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| :''For other meanings of the word 'sai', see ].'' | :''For other meanings of the word 'sai', see ].'' | ||
| The '''sai''' (釵) is a weapon of |
The '''sai''' (釵) is a weapon found prominently in Okinawa, with evidence of similar weapons in India, China and Indonesia, oftern believed to be an agricultural tool once used to measure stalks, plow fields, or to hold cart wheels in place though the evidence for this is limited. Its basic form is that of an unsharpened ], with two long, unsharpened projections (''tsuba'') attached to the handle. Sai are constructed in a variety of forms. Some are smooth, while others have an octagonal middle prong. The tsuba are traditionally symmetrical, however, the Manji design developed by ] employs oppositely facing tsuba. | ||
| The sai's utility as a weapon is reflected in its distinctive shape. With skill, it can be used effectively against a long ] by trapping the sword's blade in the sai's tsuba. Skilled users were able to snap a caught blade with a twist of the hand. 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's utility as a weapon is reflected in its distinctive shape. With skill, it can be used effectively against a long ] by trapping the sword's blade in the sai's tsuba. Skilled users were able to snap a caught blade with a twist of the hand. 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. | ||
Revision as of 12:42, 15 November 2005
- For other meanings of the word 'sai', see Sai (disambiguation).
The sai (釵) is a weapon found prominently in Okinawa, with evidence of similar weapons in India, China and Indonesia, oftern believed to be an agricultural tool once used to measure stalks, plow fields, or to hold cart wheels in place though the evidence for this is limited. Its basic form is that of an unsharpened dagger, with two long, unsharpened projections (tsuba) attached to the handle. Sai are constructed in a variety of forms. Some are smooth, while others have an octagonal middle prong. The tsuba are traditionally symmetrical, however, the Manji design developed by Taira Shinken employs oppositely facing tsuba.
The sai's utility as a weapon is reflected in its distinctive shape. With skill, it can be used effectively against a long sword by trapping the sword's blade in the sai's tsuba. Skilled users were able to snap a caught blade with a twist of the hand. 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.
Traditionally, sai were carried in threes, two at the side, as primary weapons, and a third tucked behind, in case one was disarmed. As a thrown weapon, the sai have a lethal range of about 20-30 feet. Throwing the sai was typically used against a opponent with a sword, bo or other long range weapon. The heavy iron (or contemporary steel) sai concentrate enough force to punch through armor.
The jitte is a one-pronged variant used predominantly by the Okinawan and Japanese police in the Edo period. It is a featured weapon in the curriculum of several Japanese Jujutsu and koryu schools
Sai have been heavily featured in popular culture. Raphael of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was known for using sai, as was Marvel superhero Elektra Natchios and Gabrielle of Xena: Warrior Princess. However, their portrayed usage in movies and video games has little or nothing to do with their traditional uses, history or tradition.
See also
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