How to Do Knife Strike Suspended Board Breaking

Board breaking can be one of the most exciting aspects of learning a martial art, especially for kids. Breaking boards can be difficult and even dangerous, however, so when learning to break boards proper technique is essential. The knife hand board break is a speed break, which means some special adjustments are necessary.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Instruct another person to hold your board using one hand only, holding the board at the top. The person should hold the board with the thumb on the side you are striking, and the fingers behind, parallel to the ground.

2. Position the board so that you will be striking it at about shoulder level. Practice throwing your knife hand or ridge hand technique to gauge the position. Avoid striking above or below your shoulder height.

3. Position your body in an open walking stance, allowing your hips and upper body to rotate with the motion of your arm and follow through your knife hand strike.

4. Tuck your thumb in below your fingers and allow your fingers to slightly bend at the knuckles. Even if you're an advanced martial artist, double check your hand position before throwing a technique to break a board.

5. Throw the technique as fast as possible without compromising accuracy and form. Most hand strikes (besides punches and palm strikes) are done as speed breaks, which means you will not be able to break the board with strength alone.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a thinner board for speed breaks than you would typically use when breaking boards.
• Have an experienced martial artist hold the board for your speed break. It is imperative that the holder not allow the board to fly out of his hand when holding for a speed break, so make sure the holder has a firm grip and knows not to let go.

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