If you trained with a traditional Martial Arts Master, you have probably done drills similar to these at some point. This training method might seem extreme by Western standards, but it is the foundation that prepares the body for future high impact activities like sparring and breaking.
We have all been to testing or tournaments where a student couldn't complete a break. It isn't that they aren't capable; they lack confidence. They are afraid it will hurt, so they stop short and fail to push through the board.
Martial Arts is not supposed to be easy! Taking the easy path only diverts the challenge to another time and that challenge becomes more difficult.