efficient in terms of build-up 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 face a breaking test during demonstrations, examinations, or competitions, this component should therefore be prepared carefully.
Training programme for preparation
As with the other main components of taekwon-do, an extensive training programme should also form the basis for performing breaking tests. Adapted Training in the form of punching shields, punching bags, and kicking shields provides the correct timing and helps harden 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 difficulty 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, it quickly becomes an expensive activity and is also less environmentally friendly.
For this reason, reusable plastic boards have been developed that can usually be broken dozens of times with the same amount of pressure.
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You can of course find these types of plastic breaking boards on Fight2Win.nl in the Training collection >> Breaking boards.
