Its length is 6ft, or as is sometimes customary, cut to the height of the user. The wood used is usually Red Oak or
White Oak and the Bo is tapered from the tip ends for better blocking and smoother usage. The weight is dependent on
the wood used and is a critical factor for students, too heavy and the techniques become cumbersome, too light and
there is not enough power. The weapon is classified as a synthetic one and attracts the greatest distance training
between opponents. It magnifies the areas of development needed with empty hand and encourages Tai Sabaki/Yoko
Sabaki at all times. The practitioner is taught to hold the weapon initially divisible by thirds and then openly encouraged
to develop a more flexible holding style allowing full use of the weapons potential distance
Records from China prove its original existence although in a much more elongated form. The weapon is metal and of the
truncheon class with its length dependent upon the forearm of the user. When held it should be about 3cm longer than the
forearm and generally Sai are used in pairs. Advanced Sai uses 3, with one held in the belt behind ready for, and used for throwing. The tang is of the Korean classification and the pommel is variant to round, square or multi angled types much dependant on the emphasis of the
makers usage. The basic holding manner 'Honte-Mochi' (Natural) and 'Gyakute-Mochi'(Reverse) is prevalent with basic
Sai whereupon the advancement to 'Toku-Mochi'(special grip) is introduced. This brings the usage and actions of the Sai
into the same family as Tonfa and Kama.
The efficient use of the weapon is much reliant on the dexterity of the practitioner with his thumbs, which the tang is
balanced and rotated on along with the loosening and tightening of the grip from the small finger for striking and
consolidating power. The early use of the weapon makes the user appear stiff and robotic but as the training
advances the flow and unity with body movement becomes ever more apparent. Sai is the practise of 'Shuto' in empty
hand and emphasizes the need for 'Koshi no Chikara' (Hip power) and 'Suri Ashi'(sliding movement). The importance
of body movement and good footwork is ever more apparent as the weapon is of a smaller classification than Bo.
Advanced practitioners must learn to throw the Sai, a difficult requirement in view of the weight. The Sai explores the
weakness of Bo, thus making Bo-jutsu stronger.
has also shown the butt ends to be pointed but this is extremely rare. The weapon attracts two kata in the
system but because of its exposure with the police in the baton form it is a very popular weapon to practice with.
The weapon is used in pairs and is of wood, again red oak or white oak preferably in keeping with the Bo. The length of
the weapon is also the same requirements as the Sai, about three centimeters past the elbow when gripped. The weight
like the Bo is paramount to the efficient usage of the weapon. Too light and it lacks power in Kumite, too heavy and the
techniques lack speed and become ponderous. Again like the Sai there are three grips, Honte-Mochi (Natural),
Gyakute-Mochi (Reverse) and Tokushu-Mochi (Special grip). The latter is not commonly used but is very effective and
relates strongly to the techniques of Kama.
The usage is prevalent in the kata Yaraguwa. Tonfa is the practice of Uraken(back fist) and Hiji waza (elbow
techniques) in open hand fighting. Good body movement like the Sai can make this weapon formidable, combining
the speed it needs and generates along with the skilful footwork for evasion and attack. Although there are stories of
Rice millstone grinding implements and horses bridles etc. as being the origins of this weapon, these are merely
coincidental. The weapons origins can clearly be traced back to China and be found in Indonesia and surrounding
geographical locations.
three types of this weapon taught in the Ryukyu Kobujutsu syllabus, the 2 section, 3 section and the 4 section.
Made preferably of red or white oak, or a heavy wood, the sections are tapered from the chord end (2.5cm) to the
predominant strike end (3.3cm).
The shafts vary from octagonal to round in shape and the weight is dependent on the strength of the user. Again too
light and there is no power, and too heavy and the movement is slow and ponderous. Traditionally this weapon is not
used in pairs, as the actions of the one should be sufficient. The grips are similar to that of the Sai in name,
Honte-Mochi” (Natural), “Gyakute-Mochi”(Reverse) and Tokushu-Mochi”(Special grip). The special grip falls into
“Ippon-Tsuki”(single thrust) and “Tatami-Tsuki” (folding thrust). Nunchaku belongs to the family of Bo and is known
as the “portable Bo”.
History has not endowed this weapon with traditional kata as shown by the content of those handed down. They are by design training kata to enable better handling and combination work. The essence of the weapon is the kumite, exploring distance, angles and footwork. Impact should be on the tip of the weapon or it will bounce back on the user. Whilst it is noted that there is a farming implement of the Nunchaku design, it should be pointed out that again China was using this weapon concept long before it was recorded as a Ryukyu weapon.
blade gives. Used, as a pair there is one style of Kama with varying sizes of blade length and shaft size. The corner of the
blade to the shaft should have a groove cut into it for catching the Bo and other weapons without the blade digging into and
getting stuck into the attacking weapon.
The weight of the shaft is dependent upon the strength of the user and should be tapered to the butt end with increasing
thickness. This allows for ease of catching and sliding when changing grip. The blade should add sufficient weight to
ensure it is the heaviest point in the weapon. This also allows for ease of usage. The length of the weapon should
extend to about 3cm passed the elbow when held in reverse grip. The handling of the weapon is the same as the Sai
with the following grips, 'Honte-Mochi' (Natural), 'Gyakute-Mochi'(Reverse) and 'Tokushu-Mochi'(Special grip). Kama is
the practise of 'Kuride' and 'Kakede' (hooking and gripping) in open hand technique
The Ryukyu Kobujutsu syllabus has three kata of Kama, which emphasise body unity with the weapon to obtain
power along with demanding footwork. The dexterity of the fingers is paramount to the changing grips the weapon
affords and needs in kumite. Most students commence with wooded Kama to ensure safety and aclimatisation before
moving to the more demanding live blades. This weapon known as the sickle in the west has a derivative from the
farming implements.
