The process of toughening the hands to allow them to deliver more force when striking was a common practice amongst the previous generations of monks. They did this by repeatedly striking cauldrons filled with heated gravel. As well as learning to endure pain, the monks developed callouses on their hands and increased their bone density. However, the practice would often leave the monks with deformed hands and fingers. These days, the practice is less common and gloves such as these provide a monk who wishes to engage in iron palm training all the benefits without the irreparable damage to their hands.