Kungfublow,
there is a Dog Brothers instructor in our areas ( Toronto), Rene knows his stuff and his guys get together on a regular basis and spar, the degree of contact is up to you.
Pretty much any wooden weapon is ok.
I'd help you out be I no longer am part of a school and my time is very limited.
If you want practical weapons fighting, Rene is a good guy to go to, but if you want to try your hand at a Kali school, I can suggest one too.