 Handbook
/ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is speed brick breaking an art or a sport?
We at the WSBBA believe speed brick breaking is
both an art and a sport. Clearly, the activity of racing against
an opponent or a stop watch in a quest for a tournament win, rank
level, record or personal best places speed brick breaking in the
realm of sport. But, if you ask an experienced speed brick breaker,
they will also tell you that every break is different and every speed
breaker approaches it with their own style and personality.
There is no one single correct way to complete a speed break.
Lead or reverse leg? Palm Heel, Double Palm Heel, or Hammerfist?
Left to right or right to left? There are also many variables
and breaking conditions (wet or dry bricks? outside?) which come into
play with a speed break which make every break unique. In
completing a speed break, the breaker is expressing him or herself
much in the same way as the martial artist performs a hyung or kata.
In this regard, speed breaking is also an art.
2. Isn't speed brick breaking dangerous, especially
for kids?
If done under a controlled, supervised environment and
gradually in accordance with the WSBBA ranking system and the
individual's own physical maturity, speed brick breaking is no more
dangerous than any other martial art.
3. What is a Black Belt in Speed Brick Breaking?
In many martial arts, attaining the black belt
tells the world the individual has mastered the "basics".
It's no different for speed brick breaking. WSBBA Black Belts
are Certified Instructors in the art of speed brick breaking.
They are experienced breakers who are qualified to judge at WSBBA
events and sanctioned tournaments as well as to teach in the art of
speed brick breaking. The WSBBA Black Belt tells the world that the martial artist has
demonstrated a level of proficiency worthy of the rank.
4. I would like to host a WSBBA-sanctioned event.
How do I get started?
Hosting a WSBBA-sanctioned event is limited to
WSBBA black belts or members who are black belt level in another
martial art and operate their own school. Event dates and times
are subject to the availability of official WSBBA judges. There is a
fee for sanctioning. In no instance can a WSBBA member or
non-member claim WSBBA sanctioning or affiliation for an event without
the express prior approval of the WSBBA. Call 586-222-4361 for more information.
5. When do I get my certificate for attaining
my level?
Please allow two weeks to process your
certificate.
6. How can I learn to speed brick break?
There are several ways you can learn to speed
brick break. Classes are available in the Metro Detroit area or
a qualified instructor can come to your school. Call for
details!! Also, see the answer for Question #11 below.
7. What's the difference between a world
record and a level record?
The WSBBA documents annual standings and records
for the twelve (12) speed brick breaking
divisions including separate divisions by gender and age. We
also group records within the level, and note the overall fastest time
for each level. Refer to the respective web pages for the
current record holders.
8. Can I go for a level at a WSBBA
tournament?
WSBBA competition is usually performed with ten
bricks. If a member who is not yet at Level I (Green) and
competes in a tournament and successfully breaks all ten bricks in
under ten seconds, he or she will have attained their Level 1 ranking.
Otherwise, level attempts are reserved for testings.
9. Is the WSBBA responsible for recording
video of my break?
No, except for black belt testing where
documentation is needed. However, the WSBBA can refer the
individual to qualified video and still photography contractors for
this service, if desired.
10. Is the WSBBA responsible for providing
bricks and pins for my break?
It is the individual's responsibility to provide
his or her own WSBBA-approved bricks and pins; however, we can provide
bricks and pins for a fee (see schedule for current pricing) with
sufficient notice prior to the event. Call the WSBBA for more
information.
11. Do I have to reside in Michigan in order
to join or participate with the WSBBA?
No. The WSBBA is currently producing an
instructional DVD that will be available to assist new breakers and
those out of state with learning how to speed brick break.
If your organization is interested in becoming a
regional representative for the WSBBA, please contact us to discuss
this exciting opportunity.
12. What type of brick is used for speed
brick breaking?
