Hello,
This is a very good topic and one that is often neglected. For myself, I work out with 5 different sticks (strictly for training purposes):
1. 12 pound clubs (found in Indian Wrestling training)
2. 5 pound pipes (these are galvanized steel pipes that have been filled with sand) 32" long and 3/4" in diameter.
3. 2 pound pipes (again galvanized steel pipes, but hollow) 27" long 3/4" in diameter
4. 1 1/2 pound pipes (galvanized steel) 24" long 1/2" in diameter.
5. Rattan sticks (the old faithfuls)
I have found the pipes to be very important and also if you work with plumbing pipes (like I do) they are very inexpensive. In fact, my pipes cost less than any wood sticks I own and they are custom cut!
I think the really important aspect of this sort of training is not getting too used to one particular weight or one particular size. Very the weights and your body will learn to adapt to anything you pick up. Remember your body usually takes three weeks to acclimate to any particular movement or weight, so mix it up.
I also have similar training for knives, staffs, swinging weapons, and swords.
I hope this helps.
-DarthMorton |