Tamashiwari - The art of breaking

So, what is Tamashiwari?

Tamashi means trial, therefore tamashiwari means trial by the wood. The practice of breaking wood requires not only hard physical training but also great focus and concentration.

If one believes oneself of being capable of breaking an object then one can release one's entire physical energies into the act. Any mental reservations, such as being concerned of hitting something hard or what if the wood doesn't break will inhibit the maximum use of power and potential of the technique.

Usually a karateka begins tamashiwari with woods planks (12''X12'' - 3/4'' thick pine planks). During various belt test he may be required to brake a number of those planks with a specific technique.On higher levels, usually shodan and above, a karateka begins breaking ciment, bircks, roof tiles or even baseball bats.

More information will be added soon!

• How to make a MAKIWARA
• How to train hands without destroying them

Dolph Lundgren performing tamashiwari