I've tried to make the instructions as universal as possible, without the jargon associated with a particular style (I know that 'pointy end' might be a tad too colloquial but such is life), but those with no martial arts background or kobudo training are likely to be lost - just the way it should be. Weapons are called that because if you don't respect them you will get hurt - particularly a good pair of sai - they're heavy, they're metal, and some parts are sharp - accidents can more exciting than you might anticipate - my advice to people who just want to dabble with this kind of thing is -- DON'T.

1. Standard opening [enter with sai tucked under right arm, bow with feet together, execute twin high outer block while angling toes out, execute twin low block to each side while bringing heels out - feet are now shoulder width apart], hit L sai, which is along outside L forearm with R sai - satisfying ringing sound.
2. Stepping out with R foot into horse stance and twin downward strike with handle end.
3. into 1R
4. L foot to L walking stance turning counter clockwise 90 degrees, L high block, R punch, step forward R to R dagger down [strike with pointy end of sai with along the foreram with the tip extending just below the elbow] in cat stance
5. on to 1L [mirror of 1R]
6. slide sai together and bring to waist while R foot comes back, step out R foot to walking stance, double straight line high block, twin neck side strike, flip back, twin lunge
7. step back L foot to back stance and high X block, peel to ready position
8. slide R foot back to cat stance and 2R
9. weight to R foot and begin 4
10. weight to back foot (R) and R high L low block
11. twin low sweep to R and L
12. R leg forward, hook neck, pull towards you and simulanteously punch with other sai
13. box turn and repeat on other side
14. step forward into R cat stance, then 2L
15. double twirl and overlap twirl, twin punch, circle to high x block, into V and back to ready with sai together and tucked under L arm

1R

R outer block mid level
R down strike to head
R Lunge
R low outside block
R to L, L to R mid section sweep in back stance
circle overhead to L down strike in L walking stance
flip back to L lunge [flip - the sai travels through a complete rotation]

2

R twirl in R cat stance [twirl=moving end of sai in a fast figure 8]
step to L walking stance L high block, R punch

Step L leg back to back stance
R inside block
turn counterclockwise 360 to
L walking stance L side strike, R low block

step L leg back to back stance
R inside high block, low block, circle block

L high sweep [holding sai around a single tine, end sweeps out to rake eyes]
step forward X leg with R leg to
twin elbow stab at face level

step forward L leg, low R sweep
turning 360 counterclockwise to
L side strike, R lunge to groin

4
low sweep block L
low sweep block R
carry around to inner ridge hand analogue
punch L
R off-angle lunge to throat

June 2001