Sai - Revision history

YellowHatGuy at 05:25, 31 December 2024

2024-12-31T05:25:51Z

YellowHatGuy: /* Misconceptions */

2020-07-22T23:58:48Z

Misconceptions

YellowHatGuy at 13:57, 5 February 2020

2020-02-05T13:57:45Z

YellowHatGuy: /* Tips on selecting sai */

2019-06-25T01:52:31Z

Tips on selecting sai

YellowHatGuy: /* Benefits of sai training */

2019-06-25T01:47:54Z

Benefits of sai training

YellowHatGuy: /* Misconceptions */

2019-06-25T01:44:49Z

Misconceptions

YellowHatGuy at 11:21, 24 June 2019

2019-06-24T11:21:27Z

YellowHatGuy at 12:13, 5 March 2019

2019-03-05T12:13:43Z

YellowHatGuy at 01:57, 30 September 2018

2018-09-30T01:57:51Z

YellowHatGuy: /* Misconceptions */

2018-05-26T14:37:15Z

Misconceptions

@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 **The extended grip is like holding a screwdriver. The handle rests diagonally inside of your hand, as high as possible. The fingers wrap around the handle, below the tines. The thumb rests atop the sai’s center-of-mass. The shaft is used for blocking, parrying, striking and thrusting. The tines protect the hand, and are used for trapping and locking weapons for superior parrying.
 **The retracted grip hooks one tine on the web between your thumb and index finger. The index finger runs along the handle, pushing the shaft against the forearm. The shaft fortifies the forearm to stop weapon attacks with regular empty-hand blocks. The handle is used as a striking tool; it’s reduced striking area and rugged construction allows for more powerful punches without hurting your hands. The extra tine can rake an opponent’s eyes or be used to off-balance opponents by hooking their clothing or collarbone.
-*'''The sai were solely intended to be weapons.''' The sai are also a part of the martial arts of Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Thailand, and India. Okinawa was centrally-located and in traded with all of these cultures. Sai would have been an easily produced trade good due to their simple construction (a bent bar [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forge_welding forge welded] to a tapered bar). Sai are small enough to be easily concealed or hidden, which would enable them to remain undetected after the weapons ban. Weapons bans have historically been wildly unpopular, and were (and are) frequently violated. The Japanese and Okinawans have been married to the idea of kobudō as a purely original creation, to the point of creating absurd alternate explanations for why sai exist. These false notions were miscommunicated by well-meaning teachers, who just parroted what their instructors told them. We, who live in the Age of Information, have a duty to put myths to rest. Therefore, please ignore the debunked theories that claim that sai were derived from:
+*'''The sai were solely intended to be weapons.''' The sai are also a part of the martial arts of Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Thailand, and India. Okinawa was centrally-located and traded with all of these cultures. Sai would have been an easily-produced trade good due to their simple construction (a bent bar [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forge_welding forge welded] to a tapered bar). Sai are small enough to easily-conceal, which would enable them to remain undetected after the unpopular weapons ban. The Japanese and Okinawans wish to present kobudō as their purely original creation, to the point of creating absurd alternate explanations for why sai exist. These false notions were miscommunicated by well-meaning teachers who parroted what their instructors told them. We, who live in the Age of Information, have a duty to put myths to rest. Therefore, please ignore the debunked theories which claim that sai were derived from:
-**''Planting tools''. While many claim that sai are planting tools, no one has ever given a coherent explanation on how sai are used to plant seeds.
+**''Planting tools''. While many claim that sai are planting tools, no one has ever provided a coherent explanation as to how sai are used to plant seeds.
 **''Pitchforks.'' The Okinawans didn’t produce hay, because Asian farming methods are unlike European techniques.
 **''Hairpins.'' While it was common for ladies of that era to use their hairpins as improvised weapons, sai are impractically heavy to be used as hairpins. <br /> [Photo of a visibly-uncomfortable girl using sai to put her hair in a bun]
-**''Hunting Tiger Trident (Chinese Tiger Fork)''. This traditional polearm is common to many kung-fu styles. The Tiger Fork earned its name when the ancient Chinese empirically determined that it was the best tool for fighting tigers. The kobudō founders had no need for such weapons, since tigers are not indigenous to Okinawa.
+**''Tiger-Hunting Trident (Chinese Tiger Fork)''. This traditional polearm is common to many kung-fu styles. The Tiger Fork earned its name when the ancient Chinese empirically determined that this was the best tool for fighting tigers. The kobudō founders had no need for such weapons, since tigers are not indigenous to Okinawa.
 **''Nuntebō.'' The nuntebō is a fisherman’s multi-tool, which combines a spear and a gaff. The nuntebō needed no modifications to be weaponized, and there are kobudō kata for this tool.
 **''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jitte Jutte].'' The jutte is a small policeman’s baton from feudal Japan, which features a narrow, thumb-like tine to trap and parry sword blades, or to hook a perpetrator’s clothing. Jutte first appeared in the Edo Period (c.1600 CE), but sai were in use throughout Malaysia, Indonesia, Okinawa, China, Thailand, and India before this. If anything, the jutte was derived from the sai.

