How to Break a Board in Kung Fu

Kung fu differs from other forms of martial arts. It is a Buddhist philosophy taught to prolong life, not to encourage violent tendencies. Breaking a board is a way to practice patience and persistence in kung fu philosophy. A lot of practice is necessary to perfect the art of breaking a board.

Things You'll Need

  • Identical bricks
  • Yoga mat
  • 1/2-inch thick pinewood board
Show More

Instructions

  1. Setting Up

    • 1

      Stack identical bricks to form two columns that are equal in all dimensions. Make the stacks the same height as your waist when you are on your knees. Space the stacks so that the distance between their inside walls matches the distance from the outside portion of one of your legs to the outside portion of your other leg as you kneel in front of the stacks.

    • 2

      Place one yoga mat at the foot of the brick columns. The mat will protect your knees and help you maintain proper balance.

    • 3

      Place one 1/2-inch thick pinewood board on top of the brick columns.

    Striking the Board

    • 4

      Bend down onto your knees in front of the board. Verify that your hand will strike the center of the board naturally based on the way you kneel.

    • 5
      Some people use their fist instead of the side of their hand.

      Practice slowly moving your hand down with its outer side closest to the board, but don't strike the board fully. The outer side of your hand is the side opposite your thumb. Using the outer side minimizes the striking area on the board. Using a small surface area such as the outside of the hand ensures that more of your kinetic energy finds its way to a small part of the board, increasing the likelihood that the board will break.

    • 6

      Imagine that you will break the ground under the board. If you imagine that you will break the board, you may decelerate your hand before reaching the board, increasing the likelihood of injury and all but ensuring that the board will not break.

    • 7

      Strike the board using your full body, not just your hand or arm. Push your knees forward, and snap your hips as you bring down the outside of your hand onto the center of the board. The more mass your body uses in the strike, the greater the likelihood that the board breaks.