Power Test and Breaking

Breaking or destruction as it’s sometimes known is a way for a Taekwon-Do student to test the accuracy and power of their techniques. Once adults (age 16+) achieve the level of blue belt they will be asked to perform breaking techniques. By breaking wood, tiles, bricks or rebreakable plastic breaker boards the examiner can measure the student’s accuracy, focus, technique, power and commitment.

The purpose of breaking is to teach the student the importance of using the correct attacking tool (part of foot, hand or elbow ) and having belief in their own techniques destructive power.
Grading Power Test & Breaking
Only adults of blue belt and above will have breaking as part of their syllabus. A choice is always offered to the student, whether to show their techniques on a strike shield pad or to physically break a plastic rebreakable board. There is no difference in marks awarded for either option and is down to the student’s personal choice. The breaking process is as follows-

  • Bow to the grading examiner and then bow to the holder.
  • Inform the examiner of the technique, you wish to use.
  • Take the correct distance from the target in forearm guarding block.
  • One traditional measure with the chosen technique slowly, showing the attacking tool.
  • “Break”. Perform the technique with full force to the target.
  • Return to forearm guarding block directly after the breaking attempt.
  • Repeat the process with the examiners guide on which techniques (left, right or both sides) until the examiner is happy that you have fulfilled your breaking requirements.
  • Bow to the holder and then to the examiner and return to your original position.
Tournament Breaking
Only adults of blue belt and above will have breaking as an option called Destruction at tournaments. This will include both male and female divisions split into blue, red and blackbelts with the option of breaking with the hand or foot only. The techniques may vary from a simple front elbow strike to more complex jumping and spinning techniques depending on grade. The breaking process is as follows-

  • Bow to the referee and then bow to the holder.
  • Take the correct distance from the target in forearm guarding block.
  • One traditional measure only with the chosen technique slowly, showing the attacking tool.
  • “Break”. Perform the technique with full force to the target.
  • Return to forearm guarding block directly after the breaking attempt.
  • Bow to the holder and then to the referee and wait to all competitors have completed the 1 st round.
  • All those competitors who broke the target will proceed to the 2 nd round and perform the same technique with the other side of the body (right then, left in the 2 nd round).
  • All those competitors who broke the target will proceed to the 3 rd round. The referee will add an additional board to increase the difficulty of the break. The process of changing sides and additional boards will continue until there is 1 clear winner. In the event of 2 or more competitors tied for 1 st place, each person will be weighed and the lightest person becomes the overall winner.
Tips on Breaking
  • Breaking requires mental training as well as physical training. You need to focus your mind and see yourself breaking through the target.
  • Always practice your breaking techniques on strike shields first to develop your power.
  • Make sure you use the correct attacking tool and strike the centre line of the board.
  • Don’t strike the board, strike through the board
  • Confidence in your own ability to break.
  • Lastly and most importantly always seek your instructors guidance before attempting to break. They will demonstrate and show you step by step how to maximise your chance of success when breaking.