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{{Short description|Pointed melee weapon from Okinawa}} {{Short description|Pointed melee weapon from Okinawa}}
] ]
The '''''sai''''' (]: ], {{lit|hairpin}}; ]: ], {{lit|iron ruler}}) is a pointed ] originating from ]. It is utilized in ], ], and southern Chinese martial arts and is primarily used for stabbing, striking, parrying and disarming opponents. The ''sai'' consists of a pointed metal main prong, that projects from a one-handed hilt, two shorter metal side prongs, which point in the same direction as the main prong and project from the opposite sides of its base, and a blunt metal pommel, attached to the end of the hilt. It came to international attention, when ] became popular in the mid-20th Century, causing elements of ] to spread to Japan and then to the wider world. The '''''sai''''' (]: ], {{lit|hairpin}}; ]: ], {{lit|iron ruler}}) is a pointed melee weapon from ]. It was historically utilized in martial arts such as ] and southern Chinese martial arts, and has been absorbed into the curriculum of many modern martial arts. Although similar weapons can be found in other parts of Asia, the sai is the Okinawan take on the basic concept and should not be confused with the other weapons. The sai is primarily used for stabbing, striking, parrying and disarming opponents. It consists of a pointed metal main prong, that projects from a one-handed handle, two shorter metal side prongs, which project from the opposite sides of the base of the main prong and point in the same direction as it, and a blunt metal pommel fixed to the bottom end of the handle. The sai came to international attention when ] and ] reached international popularity in the mid-20th Century.


==History== ==History==
] ]'' (right)]]
Before its creation in ], similar weapons were already being used in other Asian countries including ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name=Draeger>{{Cite book |last1=Draeger |first1=Donn F. |author1-link=Donn F. Draeger |author2=Robert W. Smith |year=1969 |title=Asian Fighting Arts |location=Tokyo |publisher=Kodansha |oclc=812370873}} Reprint: {{Registration required}}. New York; Tokyo: Kodansha International. {{Isbn|978-0-87011-436-6}}.</ref> The basic concept of the ''sai'' may have been brought to ] from one or several of these places over time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-24 |title=Everything You Need to Know About the Sai Weapon |url=https://www.technology.org/2019/05/24/sai-misunderstood-ancient-japanese-weapon-which-is-not-a-dagger/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |publisher=Technology.org |language=en-US}}</ref> Some sources theorize that the weapon may be based on the Indian ], an ancient Hindu-Buddhist symbol<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Trishula |url=https://www.ancient-symbols.com/symbols-directory/the-trishula.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Ancient-Symbols.com |language=en-us}}</ref> that may have spread along with ] and ] into South-East Asia.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gosula |first=Poojitha Reddy |year=2021 |title=The Girl Who Reads Her Past Six Lives: She Is the Army-Chief |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4ehEEAAAQBAJ |edition=eBook |location=Chennai |publisher=Notion Press |page=250 |isbn=9781648998782}}</ref> The word ''trisula'' itself can refer to either a long or short-handled trident. Before the creation of the sai in ], similar weapons were already being used in other Asian countries including ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name=Draeger>{{Cite book |last1=Draeger |first1=Donn F. |author1-link=Donn F. Draeger |author2=Robert W. Smith |year=1969 |title=Asian Fighting Arts |location=Tokyo |publisher=Kodansha |oclc=812370873}} Reprint: {{Registration required}}. New York; Tokyo: Kodansha International. {{Isbn|978-0-87011-436-6}}.</ref> The basic concept of this kind of weapon was brought to ] over time from one or several of these places.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-24 |title=Everything You Need to Know About the Sai Weapon |url=https://www.technology.org/2019/05/24/sai-misunderstood-ancient-japanese-weapon-which-is-not-a-dagger/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |publisher=Technology.org |language=en-US}}</ref> However, the sai is the Okinawan take on this weapon concept, and should not be mixed with the other similar weapons.
Some sources theorize that this weapon concept may be based on the Indian ], an ancient Hindu-Buddhist symbol<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Trishula |url=https://www.ancient-symbols.com/symbols-directory/the-trishula.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Ancient-Symbols.com |language=en-us}}</ref> that may have spread along with ] and ] into South-East Asia.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gosula |first=Poojitha Reddy |year=2021 |title=The Girl Who Reads Her Past Six Lives: She Is the Army-Chief |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4ehEEAAAQBAJ |edition=eBook |location=Chennai |publisher=Notion Press |page=250 |isbn=9781648998782}}</ref> The word ''trisula'' itself can refer to either a long or short-handled trident.
In ] the ''sai'' was used by the domestic police (''ufuchiku'') to arrest criminals and for crowd control. Use of the ''sai'' in ] was improved in 1668 by Moto Chohei, an Okinawan prince.<ref>{{Cite book |author=Kanenori Sakon Matsuo |year=2005 |title=The Secret Royal Martial Arts of Ryukyu |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XeVUCjFVaYQC&dq=chinese+sai+weapon&pg=PA81 |translator=Joe Swift |location=Norderstedt, Germany |publisher=Books on Demand |page=81 |isbn=9783833419935 |oclc=778744684}}</ref> In ] the ''sai'' was used by the domestic police (''ufuchiku'') to arrest criminals and for crowd control. Use of the ''sai'' in ] was approved in 1668 by Moto Chohei, an Okinawan prince.<ref>{{Cite book |author=Kanenori Sakon Matsuo |year=2005 |title=The Secret Royal Martial Arts of Ryukyu |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XeVUCjFVaYQC&dq=chinese+sai+weapon&pg=PA81 |translator=Joe Swift |location=Norderstedt, Germany |publisher=Books on Demand |page=81 |isbn=9783833419935 |oclc=778744684}}</ref>


