TaeKwon-Do: Break A Board With The Side Kick

Step 1: Preparation

Before having at a go at breaking, it's important to make sure you're physically prepared, to avoid hurting yourself.

With the side kick, the weapon of attack is the heel. Make sure you keep the angle between the foot and ankle at 90 degrees and the target should be struck with a straight leg.

To train in this technique, use a heavy bag or kick pad. Over time this will strengthen your kicking muscles.

Step 2: Practice

Before attempting an actual break, take some time to practice your focus. It cannot be overstressed how important this is to the final break.

Using plastic training boards is almost like the real thing, but you can break them as many times as you like, and put them back together again!

Step 3: The break

The sheer power of the side kick can be demonstrated by breaking not one or two boards, but three.

Ask some fellow masters or students to hold the boards and set them to the appropriate height. Level with the solar plexus is best, because this is where your energy comes from.

Two people are required to hold the board, with three more giving support from the back. This is to absorb the impact of the kick and assist you in making a clean break.

Now get into the ready position, where you need to begin activating your utmost concentration.

Take a little time to measure the exact distance you need.

Try the extra step of the crossing side kick, as it has even more force than the stationary one.

Return to the ready position one final time and focus on your small target area. This should be just a few centimetres squared.

Now combine your focus, concentration and speed to break the board.