@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 Sai appear flashy and exotic-looking, leading to their frequent appearance in movies, television, and comics -- and with this comes a host of misconceptions, that we want to dispel.
 *'''“Sais” is not a word.''' Since the Japanese language has no plural tense, the plural of “sai” is “sai,” just like “sheep” in English.
 *'''Sai are not bladed.''' Sai ''are not'' knives or cutting tools; they are ''clubs''. Sai tips are tapered so they can be used as a stabbing instrument, but stabbing instruments do not need to be especially sharp or pointy if they have enough force behind them, like driving nails into a board.
 *'''Sai are not held with the shaft between the middle and index fingers'''. You cannot use the tines for trapping or use the shaft for striking from this position. This “Ninja Turtle” grip eliminates all of the sai’s advantages. The sai are to be held in one of two ways:
 **The extended grip is like holding a screwdriver. The handle rests diagonally inside of your hand, as high as possible. The fingers wrap around the handle, below the tines. The thumb rests atop the sai’s center-of-mass. The shaft is used for blocking, parrying, striking and thrusting. The tines protect the hand, and are used for trapping and locking weapons for superior parrying.
@@ Line 28: / Line 28: @@
 **''Hunting Tiger Trident (Chinese Tiger Fork)''. This traditional polearm is common to many kung-fu styles. The Tiger Fork earned its name when the ancient Chinese empirically determined that it was the best tool for fighting tigers. The kobudō founders had no need for such weapons, since tigers are not indigenous to Okinawa.
 **''Nuntebō.'' The nuntebō is a fisherman’s multi-tool, which combines a spear and a gaff. The nuntebō needed no modifications to be weaponized, and there are kobudō kata for this tool.
-**''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jitte Jutte].'' The jutte is a small policeman’s baton from feudal Japan, which features a narrow, thumb-like tine to trap and parry sword blades, or to hook a perpetrator’s clothing. Jutte were not introduced until the beginning of the Edo Period (c.1600 CE), but sai were in use throughout Malaysia, Indonesia, Okinawa, China, Thailand, and India before this. If anything, the jutte was derived from the sai.
+**''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jitte Jutte].'' The jutte is a small policeman’s baton from feudal Japan, which features a narrow, thumb-like tine to trap and parry sword blades, or to hook a perpetrator’s clothing. Jutte first appeared in the Edo Period (c.1600 CE), but sai were in use throughout Malaysia, Indonesia, Okinawa, China, Thailand, and India before this. If anything, the jutte was derived from the sai.
 ==Benefits of sai training==

