The Sai!

Here's a new dilemma for me! A few years ago during Warrior Weekend , our school's annual training retreat. I took a Sai seminar and bought a set of sais. I didn't do very well and they have been sitting in my closet ever since. now you know, I am fascinated with weapons forms, although I'm not very good. Maybe the bo, because it is the first weapon I learned. 

     Our school was offering a Sai seminar with one of our senior instructors, there is a charge for these courses. So I decided why not try it again. I didn't do very well, I can't seem to "grasp" the spinning technique. So I felt I was holding things up. I decided not to continue.  Two of my friends who took the next session said they were frustrated and not getting it, so I am glad with my decision.

   I decided to look it up on YouTube and found a fifteen year old boy who went over the twirling techniques in super slow motion. Showing a drill with just using your fingers , almost like a prep for the move. An exercise. Explaining he is no Sensei and not formerly trained, just picked them up one day and started to practice with them. I was very impressed with his honesty, eagerness to teach others and good instruction! Go figure?  I will practice his drills and not give up on this weapon..

   My husband wanted to know why I was even bothering with a weapon that is of no use, when I should be practicing the ones I am familiar with. I didn't give him a good enough answer. Just, I like weapons and weapons forms, simple as that! My Sabumnim  said that working with these weapons actually builds your wrists and muscles and makes your striking stronger. I liked that answer much better then mine!

   I hope one day I can tell you I'm doing better with the sai! SteelyJan