Sai & Manji Sai

This weapon is thought to have been introduced to Okinawa through trade with one of the Asian countries. It did not become popular in Japan, but developed primarily in Kobudo styles of Okinawa. The Sai was thought to be used by the police, Chichi saji of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Is a three-pronged metal truncheon, were often used in sets of two or three for the purpose of entrapping an attacker's weapon and using the pronged ends in a jabbing, puncturing strike. Although the exact origin of the sai is obscure, it closely resembles an instrument that was used in China, and is also believed to have been derived from a farming implement that was used for digging furrows in the ground for planting seeds. A third sai was often carried behind the back in the belt sash (obi) as a replacement for a hand-held sai that was thrown at an opponent.

The Chinese character (kanji) for Sai means “hair pick”, thus creating conjecture that the Sai was either designed after a hair pick or named after one because of its similar appearance.

Other theories of origin are that it was fashioned after the shape of the human form, hence a policeman’s badge of office. Also after a religious symbol “Manji”, which can be seen on church roofs.

Manji SaiThree Sai were often used in combat. One in each hand and a spare kept in the belt. A master of the Sai is said to be able to impale an opponent or pin his foot to the ground, by throwing the Sai.

Sai techniques closely resemble those of karate, and its use develops strong wrists and forearms. This weapon is the 2nd most popular Okinawan weapon after the Bo.

The variation of the Sai is the Manji Sai, or Nuntei Sai. These were used primarily as throwing weapons. One of the forks is reversed to facilitate sticking, no matter which end hits the opponent.