Breaking Fundamentals

Support Methods

When a static breaking force is applied to each method, the amount of force to break each board is about the same, however, for the board to break, the force must be applied over a longer distance in method (A) since the board will bend more than the boards in each of the other methods. The board in method (B) will bend the least. When method (A) uses hand holders, extra force must be applied since some of the force will be absorbed by the holders. Also, the force must be applied over an even longer distance because of movement of the holders.

Strong Support

A strong support break is against materials placed on solid, unyielding objects, such as boards placed between two concrete blocks. This is the simplest type of break.

Semi-Strong Suppor

A semi-strong support break is against materials held by one or more people. This is a more difficult break than a strong support break since the breaker has less control over the positioning and movement of the materials and the board holders may give way under the power of the breaking technique.

No support

A no support break is the most difficult type of break. In a no support break, the material is held by the fingers of one hand or is thrown or released in the air. The breaker must use extreme speed and accuracy to break the object. Lack of speed will merely knock the object away. Accuracy is important since the object must be struck directly in its center for it to break.