Martial arts. Finger and toe strength.

[Azred]

True, many advanced martial artists have devoted their lives to their art and are capable of amazing feats. Are they obsessed? Yes--but obsessed about developing their spirit and mind, not just their body. That kind of obsession is not bad, mind you.
Those kinds of displays are for the general public only; the true display of power is in a perfectly executed kata. Breaking objects is simply a way to help the mind focus; this focus is the true key to all martial arts.

[Elif Godson]

Originally posted by Azred: True, many advanced martial artists have devoted their lives to their art and are capable of amazing feats. Are they obsessed? Yes--but obsessed about developing their spirit and mind, not just their body. That kind of obsession is not bad, mind you. Those kinds of displays are for the general public only; the true display of power is in a perfectly executed kata. Breaking objects is simply a way to help the mind focus; this focus is the true key to all martial arts.

Good point, I forgot to mention that bit of info . It also comes through in "Randori" or free form practice. Oh yeah, palm strikes count, actually that is on of the best and safest way's to strike,imho Spirituality is a keen component of the martial art's and it is widely over looked in today's school's. I have had parent's chastise me for teaching there children principle's other then the one's there religon dictate's. When I tell them I was born a Roman Catholic some calm down and let me explain to them waht I was telling there child, other's get even more fired up. of course this is branching off of topic. I also do break more then board's and brick's, but I wasnt talking about myself in that respect.

[Azred]

Originally posted by MagiK: ...to do these kinds of stunts you have to be freakishly obssesive and have no normal life as a human being. The guys who do this stuff devote every minute to it. Its fine if you don't mind being a one dimensional person. But try and sit down and have a normal conversation with them and you find a lack of breadth to their personality....or at least in my experience that has been the case.

I think you'll find this to be a problem only in the West or perhaps those who are involved in either Muy Thai or K-1. Their only devotion is to physical prowess (speed, agility, and strength). Real practitioners of various arts incorporate a variety of activities to develop well-rounded people. Painting, poetry, and philosophy may also studied; these, of course go back to mental focus (a discipline which cannot be overemphasized).