KOBUDO – SAI

                                                                            Part 2

                                                       By Fumio Demura

The complete anatomy of the sai involves seven parts:

1. The point.
2. The blade.
3. The prongs.
4. The guard.
5. The guard center.
6. The handle.
7. The butt.

All these parts have a function in the use of the weapon, and in order to give the user a better grip, the handle usually is wrapped with a cotton ribbon for a more secure grab.

The gripping of the weapon is very simple when compared to other tools; the sai can be held in only two ways: pointing the tip outward or pointing the tip inward. These two methods will dictate what kind of flipping action we are going to do with the weapon. The flipping action is a very important movement when training, and the wrist and elbow should be properly conditioned to precisely execute the snapping movement of the technique. Try to relax and don’t try to put too much body weight when you snap the sai; the secret for the right snap is speed and control. Any additional tension on your shoulders will decrease the power in the technique. It is important that we correctly train to develop the right feeling of a whipping motion when using the sai. These flipping motions have no real counterpart in empty hand Karate; therefore, they must be learned separately. Never forget that good technique stems from good form. The ideal technique is always perfect in form and places you in the best position for the next movement in combat.

To learn the art of Kobudo from Sensei Fumio Demura:

http://martialartsdigital.com/fumio-demura-kobudo-...