i prefer the sword but im a huge fanatic of that particular piece of history and the design and idea of it. I did however train with my dads old wooden nun chucks, personally i wouldnt use them for combat and i cant really carry them around being illegal. same applies with the sword but as far as striking goes you can hit with a stick the same way and it'll sting. i want to learn the sais but cant find anyone who knows it, OVER ALL I WOULD SAY THE STAFF IS MOST VERSATILE