Taught to me by me pappy. To break down a fly rod or other 2 piece, place the rod behind your knees parallel to the ground and the line created by your shoulders. Grab each half of the rod with a hand tight to the side of your knees. Now just apply outward pressure w/ the knees till it comes apart. This technique maintains linear pressure on the rod and allows you to focus all hand strength on gripping. It has worked for me on several very stuck rods and has prevented me from EVER breaking a rod during breakdown. Your legs and hips are the most powerful muscles in your body and much more controllable.