Sai (weapon)
 | It has been suggested that this article be merged into San-Ku-Chu. (Discuss) Proposed since January 2008. |
- For other meanings of the word 'sai', see Sai (disambiguation).
Sai (釵) is the Ryukyu name for a traditional Okinawan[1] weapon.
The basic form of the weapon is that of a pointed, dagger-shaped truncheon, with two curved prongs (called yoku) projecting from the handle. The ball 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 central shaft. 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 "tekpi" or Indonesia language as "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
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 with the sai's prongs. If the user is skillful enough he/she 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.
Popular Culture
In Hollywood, sai are often portrayed as much more offensive weapons, being used as swords, daggers, and throwing knives. Little play is given to striking with the knuckle. Thus, the traditionally blunt and rounded weapon is often portrayed as a blade. For example, Jennifer Garner, who played the role of Elektra Natchios in the film Daredevil and its spin-off Elektra, holds them unconventionally with the index and middle finger straddling the central prong inside the yoku. A grip with fingers between the yoku and the middle shaft facilitates a more flashy array of finger twirls; however, it eliminates certain defensive possibilities and knuckle strikes.[citation needed]
Sai also feature prominently in other films, such as in the two battles between Anck-Su-Namun and Nefertiri/Evie in The Mummy Returns. They also make an appearance in the hands of Keanu Reeves in The Matrix Reloaded. In the film The Book of Swords, there is a female ninja who wields a pair of sai. In the film Bulletproof Monk, the villainess, Nina, brandishes a single black sai in a fight to the death with the heroine, Jade.
Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor) from Xena: Warrior Princess uses a pair of sai as her primary weapons in seasons 5 and 6. Here, Gabrielle wields the sai in a more traditional sense, favoring defensives moves and knuckle strikes over the more offensive moves. However, she does use them to cut a rope as a bladed knife would, implying that her set is bladed rather than round, at least in that episode, as all other shots of her sai show a traditional rounded shaft.
Raphael of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles uses twin sai as his weapons of choice. In the animated television series, Ronin Warriors, the character Lady Kayura uses a modified pair of sai as her weapons of choice. Whilst in the manga comics, TenTen in Naruto has many weapons including a sai attached to a chain. Also Kish from Tokyo Mew Mew uses a pair of sai, termed "Dragon swords".
In the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Super Sentai, the Blue Ranger and the Yellow Ranger both wield weapons resembling sai. Also, a villainess named Camille in Power Rangers: Jungle Fury (and her Juken Sentai Gekiranger counterpart) wielded sai in her warrior form.
In the popular South Park episode "Good Times with Weapons", Cartman uses a pair of "Killer Sai" when facing Professor Chaos and, later, a gang of rival ninjas in the Battle of Togikawa.
In video games, Mileena from the Mortal Kombat series uses sai as her primary weapons. Li Mei in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, Sareena in Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition and Khameleon in Mortal Kombat Trilogy also use sai. In the Last Bronx series, sai are wielded by Nagi.
References
See also
External links
- The Stories and Practice of the Okinawan Sai by Toshihiro Oshiro and William H. Haff
- Video of Sai History on YouTube
- Breakdown of the Sai and Qualities to Look For.