A Modern Look At The Historic Ninja Sai

Sai are a traditional martial arts weapon. They are comprised of a pointed prong attached to a handle. On either side of the prong are curved, un-sharpened projections. The middle prong of a Sai usually has a round cross-section, but some are octagonal. Sai are used in sets of two and can be used as either an offensive or defensive weapon. As a defensive weapon, Sai are used to block or catching an attacker's weapon, particularly swords.

The Sai was originally intended to hurt the opponent or cause the opponent to retreat, not to fatally harm the opponent. Sai can also be used to stab or strike the opponent. Jabs to the attacker's solar plexus are particularly effective. Sai can be used as a sword or dagger, and the end of the handle can also be used as a blunt weapon. Traditionally, Sai were made of steel. Modern Sai are sometimes made of aluminum or forged steel with a chrome finish. The finish of cheaply made chrome-plated Sai may begin to flake after many uses.

In 1981, Marvel Comics introduced the character Elektra Natchios. Created by Frank Miller, Electra is the most popular Marvel Comics heroine today. Emotionally abused by her father, Elektra grew up to be a dark and dangerous adult. She eventually joined a violent ninja sect and was trained to be an international ninja assassin. Elektra is driven to be amazingly conditioned and is capable of extraordinary feats of physical strength. She has killed more men than any other Marvel Comics character.

Elektra is skilled in Chinese, Siamese, and Japanese martial arts. She uses a variety of weapons, including the Japanese katana, daggers, and throwing stars. Her favorite weapon, however, is the Sai. Elektra is typically pictured wielding two Sai, and she uses these quite proficiently.

The late 1980's animated series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, was popular with many children as well as some adults. The four young turtles lived in the Manhattan sewer system and were exposed to mutating ooze that transformed them into human-like turtles with ninja skills. The turtles' senSai, or teacher, is Master Splinter, a rat who was also exposed to the same DNA- altering ooze as the turtles.

The Sai was also used in the newest ninja Hollywood hit in Ninja Assassin in 2009 directed by James McTeigue. In the Matrix type movie the main character named Raizo (Rain) is raised by the Ozunu Clan to become the most lethal Ninja assassin in the world. Raizo was trained on the classic ninja weapon in the movie as a child.

In conclusion, the Sai has been a Hollywood movie favorite. Along with being a deadly weapon it also makes a great and entertaining weapon to watch on the big screen.