i think once you REALLY fall for FMA you'll find yourself with so many different training sticks it'll almost be ridiculous. from rattan to guava, 28 in. to 31 in., different diameters, different weights, etc., etc. you'll find sticks you don't mind ''ruining'', then you'll find some sticks that ''speaK'' to you for some reason and you'll do nothing but hit the air with it, and you'll find sticks you'll want to use for sparring/fighting. sometimes when you see people with all manners of sticks, this what they are for.
Francisco