@@ Line 33: / Line 33: @@
 Saijustu is admittedly not a practical skill in the modern world. However, ''there is no way to become good at saijustu without becoming amazing at karate''. If you do not utilize the driving power of your legs, maintain perfect [[Stances|stances]], or by focusing your techniques (via the [[Ki|unbendable arm]], through the tip of the sai), the sai will not work. They will only perform “wet noodle” blocks which will offer no defense, and thus, no opportunity to counter-attack. The sai mandates technique over muscle.
-Also, ''by learning saijutsu, you will gain extreme coordination and dexterity''.  The sai are a difficult weapon to use. Transitioning from the extended position, to the retracted position, to the extended position again requires great dexterity. These transitions must be performed instantly from a variety of angles, in a smooth and [[Snap|snappy]] manner. These transitions occur while stepping into a stance, while performing a technique, while trying to stop an armed attacker. This is a daunting task; that is why saijustu is usually reserved for [[Intemediate|intermediate]] or [[Advanced|advanced]] students. However, this coordination carries over to your empty-hand fighting. Also, the sai make all other paired weapons  seem easy by comparison; by learning saijutsu, you will quickly become proficient with the [[Tonfa|tonfa]], [[Kama|kama]], and nitanbō.
+Also, ''by learning saijutsu, you will gain extreme coordination and dexterity''.  The sai are a difficult weapon to use. Transitioning from the extended position, to the retracted position, to the extended position again requires great dexterity. These transitions must be performed instantly from a variety of angles, in a smooth and [[Snap|snappy]] manner. These transitions occur while stepping into a stance, while performing a technique, while trying to stop an armed attacker. This is a daunting task; that is why saijustu is usually reserved for [[Intermediate|intermediate]] or [[Advanced|advanced]] students. However, this coordination carries over to your empty-hand fighting. Also, the sai make all other paired weapons  seem easy by comparison; by learning saijutsu, you will quickly become proficient with the [[Tonfa|tonfa]], [[Kama|kama]], and nitanbō.
 ==Tips on selecting sai==

@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 ==Tips on selecting sai==
 Sai are easily obtained; they are a standard item in martial arts supply stores, websites, and catalogs. The no-frills base-model sai will suit your needs; avoid licensed movie replicas or anything with the “mall ninja” aesthetic.
-Purchase the size closest to the length between the tip of your elbow to the tip of your index finger. In the retracted position, the shaft of the sai must cover the entire forearm. Some martial artists suggest using sai that are longer than your forearm, to add extra piercing power to rear and outside [[Elbow strikes|elbow strikes]], but overly-long sai can be awkward to use.
+Measure the length between the tip of your elbow to the tip of your index finger, and purchase the closest sized sai. A retracted sai must cover your entire forearm with its shaft. Some martial artists suggest using sai which are longer than your forearm, to add extra piercing power to rear and outside [[Elbow strikes|elbow strikes]], but overly-long sai can be awkward to use.
 ----
 {{Navigation}}

@@ Line 33: / Line 33: @@
 Saijustu is admittedly not a practical skill in the modern world. However, ''there is no way to become good at saijustu without becoming amazing at karate''. If you do not utilize the driving power of your legs, maintain perfect [[Stances|stances]], or by focusing your techniques (via the [[Ki|unbendable arm]], through the tip of the sai), the sai will not work. They will only perform “wet noodle” blocks which will offer no defense, and thus, no opportunity to counter-attack. The sai mandates technique over muscle.
-Also, ''by learning saijutsu, you will gain extreme coordination and dexterity''.  The sai are a difficult weapon to use. Transitioning from the extended position, to the retracted position, to the extended position again requires great dexterity. These transitions must be performed at an instant, in a snappy, smooth manner, from a variety of angles. These transitions occur while stepping into a stance, while performing a technique, while trying to stop an armed attacker. This is a daunting task; that is why saijustu is reserved for intermediate or advanced students. However, all of that coordination will carry over to your empty-hand fighting, Additionally, all of the other paired weapons will seem easy by comparison; by learning saijutsu, you will quickly become proficient with the [[Tonfa|tonfa]], [[Kama|kama]], and nitanbō.
+Also, ''by learning saijutsu, you will gain extreme coordination and dexterity''.  The sai are a difficult weapon to use. Transitioning from the extended position, to the retracted position, to the extended position again requires great dexterity. These transitions must be performed instantly from a variety of angles, in a smooth and [[Snap|snappy]] manner. These transitions occur while stepping into a stance, while performing a technique, while trying to stop an armed attacker. This is a daunting task; that is why saijustu is usually reserved for [[Intemediate|intermediate]] or [[Advanced|advanced]] students. However, this coordination carries over to your empty-hand fighting. Also, the sai make all other paired weapons  seem easy by comparison; by learning saijutsu, you will quickly become proficient with the [[Tonfa|tonfa]], [[Kama|kama]], and nitanbō.
 ==Tips on selecting sai==