Japan had a similar weapon, the '']'', which was originally used as a blunt weapon by guards in the Shogun's palace, and was subsequently issued to senior officials as a badge of office. Edo period examples of the jitte typically have only a single hook. The relationship between the ''sai'' and ''jitte'' is unclear. Japan had a similar weapon, the '']'', which was originally used as a blunt weapon by guards in the Shogun's palace, and was subsequently issued to senior officials as a badge of office. Edo period examples of the ''jitte'' typically have only a single hook. The relationship between the ''sai'' and ''jitte'' is unclear.


==Parts of the ''sai'' in Okinawan martial arts== ==Parts (in Okinawan)==
] ]
* '']'', the metal main prong of the ''sai'', that is either round or faceted. *'']'', the metal main prong of the ''sai'', that is either round or faceted.
* '']'', the sharp point of the main prong.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Graham |first=Dr. Leslie M. |title=The Sai: Okinawan Karate's Treasured Trident |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6s8DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA50 |magazine=] |date=August 1993 |volume=31 |issue=8 |page= |issn=0277-3066}}</ref> ] *'']'', the sharp point of the main prong.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Graham |first=Dr. Leslie M. |title=The Sai: Okinawan Karate's Treasured Trident |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6s8DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA50 |magazine=] |date=August 1993 |volume=31 |issue=8 |page= |issn=0277-3066}}</ref>
* '']'', the two shorter metal side prongs of the ''sai'', which usually point in the same direction as the main prong, with the exception of the ''manji sai'' developed by ], that has the direction of the other side prong reversed, making the two side prongs resemble the ] (''manji''). *'']'', the two shorter metal side prongs of the ''sai'', which usually point in the same direction as the main prong, with the exception of the ''manji sai'' developed by ], which has the direction of one of the side prongs reversed, causing the weapon to be reminiscent of a ] (''manji'').
]
⚫ * '']'', the sharp point of the two side prongs.
* '']'', the center point between the two side prongs. *'']'', the sharp point of the two side prongs.
* '']'', the hilt of the ''sai''. The hilt can be wrapped with different materials or given different treatments to enhance the grip. *'']'', the center point between the two side prongs.
* '']'', the metal pommel of the ''sai''. *'']'', the one-handed handle of the ''sai'', which is usually wrapped with different materials or given different treatments to add more grip to it.
⚫ *'']'', the blunt metal pommel of the ''sai''.


