Sai Weapons
- Thread starter Michael89
- Start date
TimoS
Master of Arts
Depends. You might be able to adapt those techniques to some other weapon but using the sai itself as a weapon is probably quite unlikely. Then again, it might help with your karate by making your techniques sharper etc.
Training in the sai can enhance your empty hand Karate as well.
As you get more advanced in your expertise using the sai, you'll find yourself using the wrists and hands much less, and using the larger muscles of the body instead. The more you can use your legs and hips to drive the motion of the sai, then the stronger your techniques will be, and using less effort from the hands.
This goes hand in hand with what any decent martial arts system teaches.
Just make sure that your pair of sai are a reasonably well-balanced pair. Otherwise, learning on a pair of horribly unbalanced sai will result in terrible fundamental technique that takes a lot of time to unlearn.
To answer your question about modern day actual use of the sai? Probably not much, although there are some law enforcement agencies that are using a modified sai for their patrolmen, replacing the nightstick. The "Rapid Rotation Baton" has been seen in some areas:
RRBSystems International. Rapid Rotation Baton
My personal opinion of such a weapon is that it could certainly have its benefits, but the use of the webbing doesn't really appeal to me. While it's supposed to be of some benefit against edged weapons, I'm not too keen on the idea. Also, the presence of such webbing would inhibit some of the thumb shifting techniques (going from one prong to the other) that can lead to some really nice strikes.
As you get more advanced in your expertise using the sai, you'll find yourself using the wrists and hands much less, and using the larger muscles of the body instead. The more you can use your legs and hips to drive the motion of the sai, then the stronger your techniques will be, and using less effort from the hands.
This goes hand in hand with what any decent martial arts system teaches.
Just make sure that your pair of sai are a reasonably well-balanced pair. Otherwise, learning on a pair of horribly unbalanced sai will result in terrible fundamental technique that takes a lot of time to unlearn.
To answer your question about modern day actual use of the sai? Probably not much, although there are some law enforcement agencies that are using a modified sai for their patrolmen, replacing the nightstick. The "Rapid Rotation Baton" has been seen in some areas:
RRBSystems International. Rapid Rotation Baton
My personal opinion of such a weapon is that it could certainly have its benefits, but the use of the webbing doesn't really appeal to me. While it's supposed to be of some benefit against edged weapons, I'm not too keen on the idea. Also, the presence of such webbing would inhibit some of the thumb shifting techniques (going from one prong to the other) that can lead to some really nice strikes.
Chris Parker
Grandmaster
Well… the Japanese view is that, well, it's not a Japanese weapon… That said, it depends on the system itself. For some, it's important, for others, just something interesting you might add into your training. And, in others, not anything to worry about (more sporting systems there).
It depends on the system... Out of the three most prominent saijutsu systems:
Yamanni Ryu
Shimabukuro No Sai Ichi
Shimabukuro No Sai Ni
Kyan No Sai
Nakandakari No Sai
Kishaba No Sai Sho
Kishaba No Sai Dai
Matayoshi Ryu:
Nicho Sai
Sancho Sai
Shinbaru No Sai
Ryu Kyu:
Kata System
In the Ryu Kyu system, there are quite a few kata that were developed by Shito Ryu practitioners, so if I were to fathom a guess, that's more likely to be the system you're studying.
OP
OP
Michael89
Orange Belt
Nicho Sai is pretty close to what I'm learning but I haven't learn form all the way yet. the one I'm looking for that starts with ready stance then sai sticking out (not start with bottom) then kinda like hook punch with sai on the outside forearm (other arm would be behind your back I think) then switch other side sai sticking out again (I think you attack with bottom of sai) then it would be mountain block. (i think) it been 3 weeks since I trained it but since i got sai weapon i can train at Dojang and home now. I been working on turning and switching with sai. I plan to go to Dojang next week to fresh my memory.
FabianosKarate
White Belt
We use the Sai weapons in our school, not for the reason that a student would be carrying a pair around, but for the traditional values as well as the muscular benefits. Your grip becomes much stronger and your wrist as well. We definitely realize that Sai's are not going to be carried with you, but believe it is important for students to learn.
donald1
Senior Master
Sai! There not my favorite weapon. All the flips swinging the sai around. When I practice sai i get the feeling that I do better with tonfa but when I practice with tonfa i get the feeling that I do better with sai...
Sorry from dragging away from the topic that's my personal experience, I've practiced sai for a little while so I at least sort of know what I'm talking about a good pair is one that is meant for flipping, has a nice grip.
I've seen sai used really effectively, they can be good choice
Sorry from dragging away from the topic that's my personal experience, I've practiced sai for a little while so I at least sort of know what I'm talking about a good pair is one that is meant for flipping, has a nice grip.
I've seen sai used really effectively, they can be good choice
hoshin1600
Senior Master
good training for the rapid rotation batton used by law enforcement. sorry,... im pluging a friends websight and company 
RRBSystems International. Rapid Rotation Baton
RRBSystems International. Rapid Rotation Baton
Similar threads
- Quick Sand
- Karate
