I got a pair of sai, and I don't know how to use them. Years ago I taught myself nunchakus, but these look even cooler.
They came with a DVD, but it's not very good. I see there are vids on youtube, but can someone help me avoid wasting time with the bad ones, and suggest the best ones (or some other DVD's)? Or hey, make your own youtube video and let us all see your mastery!
I can't afford a local instructor (if anybody in this town even knows how to use 'em).

I'd get a pair of training ones (hard plastic or rubbery-stuff) or the chrome-y ones on ebay that cost like 20 bucks.

And make sure the room you are practicing in has a high enough ceiling.

Watch Ralph from TMNT for tips.

There are a few main "moves" that I recommend you learn with them. work on 'mastering' one at a time - learn how to do the "infinity sign" with them (Sorry man, I don't know the proper names for any of this)

but learn two things first - how to twirl them, and how to get them both from the "holding it like a sword" pose (if you held your arm out, you'd be pointing the sword tip towards your target) to "holding them where the points are pointed back towards you, and you're cradling one of the side parts between your thumb and pointer finger" pose (if you held your arm outward while holding them in the position, you would be pointing the butt of the sword at your target.) In this second pose, the "blade" is resting against the length of your forearm. It should feel REALLY comfortable when you hold them like this.

Get those two motions down so they are smooth --> the twirling and the moving between those two poses.
Then you can learn all the other cool stances and lunges and blocks and all that good stuff. get to know your sais, they are your friends.

*finds his sais in a bin*

Gah, I haven't touched them in about 5 years, and no, it's NOT like getting back on a bike...( at least for me)
At least this room is carpeted (no *clanging* as I drop them repeatedly Heh)
Great, now I have that dopey TMNTtheme song stuck in my head...

Heros in a half shell...TURTLE POWER!

Edit : I am so far removed from those two words "martial artist", i almost feel like deleting my reply. Heh. But sais are fun to play with, and they build wrist strength which is good to combat computer-caused wrist unhappiness...so when I'm (accidentally) smashing random stuff in my cubicle , I can say its "physical therapy". And the day the Foot clan attack my office....I'll be ready!!!!

Haiiiiiiijjjj-ya!

[This message has been edited by TheDigitalAlchemist (edited 09-25-2014).]

Be careful!

(disclaimer, I'm not a martial artist either)

[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 09-25-2014).]

Every time I see guys playing with knives and swords I think of the scene from Indiana Jones...

Kevin

quote Originally posted by Lambo nut: Every time I see guys playing with knives and swords I think of the scene from Indiana Jones... Kevin

I can see that, they'd be nice to have when bullets run out tho, quieter too.

[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 09-25-2014).]

quote Originally posted by 2.5: I can see that, they'd be nice to have when bullets run out tho, quieter too.

You've got a point!

I know, that was bad...

Kevin

Find the gal to train with.

From a practical standpoint that is not really the weapon of choice. Once mastered, in theory it is the top dog though. The learning curve is very high, you need to be very proficient at a style already and use it as an accessory.

This was the weapon I was trained with. If I could have a do over I would have spent more time learning Chinese fighting sticks and the staff. These are true tools that you can find like shapes in everyday life, hence very likely to find something in a pinch. Legal to have dowels in your car and a broom, branch or a shovel or like shape can generally easily be found. Traditional martial arts weapons are not legal to carry around.

If all you want is entertainment exercise and fun. knock yourself out!

quote Originally posted by California Kid: Find the gal to train with.

taste the rainbow....

also, id rather have a rambo knife no offense to the sai