How to Break a Board Karate-Chop Style
Before attempting to break a board with a karate chop, it's important to seek professional karate instruction. There are many forms of karate, and one might be particularly ideal for you. The Korean style, for example, is well-suited for a lean physique and long limbs, while Japanese style stresses lower movements.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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1
Select the proper wood. Typically, pine that is approximately 12 inches diagonally and 1/2-inch-thick is used. It should be properly seasoned and not freshly cut.
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2
Hold your hand flat and rigid. Your hand should run straight out from the wrist and not be angled in the least. Tighten your fingertips to create even more rigidity, but don't bend your fingers. Pull in on your fingertips to tighten the entire hand. Practice chopping into the other hand, but not too hard, to get the correct motion. The key to proper technique is to strike with the tough pad on the edge of your hand. Do not use your fingers or the corner of your palm.
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3
Strike objects with the edge of your hand karate-chop style to get used to making contact and toughen up this pad. An advanced training technique is to strike a specially designed padded board that absorbs some impact but also gets you used to striking. This is called a Makiwara board and can be used for kicking, punching and chopping practice.
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4
Set the board on two chopping blocks. Get into a solid stance, raise your hand high and strike the board in the direction of the grain. One common mistake is to stop upon making contact with the board; instead, aim through the board, visualizing your hand breaking though to the other side.
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Tips & Warnings
With proper training, boards can be broken with punches, kicks and elbow strikes as well as chops.
Don't try this without proper training
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