==Technique== ==Technique==
] ]
The ''sai'' is a weapon typically wielded in pairs, with one in each hand.<ref name=Draeger/> In modern Okinawan Kobudo, five '']'' (choreographed patterns of movements in martial arts) are commonly taught, including two ''] kata.'' The ''sai'' is a weapon typically wielded in pairs, with one in each hand.<ref name=Draeger/> In modern Okinawan Kobudo, five '']'' (choreographed patterns of movements in martial arts) are commonly taught, including two ''] kata.''


The utility of the ''sai'' is given away by its distinctive trident-like shape. It is a weapon used for fast stabs and strikes but it is also very versatile, and has many other uses aswell. These include a variety of blocks, parries and captures against attackers from all directions and height levels. Use of the sharp points, the main prong and the pommel is emphasized, as well as rapid grip changes for multiple stabs and strikes. The utility of the ''sai'' is given away by its distinctive trident-like shape. It is a weapon primarily used for fast stabbing and striking, but being very versatile, it has many other uses as well. These include a variety of blocks, parries and captures against attackers from all directions and height levels. Use of the sharp points, the main prong and the pommel is emphasized, as well as rapid grip changes for multiple fast stabs and strikes.


One technique commonly depicted is to use of one of the ''sai''{{'}}s side prongs to entrap an opponents weapon and then disarm them of it. Some variations of the ''sai'' have the two side prongs pointing inwards towards the main prong to facilitate this maneuver. While this does not completely immobilize the attacker, it encumbers them in close quarters. One commonly depicted technique in ''sai'' kata is to use of one of the ''sai''{{'}}s side prongs to entrap an opponent's weapon and then disarm them of it. Some variations of the ''sai'' have the two side prongs pointing inwards towards the main prong to facilitate this maneuver. While this does not completely immobilize the attacker, it encumbers them in close quarters.


Because there is no morphological plural in Japanese, the word "''sai''{{-"}} refers to either a single weapon or multiple. ''Nicho sai'' refers to a ''kata'' that uses two ''sai'', while ''sancho sai kata'' refers to ''kata'' using three ''sai''. Because there is no morphological plural in Japanese, the word "''sai''{{-"}} refers to either a single weapon or multiple. ''Nicho sai'' refers to a ''kata'' that uses two ''sai'', while ''sancho sai kata'' refers to ''kata'' using three ''sai''.
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* ] * ]
⚫ * '']''
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
⚫ * '']''


==References== ==References==
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{{KobudoWeapons}} {{KobudoWeapons}}
{{Chinese weapons}} {{Chinese weapons}}
]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 20:59, 8 January 2025

Pointed melee weapon from Okinawa
Two modern sai

The sai (Japanese: 釵, lit. 'hairpin'; Chinese: 鐵尺, lit. 'iron ruler') is a pointed melee weapon from Okinawa. It was historically utilized in martial arts such as Okinawan kobudō and southern Chinese martial arts, and has been absorbed into the curriculum of many modern martial arts. Although similar weapons can be found in other parts of Asia, the sai is the Okinawan take on the basic concept and should not be confused with the other weapons. The sai is primarily used for stabbing, striking, parrying and disarming opponents. It consists of a pointed metal main prong, that projects from a one-handed handle, two shorter metal side prongs, which project from the opposite sides of the base of the main prong and point in the same direction as it, and a blunt metal pommel fixed to the bottom end of the handle. The sai came to international attention when Okinawan kobudō and karate reached international popularity in the mid-20th Century.

