Breaking

[Midnight-shadow]

I'm sure this question has been asked many many times before but what is the purpose of breaking boards? Is it purely to prove how strong you are, or is there a deeper meaning to it than that?

 

[MAfreak]

its not really strength, but technique. you must have learned, how to hit efficient without hurting yourself.
and of course its to show off and get people to your martial arts school.

 

[Ironbear24]

Has nothing to do with strength. I can bench 300 something and many people here can break more than I can.

 

[Bill Mattocks]

Mostly self confidence I think.

 

[Dirty Dog]

It's a confidence builder, it requires you to execute with good technique, and it's fun.

 

[WaterGal]

I'm sure this question has been asked many many times before but what is the purpose of breaking boards? Is it purely to prove how strong you are, or is there a deeper meaning to it than that?

Breaking requires you to put a lot of force into a small area very quickly, aka to get a good "snap" or "pop" to your technique. So it shows you can do that. Plus, like others have alluded to, it requires a certain mindset and confidence. And it looks cool so your friends/parents/kids/etc will be impressed, lol.

 

[GiYu - Todd]

To the uninitiated, punching through a board is intimidating. There is both a fear of injury and a fear of failure. But the student faces their fears, and (hopefully) is successful. They learn that fear is mostly in the mind and they can do more than they thought possible.

 

[Midnight-shadow]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The whole mind over matter and overcoming your fears makes a lot of sense.

 

[Bill Mattocks]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The whole mind over matter and overcoming your fears makes a lot of sense.

To be sure, there is technique and an element of strength involved. But mostly technique and self confidence IMHO.

 

[Dirty Dog]

To be sure, there is technique and an element of strength involved. But mostly technique and self confidence IMHO.

You are absolutely right. If I relied on strength, I'd never be able to do the breaks. It's all about confidence, competence, and commitment.