This month, I started adding something to my routine that many casual viewers of what I call kick flicks assume is a Hollyweird addition that doesn't reflect reality. There's much speculation about whether legends like Jet Li and Jackie Chan can really smash bricks on their heads or punch through doors. It seems a little far-fetched. The truth is that body conditioning really can make you into this kind of superhero, and it is a normal part of Shaolin wushu (and many other practises).

Being at the beginning means I'm not punching walls down, but conditioning my joints for impacts with a block of EVA (hard foam). Every day, as part of the stretching routine, I now use the EVA block create impacts along my shins, both sides of my hands, elbows and forehead. As mad as it looks to Burtdad, the foam will eventually be replaced by a sandbag, and later, by harder and harder materials, until I eventually condition against granite or iron. It's a long journey, but my feet keep moving forward.