The Sai is a three-pronged weapon that originates in Asia and was, most likely, from there brought to Okinawa, Japan. In Okinawa it was used by the police and the Sai became one of the many weapons in Kobudo (Okinawan martial arts) only in the second half of the 17th century. The main tip of the Sai is blunt and for the purpose of jabs and the side prongs protect the hand and serve to parry attacks and trap the opponent's weapon. It is said that a trained practitioner could even break a sword's blade. This model features an octagonal stem, a round handle wrapped with a cotton cord to enhance the grip and a diamond-shaped knob. It is commonly used in pairs, holding one in each hand.