Sai: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense

_Sai-Karate_Weapon_of_Self-Defense_, by Fumio Demura, is a very good introductory text for the sai. Sai are a handheld karate weapon that looks like a 18-20 inch metal rod with two side prongs. I started some sai training in my karate class during the last year, and prior to that I had heard mixed reviews of the sai. After training in class and reading this book, I like them quite a bit and realize there are a lot more uses for them than the obvious stabbing techniques.Demura starts out the book with a brief history of the sai and some notes about construction and how to choose a sai that is the proper size for the user. There is a fairly long section on different flipping, rotating and striking techniques -- I was glad to see this and am also glad to see the emphasis Demura places on these beginning drills. Demura emphasizes numerous times that using a sai involves wrist and forearm movements which are not really found elsewhere in karate, as well as a awareness of rotational forces that is also not found elsewhere in karate. My first weapons training was in fencing, and I was in a historical swordsmanship class when I met my current karate instructor, and I agree that YES, most people with a strictly hand-to-hand background find the rotating movements of sai (or dagger or even sabre and singlestick) to be very different from anything they've done before. While the drills Demura presents can be very boring, they really are essential to building good weapon control.Demura also includes a sections on how the sai can be used with almost any type of standard karate attack or block, some multi-step striking sequences, and some multi-step partner drills to show how to use the sai against bo or nunchaku.I agree with another reviewer in being somewhat skeptical of the ability of the sai to block a full-strength bo attack. And there are no kata in this book (although it is possible to incorporate sai into standard kata once you look at the section that compares sai to standard karate strikes and blocks). But those are really the only complaints I have. Overall, an excellent introductory and reference book about sai.

thank you

I know its a little naïve of me, but I was really more interested in hand/arm techniques than "full body" stances, it is about 50/50 at best. That being said, I would judge the hand moves I did learn as invaluable.

The book features photos of each grip for the sai and detailed information on how to use the sai and even cleaning instructions.As well as moves and attacks photoed as well and in detail.Also this book features holds and grips not shown online.If you want to learn how to use the sai I recommend you buy this book and use it as a hand book for the sai while you are learning.

Thank you Fumio Demura for these easy to follow instructions I feel until i can train under the right instructor this will get me started in the right direction. Lots of great pictures along with methods and stances, and a section for sparring with Bo and Nunchaku, great book great Teacher.

A great book to start with if anyone is interested in weapons. This book goes into great detail from the proper holdiing to forms and applications!!

A good book for learning how to use the Sai. Clear pictures. History of the weapon as well as basics and techniques used to defend against the Bo and Nunchaku.

This manual is very instructive and shows step by step how to use the sai effectively. It also gives a history of the weapon, takes you through practical applications on using the sai and is easily read.

Fast shipping, great book, just what I was looking for. I have a few good martial arts books and good to learn before I start a course. Top seller A+++++, thank you, recommended

Another great book by Fumio Demura. A good introduction for the beginning student. Importantly he shows Karate Sai similarities which makes it easier for someone with solid Karate background to pickup. His books coupled with videos make for great starting points for good solid basics

1st Class transaction, very pleased all round, Recommend Cheers !

The book arrived earlier than expected and was in as new condition. Full of photographs with clear step-by-step explanations.

Great book. Master Demura's weapons books are awesome.