The Beijing Guardians American Football Club was launched six months ago by American Nathan Jones. The club plays full-contact American football complete with pads and a helmet. It welcomes all players regardless of experience, size, and age. The team meets in Chaoyang Park every Tuesday for practice and then again on Sundays for their games. A famous Chinese philosopher once said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." As for American football in China, the Beijing Guardians is that first step. It could be just a matter of time before American football surpasses basketball as the most popular western sport in China.