Getting better, but still lots to work on

         I love breaking boards.  There's just something so satisfying with the cracking of the wood, and the feeling of accomplishment from breaking it.  All of that aside, it is also chock full of lessons and learning opportunities.

        Yes I was "successful" with my breaks, as in I broke all of my boards.  Well, one needed a reset and then broke.  The truth is, I find breaking boards easy, and I know I'm a bigger guy, and that I can break a board no problem.  There in lies the problem too though.  I was a bit frustrated with myself with my 4 board sequence.  I practiced and practiced the sequence at home, with the technique and where abouts the boards and the respective holders needed to be.  It felt good.  The technique felt solid.  Then when it came time, well... psychologically, even ego stepped in, and to make sure I broke the boards, I put some brute force into it, instead of just trusting the technique.  So, especially on that front thrust, the board broke, but my recovery was hindered because I put too much into it, which made the next break a little sloppy.  The board still broke though.  Then I jammed myself on the last board.  Should have trusted my first instinct and left the holder and board where they were eventually.  Alas, learning opportunities.

        I know I have the technique to break boards without using brute force.  I have the speed, and I certainly have the mass, I'm lacking that trust in myself.  My roundhouse is probably the best example of this.  It is probably my cleanest and most powerful break, in my opinion.  I know I'm not brute forcing that one either, it all comes from the snap.  I didn't use that technique as part of my 4 boards, I tried something a bit different this time.

        Going off on that tangent a bit more, I do realize what strikes I like to use most, and further more, which limbs go best with which strike.  I have the most confidence in my side heel for my left leg, roundhouse and front thrust with my right.  Knife-hand and hammer fist with my left, and any other strike with my right.  Good to know these things about myself, cause it shows me where I am, what I'm most confident with, and what I know needs more work.  I'll also continue striving for a successful 4 board break.  I know I can do 2, but I'd rather push myself and fail at 4 boards, than sit in my comfort zone.