I have only been training (Doce Pares) with sticks for just over a year, so if I get this wrong, I am happy to be corrected.
Which stick art? I don't think it matters. There are only so many ways to hit someone hard with a stick. My first question would be, are they doing any real-speed / real-contact training? I said this a guy who practices some Japanese stick art and he looked at me like I was from another planet (but he hasn't accepted my challenge to prove me wrong).
Back stance? People tend to use the back stance in a range that works great if you are pillow fighting. I like this stance in clinch range. My off-hand can check, strike or create some space so I can swing.
Dog Corey