Break tests are often used in taekwon-do (and other martial arts) to test or demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of various techniques.
The break test is a good way to practice concentration, strength, focus, speed, and accuracy on objects other than people, without injuring oneself or others.
Your body as a weapon
It is important to know that the best possible technique is needed, as you can easily sustain injuries, sometimes even permanent ones. By breaking objects, you become aware that your own body is a powerful weapon. This will make you 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 moment greater than the critical time limit for that material. This pressure moment occurs when you try to break the plank, which is fixed at two points. If you perform your breaking technique correctly, you strike the plank in the middle, which leads to an even distribution of force on the two (fixed) parts.
Both ends of the plank provide a counterforce that is half the explosive force applied to the plank. When the force reaches the plank, the top of the plank is in a state of compression and the bottom is under full tension. This produces a torsion along the axis in the middle of the plank. If this torsion is large enough, the plank will break.
Besides pressure, other elements such as strength, thrust, and speed are important aspects. The thicker the plank, the harder it will be to break. This is why multiple smaller/thinner planks are used instead of one thick one. The pressure created between the individual planks is then, in terms of structure and pressure distribution, more efficient in the breaking process than if it had to be distributed over a large surface area.
Assuming that every taekwon-do practitioner is confronted with the execution of a break test during demonstrations, exams, or competitions, this component should therefore be carefully prepared.
Training program for preparation
As with the other main components in taekwon-do, an extensive training program should form the basis for performing break tests. Adapted training in the form of punching pads, punching bags, and kicking shields ensures the correct timing and the 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 difficult break tests without problems and without sustaining injuries.
Break tests provide insight into one's own often underestimated capabilities. The execution of break tests also stimulates perseverance, self-discipline, and self-confidence.
Reusable breaking boards for training
While it is certainly great to perform breaking techniques with wooden planks, roof tiles, or gypsum concrete, it quickly becomes an expensive activity and is also not very good from an environmental point of view.
For this reason, plastic reusable boards have been developed that can usually be broken dozens of times with the same tension.
You can, of course, find these types of plastic breaking boards on Fight2Win.nl in the collection Training >> Breaking Boards.
