The difference between "stop" and "break"

by Mike

"Stop" and "break" might seem to be similar commands on the surface, but they are actually separate and distinct things and need to be treated as such. The problem arises when they're used interchangeably.

Break is a command given by a referee that action is to halt and fighters to disengage and prepare to be restarted from a neutral position. Break could be used to signal the end of the round or to allow the referee to restart non-action (stalling, clinch, etc.). When a referee declares "break" the fighters are to disengage and distance themselves from their opponent while awaiting the referee's instructions - whether he's sending a fighter to a neutral corner, calling a doctor to the ring or merely breaking a clinch. 

Remember, even while breaking, keep your guard up - you can be sure that you heard the referee's command, you can't be sure that your opponent has. Your opponent may not have heard the referee but did see an opening and he attacks you while you're not defending. This isn't necessarily cheating, especially at the end of a round where someone tries to beat the bell, but instead hears it an launches the attach - which, depending on their reaction speed, might actually come after the bell. You've seen this in matches before. It's not intentional, but definitely illegal and a huge disadvantage for the fighter struck with his hands down, chin up and mouth open. Times like this are what the referee means when he says, "defend yourself at all times." 

Another point about "break" to keep in mind is that if you're on top of an opponent (in BJJ say), or you're releasing a submission hold, to let go of it slowly. If your opponent is resisting the hold, they're likely to be using all their might and to suddenly let go of the hold could cause injury. 

Stop is not often heard in boxing matches, but rather in MMA events or in class. The order to stop means to cease your actions, but remain in the same position. In an MMA match, this could be used by the referee to indicate that they are going to restart action in the center of the ring and need to make sure the fighters remain in the same position or in class when your instructor is going to point something out to you. In the latter case it might be that you're halfway to a single-leg but are having trouble finishing it and he's going to walk you through the part you're having trouble with. An instructor might also call stop in order for the class to freeze and make sure they're in the proper position they need to be (good posture/stance, etc.).

Just as with break, one should maintain a sense of where they and their opponent are, just in case your opponent doesn't hear or respond to the command.  

Now you can see the difference between these two terms and have a sense of when it is appropriate to use them in class and in the ring ("stop" and "break" could both be used in the course of training, for instance, shouting "stop - check your stance" to make sure everyone is keeping up with their technique during a round and then ending the round with "break!").  Hopefully this will make your training more productive and less confusing (especially if you decide to make the transition from merely training to competing!).