History

An antique sai (left) and an antique tekpi (right)
An antique sai (left) and an antique tekpi (right)

Before the creation of the sai in Okinawa, similar weapons were already being used in other Asian countries including India, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The basic concept of this kind of weapon was brought to Okinawa over time from one or several of these places. However, the sai is the Okinawan take on this weapon concept, and should not be mixed with the other similar weapons.

Some sources theorize that this weapon concept may be based on the Indian trisula, an ancient Hindu-Buddhist symbol that may have spread along with Hinduism and Buddhism into South-East Asia. The word trisula itself can refer to either a long or short-handled trident.

In Okinawa the sai was used by the domestic police (ufuchiku) to arrest criminals and for crowd control. Use of the sai in Okinawan kobudō was approved in 1668 by Moto Chohei, an Okinawan prince.

Japan had a similar weapon, the jitte, which was originally used as a blunt weapon by guards in the Shogun's palace, and was subsequently issued to senior officials as a badge of office. Edo period examples of the jitte typically have only a single hook. The relationship between the sai and jitte is unclear.

Parts (in Okinawan)

Parts of a modern sai
Parts of a modern sai
  • Monouchi, the metal main prong of the sai, that is either round or faceted.
  • Saki, the sharp point of the main prong.
  • Yoku, the two shorter metal side prongs of the sai, which usually point in the same direction as the main prong, with the exception of the manji sai developed by Taira Shinken, which has the direction of one of the side prongs reversed, causing the weapon to be reminiscent of a swastika (manji).
A modern manji sai
A modern manji sai
  • Tsume, the sharp point of the two side prongs.
  • Moto, the center point between the two side prongs.
  • Tsuka, the one-handed handle of the sai, which is usually wrapped with different materials or given different treatments to add more grip to it.
  • Tsukagashira, the blunt metal pommel of the sai.

Technique

A pair of modern sai
A pair of modern sai

The sai is a weapon typically wielded in pairs, with one in each hand. In modern Okinawan Kobudo, five kata (choreographed patterns of movements in martial arts) are commonly taught, including two kihon kata.

The utility of the sai is given away by its distinctive trident-like shape. It is a weapon primarily used for fast stabbing and striking, but being very versatile, it has many other uses as well. These include a variety of blocks, parries and captures against attackers from all directions and height levels. Use of the sharp points, the main prong and the pommel is emphasized, as well as rapid grip changes for multiple fast stabs and strikes.

One commonly depicted technique in sai kata is to use of one of the sai's side prongs to entrap an opponent's weapon and then disarm them of it. Some variations of the sai have the two side prongs pointing inwards towards the main prong to facilitate this maneuver. While this does not completely immobilize the attacker, it encumbers them in close quarters.

Because there is no morphological plural in Japanese, the word "sai" refers to either a single weapon or multiple. Nicho sai refers to a kata that uses two sai, while sancho sai kata refers to kata using three sai.

See also

References

  1. ^ Draeger, Donn F.; Robert W. Smith (1969). Asian Fighting Arts. Tokyo: Kodansha. OCLC 812370873. Reprint: Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts (registration required). New York; Tokyo: Kodansha International. ISBN 978-0-87011-436-6.
  2. "Everything You Need to Know About the Sai Weapon". Technology.org. 2019-05-24. Retrieved 2023-02-02.
  3. "The Trishula". Ancient-Symbols.com. Retrieved 2023-02-02.
  4. Gosula, Poojitha Reddy (2021). The Girl Who Reads Her Past Six Lives: She Is the Army-Chief (eBook ed.). Chennai: Notion Press. p. 250. ISBN 9781648998782.
  5. Kanenori Sakon Matsuo (2005). The Secret Royal Martial Arts of Ryukyu. Translated by Joe Swift. Norderstedt, Germany: Books on Demand. p. 81. ISBN 9783833419935. OCLC 778744684.
  6. Graham, Dr. Leslie M. (August 1993). "The Sai: Okinawan Karate's Treasured Trident". Black Belt. Vol. 31, no. 8. p. 51. ISSN 0277-3066.

Further reading

External links

Okinawan kobudō
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