How to Punch Through Wood

Punching through wood requires skill in a martial art such as karate. Attempting to punch through without appropriate skill is a good way to break your hand. Even for a skilled karate master, the position of the board and type of wood can determine whether it's the board or the hand that breaks. To learn this skill without hurting yourself, start with small and easy-to-break boards and work your way up from there.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set a board on two supports so it is supported only at its ends. Use a three-quarter-inch-thick pine board supported on stacks of cinder blocks, two desks or other strong and immobile surfaces. The longer the board is, the easier it will be to break.

    • 2

      Focus on a point that is below the board and aim for it when you hit. The speed of your hand determines how easily you can break the board. If you focus on the surface of the board, you are more likely to subconsciously slow your hand down before you hit it.

    • 3

      Hit the board in the center with the heel of your hand at top speed.

    • 4

      Break a board along the grain for an easy challenge, and across the grain for a greater challenge.