How to Buy Sais
When buying sai, the martial artist must take into consideration how he will be using the weapon. Sai are easily mishandled and can inflict injury on the martial artist and his training partner, and can damage clothing and equipment. Ill-made sai can be bent or broken during training, so it's important to take care in selecting sai to buy.
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Instructions
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Size sais by holding them with your thumbs hooked in the side guards and the knuckles facing forward. The tips of the shafts should extend just past your elbows. Sais that are too short don't protect the elbow joints; sais that are too long will get caught in your clothing.
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Consider whether you should buy aluminum sais. These are less likely to inflict injury or damage and should be used if you tend to be clumsy when learning new techniques. However, they may dent or bend when struck together or against another weapon, and they will crumple if thrown.
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Decide between a chrome and black finish. A chrome finish will look great when performing sai kata for tournaments because they will glint in the light. Black sai are better if you will actually use them for self-defense, because they will be hard to see against dark clothing or at night.
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Buy round sai for kata or throwing because it feels better when gripped by the shaft. Buy octagonal sai for use against other weapons, particularly those made of wood, because the corners can inflict more damage.
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Obtain the highest quality sais you can afford. The knuckles may fall off cheaper sais and the wraps on the handles often come lose. However, don't spend so much money that you will be reluctant to use your sais. They won't do you any good if you're afraid to hit anything with them.
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Tips & Warnings
Always train with sais under the supervision of a qualified martial arts instructor who can ensure that you understand the subtleties of the weapon and practice safely.
Think very carefully before arming yourself with sais or using them for real-world self-defense. Although you may defend yourself successfully, you could face criminal charges afterward.
