Breaking is the flashy part of Taekwondo. It is used to test the power and precision of techniques and to entertain during demonstrations, but there is a greater meaning in breaking beyond that of the mere power required for breaking. Breaking is not an end in itself, it is manifestation of all things learned during Taekwondo training.

Gichin Funakoshi wrote in Karate-do Nyumon on the subject of breaking: "Karate-do is a noble martial art, and the reader can rest assured that those who take pride in breaking boards or smashing tiles, or who boast of being able to perform outlandish feats, like stripping flesh or plucking out ribs, really know nothing about karate. They are playing around in the leaves and branches of a great tree, without the slightest concept of the trunk."

Board breaking is required for brown belts and above in promotion testing. Breaking is the last event to be judged during promotion tests.

Senior second degree black belts and higher must use wood for breaking at national testings.
 

Re-breakable Board Color Required for Breaking

Length of 1"x12" Pine Boards Required for Breaking

2nd Degree Senior Black Belt and above must use wood

Breaking Techniques Required