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 [[File:Sai.png|frame|A pair of sai.]]
-'''Sai''' are tapered metal bars with thumb-like cross guards, making them look like a small tridents. Saijustu, the art of using the sai a self-defense tool, is one of the hallmarks of [[Kobudō|kobudō]].
+'''Sai''' are tapered metal bars with thumb-like cross guards, which resemble small tridents. Saijustu, the art of using the sai a self-defense tool, is one of the hallmarks of [[Kobudō|kobudō]].
-Sai are wielded in pairs. This is because the most prevalent weapons of that era (i.e., the katana and various polearms) were two-handed weapons, which are vulnerable to [[Kūsankū]] movements. In general, one sai is used to block, parry, or trap an opponent’s weapons while the other sai counterattacks. Sai were especially effective against the katana. The katana’s famously sharp edge required construction from extremely hard high-carbon steels, which are brittle. By trapping a blade in its tines and twisting, the sai can apply enough torque to snap a sword in half.
+Sai are wielded in pairs because the most prevalent weapons in that era (i.e., the katana and various polearms) were two-handed weapons, which are vulnerable to [[Kūsankū]] movements. In general, one sai is used to block, parry, or trap an opponent’s weapon, while the other sai counterattacks. Sai were especially effective against the katana. The katana’s famously sharp edge required construction from extremely hard high-carbon steels, which are brittle. By trapping a blade in its tines and twisting, the sai can apply enough torque to snap a sword in half.
-It was once common to carry three sai, and using one as a throwing weapon. Because of their size, weight, and balance, thrown sai are only useful as an [[Atemi|atemi]] directed at an opponent’s feet or legs from ranges less than 20’ (6 m).  As such, we do not recommend throwing the sai.
+It was once common to carry three sai, and use one as a throwing weapon. Because of their size, weight, and balance, thrown sai are only useful as an [[Atemi|atemi]] directed at an opponent’s feet or legs from ranges less than 20’ (6 m).  As such, we do not recommend throwing the sai.
 ==Kata==
-We will not make an in-depth or rigorous study of saijutsu; we will only explain how the sai is used within [[Goshin-Jutsu|Goshin-Jutsu Karatedō]]; that is, our system’s forms for this weapon. Our weapons serves as a supplement and teaching aid to our empty-hands training, and primarily consists of practicing the and analyzing the bunkai for the following kata:
+We will not make an in-depth or rigorous study of saijutsu; we will only explain how the sai is used within [[Goshin-Jutsu]]. Our weapons serves as a supplement and teaching aid to our empty-hands training, and primarily consists of practicing the and analyzing the bunkai for the following [[Kata|kata]]:
 *[[Seisan Sai]]
 *[[Tsuken Shitahaku no Sai]]
-For more information on saijutsu, please consult [https://www.amazon.com/Fumio-Demuras-Weapons-Self-Defense-Complete/dp/0897502116/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471862883&sr=8-1&keywords=Fumio+demura Fumio Demura's Karate Weapons of Self-Defense: The Complete Edition], or a used copy of his earlier book, [https://www.amazon.com/Sai-Karate-Weapon-Self-Defense-Literary/dp/0897500105/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1471862853&sr=8-3&keywords=karate+weapon+of+self+defense Sai: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense]. (Though this might seem like a cop-out, no one can do a decent job of teaching saijutsu without blatantly plagiarizing that book in some way.)
+For more information on saijutsu, please consult [https://www.amazon.com/Fumio-Demuras-Weapons-Self-Defense-Complete/dp/0897502116/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471862883&sr=8-1&keywords=Fumio+demura ''Fumio Demura's Karate Weapons of Self-Defense: The Complete Edition''], or a used copy of his earlier book, [https://www.amazon.com/Sai-Karate-Weapon-Self-Defense-Literary/dp/0897500105/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1471862853&sr=8-3&keywords=karate+weapon+of+self+defense ''Sai: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense'']. (Though this might seem like a cop-out, no one can do a decent job of teaching saijutsu without blatantly plagiarizing that book in some way.)
 ==Misconceptions==
-Sai appear flashy and exotic-looking, and frequently appears in movies, television, and comics -- and with this comes a host of misconceptions, that we want to dispel.
+Sai appear flashy and exotic-looking, leading to their frequent appearance in movies, television, and comics -- and with this comes a host of misconceptions, that we want to dispel.
-*'''“Sais” is not a word.''' Since the Japanese language has no plural tense, the plural of “sai” is “sai,” just like “sheep.”
+*'''“Sais” is not a word.''' Since the Japanese language has no plural tense, the plural of “sai” is “sai,” just like “sheep” in English.
-*'''Sai are not bladed.''' Sai are not knives or cutting tools; they are clubs. The tips are tapered so they can be used as a stabbing instrument, but stabbing instruments do not need to be especially sharp or pointy if they have enough force behind them, like driving nails into a board.
+*'''Sai are not bladed.''' Sai ''are not'' knives or cutting tools; they are ''clubs''. Sai tips are tapered so they can be used as a stabbing instrument, but stabbing instruments do not need to be especially sharp or pointy if they have enough force behind them, like driving nails into a board.
-*'''Sai are not held with the shaft between the middle and index fingers'''. One cannot use the tines for trapping or use the shaft for striking from this position. This “Ninja Turtle” grip eliminates all of the sai’s advantages. The sai are to be held in one of two ways:
+*'''Sai are not held with the shaft between the middle and index fingers'''. You cannot use the tines for trapping or use the shaft for striking from this position. This “Ninja Turtle” grip eliminates all of the sai’s advantages. The sai are to be held in one of two ways:
 **The extended grip is like holding a screwdriver. The handle rests diagonally inside of your hand, as high as possible. The fingers wrap around the handle, below the tines. The thumb rests atop the sai’s center-of-mass. The shaft is used for blocking, parrying, striking and thrusting. The tines protect the hand, and are used for trapping and locking weapons for superior parrying.
 **The retracted grip hooks one tine on the web between your thumb and index finger. The index finger runs along the handle, pushing the shaft against the forearm. The shaft fortifies the forearm to stop weapon attacks with regular empty-hand blocks. The handle is used as a striking tool; it’s reduced striking area and rugged construction allows for more powerful punches without hurting your hands. The extra tine can rake an opponent’s eyes or be used to off-balance opponents by hooking their clothing or collarbone.

