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The sai (kanji: 釵) is a traditional pointed melee weapon originating in Okinawa. It is often mistaken for a dagger, but unlike a dagger, the sai is not a bladed weapon, instead having a round or an octagonal middle prong which has a sharp point. Therefore the sai is not actually suitable for slicing like a dagger, but excels in stabbing and trapping. Sai are wielded in pairs called saitachi in traditional sai combat. They are used for stabbing and striking, as well as blocking and trapping enemy weapons.
Sai anatomy
- Monouchi: the middle prong of the sai that can be either round or faceted
- Saki: the point of the middle prong
- Yoku: the two shorter side prongs on either side of the middle prong
- Tsume: the point of the side prongs
- Tsuka: the hilt of the sai
- Tsukagashira: the pommel of the sai
In TMNT
Several characters in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise have used the sai, but it is mostly associated with Raphael as it is his signature weapon. Sai are sometimes used inaccurately as daggers in TMNT media.
2012 TV series
In the 2012 TV series, Raphael's sai are the only weapon out of the four Ninja Turtles that is not designed to be a bladed weapon, unlike Leo's katana, Mikey's kusarigama, and Donnie's naginata.
1990 film series
In the 2007 film of the 1990 film series, TMNT, Raphael manages to break Leonardo's katana with his sai during the fight scene between Raph and Leo.
Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation
In Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation, Raphael stabs his sai into Silver's shoes to pin him in place, which is actually a legitimate sai technique. Raphael's sai can be joined at the pommel to form a staff.
