Things You'll Need:
- Two 12-inch by 12-inch pine board
- ½-inch wooden spacers
- 2 cinderblocks (for support)
- Athletic hand wraps
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Step 1
Wrap your breaking hand before attempting the strike. The Knife-Hand Strike is one of the weakest strikes in martial arts because the bones of the hand are small and easily damaged. Athletic wrap encourages the stability of the hand and prevents scratches and gouges.
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Step 2
Place the 2 cinderblocks on the floor so they are standing tall and parallel to each other. Separate them 11 inches apart so your boards will only extend ½ inch on each side as they rest on the blocks. If you put too much of the board on the block, you will not have enough in the middle to allow a break. Placement of the boards is essential.
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Step 3
Put 1 spacer on each side of the bottom board, directly over the edge of the cinder block and even with the outside of the board. Stack the other board on top and make sure all edges line up exactly. There will be a ½-inch space between the boards created by the spacers.
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Step 4
Assume a low-balanced martial art position, with the leg opposite your striking arm extended to the side of the cinderblocks. This puts the weight of your body over the boards. Make sure you can lower your body quickly and easily when you strike.
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Step 5
Hold your knife hand at the ready by keeping your fingers tightly together and prepare to make contact with the board on the meaty part of the outside of your palm. Avoid making contact with your wrist bone or the outer knuckle of your baby finger.
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Step 6
Circle your arm, up and around, taking a few slow practice swings at the board before striking.
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Step 7
Strike quickly and powerfully, focusing your impact at least 6 inches past the surface of the board to ensure a complete break. Quickly withdraw your strike and resume your martial art stance.
