Martial artists use block breaking as a spectacular demonstration of the power that can be generated using the correct striking technique. In this video Chris Crudelli demonstrates in slow motion the power of the human body and of course he utilises the key techniques outlined below.

If an untrained person tried to break a heavy block of wood with their hand, they would probably hurt themselves. Martial artists use physics to ensure that the wood comes off worse than they do.

	Breaker Boards - £24.95 Specifically to practice your Breaking Skills.

These are some of the techniques that they use:

Speed and Point of Focus

The most important thing is to make sure the hand is moving fast enough when it hits the wood. Advice often given is to imagine that what you're hitting is actually well behind the board. This ensures the hand doesn't slow down before the point of impact. Confidence is also important here; you have to believe that your hand is going straight through the board, or you will naturally slow down to avoid hurting yourself.

Chris Crudelli in Action

Striking surface

Martial artists tilt their hand up at the point of impact, so that only the fleshy part of the side of their hand hits the board.

Use of Body Mass

Martial artists aim to involve as much of their body mass as possible in the strike, not just their arms. This is achieved by snapping the hips and pushing with the legs.

For more information on Kung Fu Science - Check out www.kungfuscience.org

Author Profile: Pete Mills

View Full Profile

Pete Mills is co-founder and Senior Editor for Martial Edge, as well as being a practising matial artist.

Also by Pete Mills:

• Location, Location, Location
• Bajutsu
• Enter the Dragon

---

Share Our Martial Arts Features With Your Friends:

Keywords : chris crudelli, martial artists, striking technique, key techniques, power of human body

Average user rating

   (0 vote)