Want to know how we break those wooden boards?

Breaking wooden boards is not a magic trick, just plain physics. It's all up to efficient human movement. Speed and focus of the strike are important. An example done by Michael Feld, a physicist at MIT, and Ronald McNair, a scientist-astronaut, discovered that a karate chop thrown by a student at 20 feet per second was just enough to break a one inch board. Now let's fast forward to breaking something greater! A one and a half inch concrete slab requires an average of 1900 newtons (think the force of a thrown apple equaling one newton). McNair, a seasoned black belt, could deliver that chop at 2800 newtons! See you later, concrete slab!

So why is breaking wood and concrete special to martial artists? The best boxers can deliver just as much power with speed as any black belt. Well, when a boxer delivers a punch he follows through with the end movement, much like a golfer. This knocks an opponent down, but also diffuses the power of the impact. A martial artist, however, is looking to break the skull versus rattle the opponent's brain. (Now this is what I mean by 'with great power comes great responsibility.')

How does a martial artist do this? Like a snake that lashes out to bite and withdraws instantly! When a strike is thrown well it reaches its maximum velocity at about 80% extended, then it is withdrawn.

Does this mean anyone can go out and punch bricks and boards? Of course not! You need training to learn how to increase your speed, improve your aim, develop strong focus, and toughen the body.

See you in class!