But, don't rush out after reading this and go instantly jamming your brakes on and hoping for the best.
Basic and advanced braking techniques are best learnt under safe and controlled conditions with an instructor rather than when a truck pulls out on you!
Your local motorcycle school will run a fun braking exercise session for you and some mates if you care to call the school and arrange it.
How Do You Control A Rear Wheel Skid?
Control of a rear wheel skid is easy. Just keep your eyes up to the horizon and look where you WANT to go (not necessarily where you are actually going) and the bike will skid in a controllable manner with a minimum of fishtailing.
How Good Can You Get At Emergency Braking?
In emergency stops, expert riders are capable of controlling a front wheel skid by releasing pressure on the front brake just enough to get that wheel turning again without actually letting the brake right off.
This requires considerable sensitivity on the brakes and the only way you will gain this sort of sensitivity is to practice.