This Board Break is So Hard! How Do I Do It?

Let’s face it; board breaking is intimidating! Honestly, it’s one of the sections I frequently see students struggle in during their next belt test. Think about it this way, many students have done it before you. That means it’s humanly possible, right? If it’s humanly possible than you can probably do it too.

Why am I struggling with this board break?

Honestly, there could be lots of reasons. You could be too slow, too weak, or just hitting it wrong. It could also just be a mental block. Seriously, I’ve discovered that I, and many of my colleagues as well, find it easier to break boards if I believe that I can, because I have practiced hard. Sounds cheesy, I know. But it’s true. I’ve discovered that it’s harder for me to break a board if I’m hesitant to do so. So maybe believe in yourself just a bit more?

Why is it so easy for everyone else?

It seems like everyone else gets it right the first time, doesn't it? It looks easy for them. It isn’t. Or at least, it probably isn’t. No matter how easy it is for someone to break 5 boards now, it wasn’t always that easy for them. Breaking boards takes practice. Lots of practice. Do people really think that the black belts on the demo team just woke up and discovered they could break boards with a triple roundhouse kick? No! Of course not. What they did do was spend days, if not weeks or months, practicing that one technique until they perfected it. Practice, practice, practice!

Even the instructors have to practice!

How do I get better?

Practice! It’s easy, especially when you’re a more advanced student, to think you know everything. News flash: you don’t. Even the masters and grandmasters are still learning.* It's just the nature of the art. Taekwondo, and martial arts in general, is all about practicing and learning. There were two important things I learned on my way to becoming a black belt: 1. If you need to get better at something, ask an instructor for help and 2. If you think you have it perfect, you definitely don't. So, how do you get better? The answer is simple. Keep. Practicing.

Conclusion

Yes, it’s really that simple. Much like anything else in martial arts, it’s all about practice. Asking for help, not comparing yourself with others, and practicing (a lot) are fundamental steps to success in martial arts. Seem daunting? Don't worry; it is. It's important to remember that the other students that are teaching you were likely facing the same challenge you are with that board break. Wether it's a triple roundhouse kick or a hammer fist, another student has tried, failed, and tried again. Eventually, they succeeded. So can you. Good luck!

*Fun fact: There are taekwondo lectures that instructors, masters, and grandmasters attend. Much like other academics, martial artists also go to professional conferences!

Disclaimer: This site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All martial arts techniques and exercises should be supervised by a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. The information on these pages and videos is meant only to reinforce and supplement the instruction given at your martial arts classes. To properly understand these techniques, you need to learn them from a martial arts instructor who can provide you with an in-depth explanation of the technique, help correct your mistakes, answer your questions and detail how the technique should be utilized. In addition, all martial arts techniques and training should be used safely and responsibly.