Wax wood

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The wood from White Wax Wood (presumably Ligustrum lucidum) saplings has been prized in China for thousands of years. It is an ideal material from which to fashion staffs, spear shafts, and walking sticks, because it is tough, hard and flexible and can absorb shock without breaking. However, a downside to "Wax Wood" is that it is very vulnerable to wood worm. This can be treated if found early enough with various powders and oils.^{[citation needed]}

Japanese and Korean martial artists will typically choose a piece of waxwood cut to be 1/2' - 3/4' above their personal height, and which will have a pointed end (toward the top of the wax wood stalk) and a thicker base. The size and weight of the bo staff is determined by how near or far the staff is cut from the tip of the wax wood stalk.

Various kung fu styles also use Wax Wood for many weapons such as; spear shafts, three section staff, poles. Although Rattan is also used.

For a demonstration of the physical characteristics of a wax wood staff, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4iOO1rfBo4