Below is a link to an interesting article by Young Forest Filipino Martial Arts on why rattan sticks make a good training tool, and how to go about processing raw rattan into something that is functional for hitting with-
“Anybody who practices Filipino Martial Arts quickly comes to love the burning smell that rattan gives off during training, but there’s a much larger rationale to using rattan than just a smoky aroma.
To the uninitiated, the choice seems to be a needless expenditure. Why not just go down to the hardware store and pick up some hardwood doweling or PVC piping? Broom stick? A stick is just a stick right?
Actually, there are several reasons to choose rattan, and the overriding concern is safety.”
Check the link below for the rest of the article:
http://www.youngforest.ca/en-ca/siling-labuyo-arnis-and-filipino-martial-arts/why-use-rattan
(Reproduced under fair-use and with credit)