The Destruction Test

THE DESTRUCTION TEST

 

Often associated with the term 'karate chop' the destruction, or as some would call it, the 'breaking test' is the practice of breaking square pine boards in half with the fist, palm or edge of the hand.  This can also include various kicking methods by the more advanced students.

The destruction test is required of a student to show that they have the correct and accurate use of the technique behind the punch or kick and the power and speed needed to strike through the target and break it in half. In addition it is also a test of confidence that is needed when striking a hard target without fear or being afraid of harming themselves in the process.

If the student lacks speed when striking or kicking the target then chances are the strike will fail to penetrate the object which will result in the force of the strike being reflected back into the striking hand or foot. If this happens then the person performing the strike will end up hurting themselves.  If an incorrect part of the striking hand or foot makes contact with the object, often due to throwing the strike at an incorrect angle, then this will also result in a painful injury.

 

Locking the striking arm and hand or leg, (focus), on impact must also be timed at just the right moment. Using muscle tension during the striking action is part of the technique but if more muscle tension is used than is required before impact then this will also slow down the strike and will result in failing to break the board.  Speed makes power behind the strike but it is also vital to focus and tense the punch or kick at just the right time.

 

The final part of this technique is to always aim beyond the surface of the object rather than the objects surface or the strike will have no effect.

 

If the student hesitates at any point during the strike through fear of failing to break the object or through fear of hurting their hand or foot against a hard object like a piece of wood then this will reduce the effectiveness of the strike and they will fail.

 

This technique is called a test because it is a test of not only correct speed and technical accuracy but also a test of the person's ability to put their fear of hurting themselves to one side and show full commitment and confidence in their ability to succeed.

 

This test of a person's technical skills and character is not a requirement in all schools of combat but it is a common practice in many karate clubs and within the Korean martial art of taekwondo.

 

It is not just wooden boards that are used within this training category but also house tiles and bricks. Today however to save on the cost of such materials special plastic boards are used so that they can be locked back together again after each use.

 

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