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 Sai is the Ryukyu name for a traditional Okinawan weapon. The basic form of the weapon is that of a pointed, dagger-shaped truncheon, with two curved prongs (called yoku) projecting from the handle. The ball of the handle is called the knuckle. Contrary to popular belief, the shaft of a traditional sai is not a blade. Sai are constructed in a variety of forms. Traditional sai are round, while some reproductions have adapted an octagonal central shaft. The yoku are traditionally symmetrical; however, the Manji design developed by Taira Shinken employs oppositely-facing yoku in an approximation to the Manji (the Japanese term for the Buddhist symbol, the swastika) from which it takes its name. Some believe that the sai was always intended as a weapon while others hypothesize that it originated as an agricultural tool used to measure stalks, plow fields, plant rice, or to hold cart wheels in place. Evidence for the latter theory is limited. The sai is known to have been used in other parts of Asia before its arrival on Okinawa, such as India, China, Indonesia, Siam and Malaysia. Early evidence suggests Indonesia or the neighbouring area as the sai's point of origin. In Malay the sai is known as a "tekpi" or Indonesia language as "chabang" (also spelled cabang or tjabang, meaning branch) and is thought to derive from the Indian trishula. The chabang quickly spread through the rest of Indo-China and may have reached Okinawa from one or more of these places simultaneously. In Japan it might have been known as the San-Ku-Chu. At NAAMA: All weapons are taught in 3 ranks. At the beginning rank the students are taught the warm-ups, care, and introductory level techniques for the weapon. Intermediate students are shown the techniques that have a higher level of difficulty as well as longer, more complex forms and exercises. The advanced rank encourages the student to further explore the uses of the weapon in real-world situations and exposes the most difficult techniques and exercises that NAAMA offers. Available Ranks:
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| Created By: shawnpence@att.net Modified On: Dec. 29,2009 Copyright 2009 NAAMA. All rights reserved. | ||||||||