Abstract: A ground engaging movable skate brake brings a brake surface into contact with the ground by moving the brake surface independently of the skate. The skate brake system of this invention includes: a delivery mechanism for driving a brake surface to the ground; a variable force mechanism for providing an increased mechanical advantage to the delivery mechanism or otherwise enhancing the performance of the system; an arresting mechanism to provide an emergency back-up in the event that the delivery mechanism should fail; a brake surface driven to the ground by the delivery mechanism; and an actuator mechanism for activating the delivery mechanism. Using the ground engaging movable skate brake, a skater need not perform any special body movement to bring the brake surface to the ground. The angle of the skate relative to the ground remains constant while the brake is applied.