Breaking Achieved!

A lot of people do not understand why martial artists break boards. Well Master Doug Cook explained it very well when I went to see a Black Belt test he conducted. On the physical end of training, breaking is one way a martial artist measures their power. But board breaking can also help a martial artist with a few other aspects of their training. Mechanics in your technique for example. You have to be very precise on your form of your technique, can't throw wild techniques and it forces you to be aware of your body.

But breaking is mostly mental. We face the fear of being "hurt" when breaking, and we learn to clear our minds completely in order to go through the boards. It also allows the students to set up goals for themselves. Instead of working the dominant side, maybe you work the opposite side to test your coordination, to build your confidence, etc. Maybe break multiple boards. Another big challenge is speed breaks. A speed break is held only on ONE end of the board and it's a combination of good mechanics, follow through for power, and the acceleration of your hips in order to break the board. It can be very difficult with one board, so imagine TWO or more!

Well that was the goal of one of my Black Belts, Miss Samantha Volk. She has ALWAYS loved doing breaking and she has phenomenal power. But she struggles with speed breaks, not because she doesn't have the technique, but she was afraid of getting hurt which made her body resist, hold back, and take away from her mechanics. For several months she decided she wanted to do a speed punch with two boards. And she worked hard at it.

 She is testing for her 2nd Degree Adult Black Belt this May. She only has 4 weeks to go. And she understand if she doesn't conquer her fears and challenges now, the test will be even more difficult later on. So last night in our breaking class, the last break she decided to do was her two board speed punch break. After three "misses" due to mechanics and aim, she didn't break the board. But then this feeling overcame me. I knew she was going to do it. I felt it, not only physically, because she was hitting the boards harder than I can remember her doing, but spiritually, something told me she is going to do it.

I said "Miss Volk, one last time. You're going to do it now." She did not question me, she stood in front of the boards, let out a massive KIA, and then BOOOOOOOM! A solid break! She jumped up and down like a little five year old because ONE: she was so proud and happy, and TWO: her hand stung. LOL! But she did it! That's what it's all about! I was so proud! I was really really happy for her. And it was a good sign to how her Black Belt test is going to turn out. Congratulations Miss Volk! You're on your way! That's 2nd Dan attitude!

A mere flesh wound! LOL!

Yours in service,
ANDREW TRENTO