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Sai (weapon)
(From
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
Two sai
Sai (釵) is the Ryukyu
name for a traditional Okinawan[1]
weapon.
The basic form of the weapon is that of
a
pointed, rod-shaped baton,
with two long, unsharpened projections (called yoku) attached to the
handle.
The very end of the handle is called the knuckle. Contrary to popular
belief, the shaft of a traditional sai is not a blade.
Sai are constructed in a variety of
forms.
Traditional sai are round, while some reproductions have adapted an octagonal
middle prong. The yoku are traditionally symmetrical,
however, the Manji design developed by Taira Shinken
employs oppositely facing yoku in an approximation to the Manji
symbol (also known as the Swastika) from which it takes its name.
History
Some believe that the sai was always
intended as a weapon while others hypothesize that it originated as an
agricultural tool used to measure stalks, plow
fields, plant rice,
or to hold cart wheels
in place. Evidence for the latter theory is limited. The sai is known
to have been used in other parts of Asia
before its arrival on Okinawa,
such as India,
China,
Indonesia,
Siam
and Malaysia.
Early evidence suggests Indonesia
or the neighbouring area as the sai's point of origin. In
Malay
the sai is known as a "chabang" (also spelled cabang or tjabang,
meaning branch) and is thought to derive from the Indian
trishula.
The chabang quickly spread through the rest of Indo-China
and may have reached Okinawa
from one or more of these places simultaneously. In Japan
it might have been known as the San-Ku-Chu.
Technique
A set of sai
The sai's utility as a weapon is
reflected
in its distinctive shape. With skill, it can be used against a long sword
by trapping the sword's blade in the sai's handle. If the user is
skillful enough she/he may be able to fracture a blade or other weapon
with the sai. There are several different ways of wielding the sai in
the hands, which give it the versatility to be used both lethally and
non-lethally. The sai is primarily used as a striking weapon or for
short jabs into the
solar plexus.
The sai also has many defensive uses in blocking other weapons.
One way to hold it is by gripping the
handle with all of the fingers and pinching the thumb against the joint
between the handle bar and the shaft of the sai. This allows one to
manipulate the sai so that it can be pressed against the forearm and
also help avoid getting the thumb caught in the handle when blocking an
attack. The change is made by putting pressure on the thumbs and
rotating the sai around until it is facing backwards and the index
finger is aligned with the handle. The sai is generally easier to
handle in this position. The knuckle end is good for concentrating the
force of a punch, while the long shaft can be wielded to thrust at
enemies, to serve as a protection for a blow to the forearm, or to stab
as one would use a common dagger.
In practice, some prefer to keep the
index
finger extended in alignment with the center shaft regardless of
whether the knuckle end or the middle prong is exposed. The finger may
be straight or slightly curled. Used in this way, the other fingers are
kept on the main shaft, with the thumb supporting the handle.[2]
The grips described above leverage the
versatility of this implement as both an offensive and a defensive
weapon. Both grips facilitate flipping between the point and the
knuckle being exposed while the sai is held in strong grip positions.
The sai is typically used in pairs, with
one in each hand.[3]
In the United States a common style is Yamanni Ryu.
Five common kata
are typically taught, including two kihon
kata. The style includes a variety of blocks, parries, strikes, and
captures against attackers from all directions and height levels. Use
of the point, knuckle and central bar is emphasized, as well as rapid
grip changes for multiple strikes and blocks.
The
jitte
is the one-pronged Japanese equivalent of the (Okinawan) sai, and was
used predominantly by the Japanese police
during the Edo period.
It is a featured weapon in the curriculum of several Japanese
Jujutsu
and koryu
schools.
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