What is the Point of Breaking Boards in Martial Arts?

If you've ever seen a martial arts competition or testing event on television, there's a good chance you've seen a martial artist try to drive a fist or a foot through some ice, wood, or even concrete. This is one of the hallmarks of martial arts training and one of the most recognizable ways to demonstrate one's ability. But what really is the significance of doing this?

The at-home television viewer might find him or herself openly questioning the validity of breaking boards: after all, when do these types of situations really need to be used in real life?

But there is a method to the madness of breaking boards, and once you come to understand it, you'll also understand why they remain a great benchmark for many people who are pursuing their goals.

First, try to understand that breaking boards is often more of a psychological test than a physical one. The people who break boards are born with the same appendages and bones as the rest of us - what they've achieved through practice, most anyone can achieve through similar work and dedication.

How is it a psychological test? Breaking through something that appears impossible to break measures one's beliefs. Many martial artists will tell you that if you don't believe you can break a board, you won't be able to do it. It's only through confidence and experience that the beliefs develop and you begin to realize that you do have the power - if you put your energy into breaking those boards.

These martial artists will also tell you that when it comes to breaking larger amounts of wood, ice, or concrete, that belief becomes that much more vital. Attacking these hard objects with nothing but flesh puts them at a real risk of injury. It's through belief and mental discipline that these oddly-seeming feats can be achieved.

If you've ever seen someone walk on hot coals, you've witnessed the same principle taking place. The human body is more than capable of walking over hot coals: it's the mind that needs work.

In martial arts, it's not always about the technique behind the fist - it's about the mind controlling the fist. And breaking boards is a great way to put that mind to the test.

Photo Credits: lepiaf.geo

This post involves:

appendages, benchmark, bones, feats, fist, flesh, good chance, hallmarks, home television, human body, martial artist, martial artists, martial arts competition, martial arts training, mental discipline, method to the madness, psychological test, television viewer, validity, walk on hot coals

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Martial Arts

Posted by Martial Arts Karate Kung Fu on July 22, 2009 in Martial Arts. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.