Yes, I started hitting the shins and forearms with my Nylon cane lately, it's even harder than kicking pole. But I still kick the pole as part of the weekly routine.This is why I condition my shins and why control of striking techniques is important. I can't just be throwing my leg out there kicking as if my leg is the hardest thing on the planet. I'm more worried about my sparring partner's legs being injured than my legs been injured. I hit my shins with a stick for conditioning.