Quality Board Holders - Critical for Martial Arts Training and Breaking Demos

The Importance of Board Holders in Martial Arts

In martial arts like taekwondo, karate, and tang soo do, practitioners must break boards, bricks or other materials to demonstrate the immense striking power they have developed. Breaking boards and other objects requires proper technique, physical conditioning of the hands and feet, mental focus, and courage. Just as importantly, it requires a stable yet dynamic board holding apparatus. The board holder plays a crucial role in support and safety during these breaking demonstrations.

Choosing the Right Board Holders

When selecting board holders for martial arts breaking, the equipment must meet certain criteria:

• Adjustable and secure - The height and angle of the holders must be adjustable to accommodate breakers of different heights and levels. The rigidity and stability of the holders is also paramount.
• Quick release - Many board holders incorporate a quick release mechanism so the holder can free the broken boards easily and avoid any injury.
• Durability - Board holders see a lot of abuse during martial arts breaking sessions. Using metal frames and quality base materials ensures they can withstand repeated force.
• Portability - Many martial arts schools and competitive breaking events require mobile board holders that pack up neatly but remain stable during transport.

Trustworthy Brands

When investing in board holders, opting for major athletic brands like Century Martial Arts, AWMA, or ProForce ensures the equipment meets proper safety and performance standards. Budget-friendly options from less recognizable brands often cut corners on build quality or stability.

How Board Holders Work

While designs vary across different board holder models, most follow the same basic concepts:

• Metal frames - Sturdy steel or aluminum frames provide the foundation. Steel offers maximum stability but weighs more, while aluminum balances those factors.
• Bases - Bases come in several forms, from flat platforms to triangle shapes for better balance. Quality bases appropriately weight the unit so it does not shift or tip.
• Uprights - Vertical poles allow height adjustments, usually with a locking pin system for security. Uprights often feature protective pads as well.
• Arms - Horizontal arm attachments hold the boards or bricks. Quick release mechanisms are common here for fast board clearance.

The Set Up Process

When setting up board holders:

• Open the frame completely and lock the collars into position so the unit forms a wide, stable base.
• Adjust the height of the vertical uprights to match the breaker's height and preferred board positioning.
• Tighten all locking pins and collars to prevent any shifting or slipping.
• Attach the horizontal arms to hold stacks of boards or bricks.
• Place boards on the arms with appropriate spacers as needed.
• Test the rigidity and security of the entire assembly before use.

Proper set up leads to safe and successful breaking sessions. The unit should feel totally secure with no wobbling of loose parts before anyone attempts to break material. Always double check!

Using Board Holders for Martial Arts Training

Beyond tests and demonstrations, board holders play a vital role in regular skills training as well:

Target Practice

Board holders present a perfect target for all kinds of strikes, allowing martial artists to refine their techniques. With their arms and height flexibility, they work for kicks, punches, elbows, knees and any other offensive weapons in a striker's arsenal. The resistance when making contact helps develop power while improving accuracy.

Precision Striking

Board holders require very precise striking to break objects. Martial artists use them to pinpoint small areas with laser-like kicks or punches. Hitting minuscule targets boosts a practitioner's overall control and skill.

Power Training

It takes incredible striking force to break wooden planks and concrete bricks. Board holders provide essential anchoring and stability for this extreme training. Over time, power breaking boosts bone density in the hands and feet while intensifying muscular explosive strength.

Mental Preparation

Board and brick breaking requires intense concentration and courage. Board holders allow for repeated attempts in training to conquer fears while building confidence. By securing the materials safely, they allow martial artists to challenge themselves mentally.

Accessorizing Board Holders

Various accessories make board holders even more versatile for martial arts training and breaking demonstrations:

Foam Pads

Foam padding on the base, uprights or arms protect both the equipment and the practitioner while training. Thick pads provide safety for repetitive strikes over time.

Wheeled Bases

For easier transport between storage and training areas, wheeled bases allow convenient rolling of the entire unit around a space. They continue providing stability when breaking thanks to locking mechanisms.

Add-On Risers

Optional riser attachments offer incremental height adjustments beyond the upright poles alone. Risers make it easier to fine tune the board positioning for breakers of all abilities and sizes.

Maintaining Safety

While board holders provide essential stability for martial arts training and breaking, any equipment mishaps could cause injury. Follow these tips to maximize safety:

• Inspect equipment before and after each use for damage or loose parts over time.
• Ensure all locking pins and height adjustment collars are properly secure.
• Check base pads and foam covers; replace if excessively worn.
• Tighten or replace any loose screws or bolts noticed in frames or attachments.
• Clean dust and debris off components to prevent obstruction of locks and joints.
• Avoid overloading weight capacity per manufacturer guidelines.
• Spotters should assist during brand new skills attempts.

Well-built board holders are meant to last for years. But they undergo incredible force daily, so maintenance checks ensure they always provide reliable performance safely. Martial arts board breaking definitely puts cool skills on display. Yet it also demonstrates immense dedication in training. Having sturdy and trustworthy board holders makes practicing breaking techniques simple, convenient and safe for martial artists of all experience levels. They provide an essential foundation for proper skill development when wielded mindfully. Just be sure to secure them properly before unleashing any power!

FAQs

What materials can board holders support breaking?

Board holders work for breaking wooden planks, concrete bricks and pavers, roofing tiles, blocks of ice and other breakable materials. Just ensure the weight capacity per the product specifications is not exceeded.

Can board holders fold up for transport and storage?

Many standard board holder designs allow the frames to fold inward when not in use for easier storage. Some also have wheeled bases to roll the folded units around a space easily.

How thick of boards or bricks can the holders accommodate?

The thickness capacity varies by model, but most standard board holders support multiple 2-inch thick boards or 8+ inch wide concrete bricks securely. Extender arms or risers provide additional space as needed.

Do board holders require assembly out of the box?

Board holders ship unassembled but include all necessary hardware and tools for assembly. Following included instructions, first-time set up takes 30-60 minutes depending on the model. No special tools are generally required.