Sai
/saɪ/noun
A traditional Okinawan martial-arts weapon consisting of a pointed metal rod with two curved side prongs.
Did you know?The sai is traditionally associated with Okinawan kobudō, but scholars have not established a certain ultimate origin for its name or design.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-modern period
Okinawan Japanese
sai
“Name for the distinctive metal martial-arts weapon; the ultimate etymology is uncertain.”
19th Century
Ryukyuan/Okinawan
sai
“Weapon used in Okinawan martial traditions, including policing and combat practices.”
Late 19th–Early 20th Century
Japanese
釵 (sai)
“A three-pronged metal weapon associated with Okinawan martial arts.”
20th Century
English
sai
“An English loanword for the Okinawan weapon, especially in writing about martial arts.”