The swords I use for sparring are normally the same height as my real ones. I either use dowel rods or get bokken at the flea market and saw them off to whatever size I want. To balance them out and wieght them like my steel swords I normally use duct tape (cheap yes, usless no) Normally I don't use padded weapons because it has too much of a bounce to it. If you can find a padding that will minimize the pain of blows and still be effective, it would be greatly appraciated.
And for the record, can you please tell me in what states you guys are located?? I really want to learn weastern martial arts!
