Introduction

Structure of syllabus

Back to Kobudo overview

Introduction

The Sai was originally a farming implement used for carrying hay bales or as an all-purpose agricultural tool.

It was adapted by the Okinawans for use against a kon and even against a sword.

While it is a pointed instrument, the Sai is principally used as a short club or kosh rather than as a thrusting weapon.  The smaller prongs are useful in catching and redirecting a thrust or downward strike from another weapon.

It is regarded as analogous the shuto (ridge hand strike) in karate.

Sai is an elective weapon from Nidan 3 onwards.

The sai units available are listed below:

Structure of the syllabus

Unit 1

Sai Drill;
Sempo no kon Kata: Bo kata designed to be combined with Hitsuyo no sai, tonfa or kama katas to form a 2-person kata or embu.

Sai drill

Unit 2

Hitsuyo no sai kata: A sai form incorporating all of the essential techniques. Designed to be combined with Sempo no kon kata to form a 2-person kata or embu.

Unit 3

Tsukenshitahaku no sai: A traditional form for this unusual weapon designed by the master Tsukenshitahaku.