Breaking Class

This post provides background and teaching context for the Premium video Breaking Class, presented by Mr Brendan Doogan, a former Breaking World Champion. The session shows how breaking can be taught in a way that builds confidence, sound technique, and genuine power.

Teaching Breaking to Junior Belts

In the junior class, the focus is on removing fear and building confidence. Mr Doogan demonstrates how correct set-up, distance, and board holding allow younger or less experienced students to succeed early. This creates a positive experience while reinforcing safe habits and correct breaking mechanics.

“Does it hurt? Well yeah, a little bit. Hurts more when it doesn’t break aye!”

In the preview clip, Mr Doogan uses humour to relax the students before explaining how to adjust distance and hold the arm correctly. These small details make a significant difference to success, especially for students attempting their first breaks.

Developing Power in Senior Students

For the senior class, the emphasis shifts toward power and commitment. Students are encouraged to exaggerate their movements and, as Mr Doogan puts it, “go crazy” with execution. This helps develop full-body power and decisive follow-through, both of which are essential for larger or more demanding breaks.

A key teaching point is learning to use the entire body rather than relying on the arm alone. In the demonstration, Mr Doogan delivers an elbow technique using strong body movement and follow-through, easily breaking the board and reinforcing the importance of commitment.

Practical Value for Instructors

For instructors, this session offers practical ideas on how to structure a breaking class for different levels. It shows how confidence-building for juniors can sit alongside high-intensity power development for seniors, all within a safe and supportive training environment.

Learn more about the instructor featured in this video here:
Mr Brendan Doogan – Expert Coach Profile

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On each coach’s profile you can see all the videos they have featured in for TKD Coaching.