Kusanku-No-Sai

Kusanku sai was created by Tatsuo Shimabuku. The sai has always been an extension of the hand, so adding a sai to an empty hand kata was no great leap. Note the prong position during the execution of individual technique. The prong position can prevent you from injuring yourself. When it differs it can indicate a bunkai change. Just remember a block is a block and a punch is a punch. Knowing the empty hand bunkai simply gives you the sai bunkai. When Shimabuku sensei created this kata, he also incorporated a portion of Kyan-No-Sai. This and Suansu kata are uniquely parts of Isshin-ryu karate.

Note: Many schools teach this kata and incorporate kicks. This allows for better flow within the form. It also combines empty hand and weapons technique. Originally weapons were taught as a separate art. If adding the kicks violates your desire to keep the kata in its original form, then simply don’t add them. I’ve been studying the martial arts for more than four decades, and I have no problem with adding the kicks. Sensei Adler and Shimabuku Tatsuo do not add the kicks, but Sensei Uezu does. Uezu spent more time with sensei Shimabuku than most students. Uezu was his son-in-law. Robinson sensei was greatly impressed with Uezu sensei.