Sai weapon, Types of Martial Arts Styles

Sai weapon and its role in different types of martial arts and martial arts styles.Who used the sai weapon? Where did it come from?

The sai weapon is a traditional Okinawan dagger.

Yes, this is the weapon that Raphael used in the ninja turtles. What kid didn't watch that show!? But the truth is, the sai was not used by any traditional ninja, but farmers...yup that is true! check the history below!

Most sais are made of steel and weigh somewhere between 1 and 2 pounds.

The handle is wrapped with some type of tape to make for a more firm grip when being used.

The sai is correct length for you when the handle goes past your index finger while the tip of the weapon goes beyond your elbow.

The average sai is round, but like any weapon, there are variations such as the octagonal shaped shaft.

History of the Sai

The sai weapon appeared somewhere around 350 years ago in Okinawa.

To elaborate on what I said above...

The sai was originally used to make furrows for farmers to plant seeds. People were not permitted ordinary weapons like swords, so this weapon was used to protect themselves.

As expected, today's sais, or zai, have rounded and blunted ends, but when first used centuries ago they were used in mortal combat with extremely sharp tips to thrust into the neck or eyes.

The Japanese first called the weapon Jutte, which only had a single prong. It was mainly used as a counter weapon to the samurai's sword.

Return to Types of Martial Arts Styles Homepage