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:57, 30 September 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	[[File:Sai.png\|~~right\|250px~~\|A pair of sai.]]	+	[[File:Sai.png\|frame\|A pair of sai.]]

	Sai are tapered metal bars with thumb-like cross guards, making them look like a small tridents. Saijustu, the art of using the sai a self-defense tool, is one of the hallmarks of [[Kobudō\|kobudō]].		Sai are tapered metal bars with thumb-like cross guards, making them look like a small tridents. Saijustu, the art of using the sai a self-defense tool, is one of the hallmarks of [[Kobudō\|kobudō]].

@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 **''Planting tools''. While many state that the sai is a planting tool, no one has ever given a coherent explanation as to how sai are used to plant seeds.
 **''Pitchforks.'' Historians have pointed out that the Okinawans didn’t produce hay, because Asian farming methods are unlike European techniques.
-**''Hairpins.'' While it was not uncommon for ladies of that era to use their hairpins as improvised weapons, sai are impractically heavy to be used as hairpins. <br /> [Photo of a visibly-uncomfortable girl using sai to put her hair in a bun]
+**''Hairpins.'' While it was common for ladies of that era to use their hairpins as improvised weapons, sai are impractically heavy to be used as hairpins. <br /> [Photo of a visibly-uncomfortable girl using sai to put her hair in a bun]
 **''Hunting Tiger Trident (Chinese Tiger Fork)''. This traditional polearm is common to many kung-fu styles. The Tiger Fork earned its name when the ancient Chinese empirically determined that it was the best tool for fighting tigers. The founders of kobudō had no use for such a weapon, as tigers are not indigenous to Okinawa.
 **''Nuntebō.'' The nuntebō is a fisherman’s multi-tool, a combination of a spear and a gaff. The nuntebō needed no modifications to be weaponized, and there are kobudō kata for this tool.