Why We Train for Board Breaking

I did not grow up in a martial arts school that put an emphasis on board breaking. In fact, the first time I ever broke a board was at my black belt test. We were required to perform a jump back kick. Prior to that, I had practiced on target pads, but I had no idea if my technique would actually be enough to break a piece of wood. Thankfully, it was, and I was successful on the first try.

When we opened Trinity Martial Arts, I made the decision that students would perform two board breaks—a hand technique and a foot technique—for every new belt. I didn’t want students questioning if their techniques would work. I wanted them to have definitive proof that, if necessary, they could generate enough power to seriously damage an opponent without hurting themselves.

That’s really why we put an emphasis on board breaking. It is a fun way to pressure-test our techniques and make sure the skills and drills we practice in class aren’t just us going through the motions. When a student breaks a board, they gain confidence, which helps them reach new goals. It starts with breaking one board and then escalates to two or three boards, or more! They become determined to get stronger, hit harder, and improve.

Sometimes, I will hear people comment online with something like, “Boards don’t hit back,” claiming that just because you can break a piece of wood doesn’t mean you are strong. And that’s true—breaking a board doesn’t make you strong. But the practice it took to get to that point, plus the confidence required to do it, absolutely does.

Want to develop confidence and strength? At Trinity Martial Arts, located in Hopewell Junction, we teach traditional martial arts and practical self-defense skills to students in East Fishkill and the surrounding Hudson Valley. Reach out today to schedule your free trial class and begin your martial arts journey.