If you've never handled a rattan staff - or bo staff - the kind used in marshal arts - they are amazing.

My kids are both in Taikwando (junior black belts!! - proud papa), and they've used the rattan staffs for years. The rattan staffs are solid - not hollow. They are REALLY light weight and amazingly strong. The kids and their fellow students have beat them against each other for years without any breakage or damage. I'd highly recommend them.

I use a 6' staff when walking the neighborhood - mostly to deal with dogs.

Oh, I put a soft black rubber end-cap on the bottom, to make it last longer and to give it less tap, tap, tap.