The WSBBA-approved brick for speed brick
breaking is 1" x 8" x 16" portland cement which ranges between 10 and
15 pounds, dry to wet. We also use 2" x 8" x 16" red heavyweight
cement bricks that weigh approximately 35 pounds.
Bricks must be certified by a qualified WSBBA
judge prior to each event, and baking bricks is ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED.
Individuals attempting to break with modified bricks will be
immediately disqualified and subject to the possible loss of
membership and eligibility with the WSBBA.
13. When does my WSBBA membership expire and
how do I renew?
WSBBA memberships are valid for one year, and
are renewed in December. Members can expect to receive a renewal
notice in late fall. See the Fee Schedule
for current membership dues amounts.
14. How many opportunities will I have
attempt a new level / rank in a year?
Two. The WSBBA will hold testing for all levels at
the semi-annual winter and summer Black Belt testings.
15. How many opportunities will I have to
compete in a year?
Refer to the WSBBA online
calendar.
16. Does the WSBBA participate in tournament
point circuits like ISKA, NASKA and SKIL?
All WSBBA members are eligible to compete and
represent to earn points toward the Annual Awards Presentation for the
year's best division and overall breakers. See the
Standings web page for the Michigan
region.
The WSBBA is also a proud member of the ICE
Martial Arts Federation to promote unity, support, and fairness in
martial arts competition.
17. What do I wear at a WSBBA breaking event?
For underbelts, the WSBBA prefers a martial arts
uniform bearing the distinctive WSBBA patch provided to all members.
WSBBA Black Belts should wear the WSBBA Black Belt Gi.
18. Can I use WSBBA logos or the WSBBA name for promotional
purposes?
Logos may be used only with the prior express permission by the WSBBA
and rank logos may only be used up to the level of your current breaking rank.
Use of the WSBBA name in any way, printed or electronic, for event
promotion is prohibited without the prior express written permission
of the WSBBA.
19. Who is responsible for providing
insurance coverage at WSBBA breaking events?
The WSBBA will provide insurance coverage for
events that are directly hosted and sponsored by the WSBBA. For
all other events, including but not limited to sanctioned tournaments
and WSBBA testings held in martial arts schools, the host/sponsor of
the event is responsible for providing adequate insurance coverage,
which must be provided in writing to the WSBBA prior to approval of
the event.
20. How do I get more information, such as a
Membership Application, for the WSBBA?
It's easy. Go the
Forms & Documents web page. You can also contact the WSBBA
by clicking on Contact Us or by calling
586-222-4361.
21. My young students are interested, but I'm
not sure they're ready for brick. What opportunities do you
offer young breakers?
The Little Dragons Divisions are perfect for
young breakers who are not yet ready for Level 1 (Green). See
the Rankings web page.
22. When can I attempt a world record break?
Effective June 1, 2007, the W.S.B.B.A. will
recognize new world records only at the semi-annual testings.
23. How long will my record stand?
A record will remain valid and online until it
is broken or until the record holder is no longer current member of
the W.S.B.B.A., whichever occurs first.
24. Can I submit a video to test for my rank?
The W.S.B.B.A. will accept documented rank
testing by unedited video up through Level 3 (Brown). 1st Dan and
higher must be in the presence of a WSBBA black belt panel. In
addition to the unedited video, we'll need documentation by notarized
affidavit of the timekeeper, as well as to the weight of the 1" x 8" x
16" bricks (10 lbs.), proper spacing of 1/4", and also to the fact
that the bricks have not been altered (e.g. baked). Notarized witness
affidavits, especially from school instructors and other black belts,
are also helpful in documenting the validity of the speed break.
25. I'm
confident in my speed breaking ability? Can I test directly for a
black belt or master level or must I test in rank order?
Just as testing in most if not all martial arts must be done in rank
order, so it is with speed brick breaking. To allow otherwise
would not be fair to the art or other speed brick breakers.
Therefore, skipping of ranks is not allowed in the W.S.B.B.A.
|
