Complete Guide to Using the Sai in Martial Arts Tournaments

The sai are an excellent choice of weapon for martial arts tournaments. Personally, I fell in love with the sai the first time I picked them up. After months of practice, I went on to win a gold medal in the AKJU (American Karate Ju-Jitsu Union) Nationals, and took gold in the Irish Cup Championship in Europe a year later. From my experiences, I have created this guide to using the sai in martial arts tournaments.

Selecting the Right Weapon for Martial Arts Competition

The type of sai that you select can affect your performance during a martial arts tournament. There are many variations to the sai including length, width, and color. The first thing to consider when choosing your competition sai is the length and width. These two aspects can alter or enhance your ability to twirl and flip the sai. With one hook nestled between your thumb and index finger, your sai should extend about half way down your forearm. If you have large hands, make sure that the side hooks are wide enough to easily flip your weapon in and out without getting stuck. Most sai come in chrome or flat black finish. For the purpose of tournaments, the chrome finish usually looks sharp and flashy.

Build up you Physical Endurance

Anyone who has held a pair of sai will say that they are relatively light. However, with most weighing in at half a pound each, these weapons can be deceiving. Simply holding them is one thing, but using them in a competition is another. During a martial arts tournament, physical fatigue can be one of your worst enemies. Since you will be required to perform at full force for several minutes consecutively, you need to ensure that your physical endurance, especially in your arms, has been a focus of your preparation for the event.

Tip - Hold one sai in each hand. Lift your arms out to the side so that they are level. Hold this position for several minutes. When you are finished, repeat the exercise with your arms stretched straight out to the front. Increase your time by one minute every day to gradually build your endurance.

Enhance your Striking Speed and Precision

In martial arts competitions, weapon forms are judged on precision, intensity, and showmanship. If you want to win in your division, your form needs to me extra sharp. Much of this sharpness will come from your ability to strike with speed and power. Practice your blocks and strikes while holding your weapons. First, concentrate on the precision of your techniques. Once you have mastered each move, focus on speed. Over time, your striking speed will increase making your moves look flawless and crisp.

Downfalls to Using the Sai in Martial Arts Tournaments

While the sai are a great choice for martial arts competitions, there are a few challenges. First, the weapon takes a great deal of practice and dedication to master. In addition, they can also be difficult to handle in certain situations. On of the biggest downfalls to the sai is their ability to easily slip from a competitors hand. This will not only kill your chances to win, but a thrown sai can also become a dangerous missile to nearby competitors and spectators.

Tip - If you hands get sweaty often, you should make sure that you carry a small towel to dry your hands thoroughly before stepping onto the competition floor.

Tip - Remember that metal surfaces can easily gather condensation. Warm hands against the cold metal surface of your sai can make them slippery. Use a towel or cloth to rub on the surface of your weapon to warm the metal and reduce the chance of condensation.

As with any aspect of martial arts competition, you must practice to achieve perfection and success. Remember, if you are dedicated to your studies success will follow. Hopefully, this guide will provide you with tips you need to compete successfully with the sai.

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