Breaking a board is a highlight at Omega’s tests and live demonstrations. Students learn to break as early as yellow belt and advance quickly in their breaking techniques through the ranks to black belt…flying, blindfolded, speed, and chi breaks are commonly seen at our tests – a truly inspiring performance of focus and skill. The purpose of board and brick breaking is symbolic of breaking through obstacles that we encounter throughout life. And YES — students break real wood boards, all typically 1″ thick (which is the equivalent to breaking a man’s rib bone).