"The
Art of Breaking”- by Master Drew Serrano
 The Art of Breaking, or “Tameshiwari”, is a part of many Martial Arts
styles across the World (Karate, Tang Soo Do, Kun Tao, and Tae Kwon Do
to name a few). It has gained more exposure through
organizations such as the World Breaking Association and the United
States Breaking Association, and through televised competitions such as
ESPN2’s coverage of the US Open World Martial Arts Championships.
Breaking has taken center stage on informative programming such as
Discovery Channel’s "Time Warp" and “Xtreme Martial Arts”, and National Geographic
Channel’s “Fight Science”. It has also become the topic of various Talk
and Variety shows. The inclusion of breaking competitions at many
Martial Arts’ venues has increased the interest in breaking and has
opened the doors for new competitors of all ages, ranks, and genders. It
is becoming increasingly more popular as a way to test the progression
of technique and focus. The general public’s appreciation is also
growing, even though many view it as a spectacle. So what is the purpose
behind the destruction of these varied inanimate objects?
 Throughout the history of Martial Arts, or any system of combat, there
have always been limits to the extent at which some techniques or
theories could be practiced and tested safely. Although an instructor
can teach techniques, focus, and “Chi” or “Ki”, the true essence of many
Martial Arts’ styles is not realized until the presence of an actual
real life situation where there are no limits put on the areas trained.
With this in mind, there are only a limited number of ways to test the
practicality of techniques and concepts learned through some Martial
Arts styles.
A practitioner could be put in a situation where his/her training is
used in actual combat through organized combative sports or a
life-threatening event. In both of these scenarios one or more of the
participants are very likely to get hurt, and the person inflicting the
injury has to live with the consequences of their actions. In many
styles this is not conducive to the “martial way of life”. This is not
to say that some of us, as Martial Artists, do not train for that one
moment in which our training could save our life. If that day comes we
hope that it all clicks and we walk away unscathed, but depending on the
extent of the situation and the actions we take the traumatic memory of
such an incident can scar us for life.
 Breaking can provide a way to test the effectiveness and power of a
technique without the danger of hurting someone else. This is especially
important in the Dojo where our training partners are many times our
friends as well. Although there is always a risk of injury to the
breaking practitioner, in most cases he or she does not have to worry
about hurting anyone else but themselves.
As stated earlier, breaking provides a way of realizing steps of
progression in many ways. The first of these steps, the beginner level,
is to overcome the natural fear of injury. Even a basic board break
presents the possibility of injury if not performed correctly and with
the right mindset. Getting over this first hurdle is sometimes the
hardest part of breaking. There is a great sense of accomplishment
attained. This is also the first step toward the focus of the powerful
inner energy called “Ki”.
The next level of breaking, the intermediate level, usually comes with
the practitioner increasing the amount of material broken. This comes
with increased confidence in the power and effectiveness of the Martial
Artists’ abilities. Obviously a greater amount of material requires
 both
more power and mental focus. At this level a practitioner can sometimes
power through a break even though they have not tapped into the full
potential of their “Ki”. The greatest risk of injury is possible at this
level in which a practitioner has the confidence and possibly the
physical ability, but is still in the process of being able to channel
the energy necessary to protect the body from harm. Instructors must
take great care in guiding their students through this level.
As the practitioner continues to train and learn, their abilities
increase and they become more in touch with that which makes a great
Martial Artist. Mental focus, body awareness, and Martial Art technique
become more efficient. With this increase in knowledge and ability comes
greater awareness of “Ki” and how it can be focused. This is the
advanced level and the practitioner will experience a great increase in
their breaking ability. They will be able to attempt harder materials,
larger stacks, and more intricate techniques and routines. Even though
the practitioner may not be successful at all attempts the incidence of
injury is considerably lower than previous levels. The advanced level
represents the beginning of truly understanding the power and force that
can be generated by the human body. It is quite an awakening for many
Martial Arts practitioners.
 The last level attained, Master’s level, is true control of “Ki” and the
body’s ability to generate power, speed, and force at will. This level
is not easily attained and it can take decades to actually “feel” this
change, but once it is accomplished it becomes second nature. At this
level injury is usually caused by lack of focus more than any other
reason. A breaker that reaches this level is often humbled because they
realize the true potential of the human body. It is empowering, but at
the same time frightening to know what the human body is capable of.
Breaking can be incorporated into any style of Martial Art, either as a
competitive endeavor or as a measure of progression. Even the simplest
break can provide a great sense of accomplishment. At the highest levels
it is an asset that can be utilized throughout a practitioner’s training
and life outside the dojo.
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