In this post we’ll go through the step-by-step breakdown of the previous Sai Kihon (Basics) drill video, Sai Uke (Blocks). This breakdown uses a series of freeze-frames from the practice video to show each of the specific moves in the Sai drill along with descriptions and tips. It also includes a step-by-step PDF reference sheet that you may download and print. Along with the previous practice video, this step-by-step breakdown should greatly help you learn and practice this Sai Kihon (Basics) drill as a supplement to your local instruction.
[Note: The photos below are freeze frames from the live action practice video, so they are not as perfect as if they were specifically posed photos for each move.]Sai Uke Freeze-Frame Step-by-Step Breakdown
Sai Uke is a kobudo Sai Kihon drill which focuses on three simple sets of basic Sai blocks, including low, middle and high blocks.
They are all done on the left side first and then they are all repeated on the right side. Only the left side is shown in the below freeze frames, but both are shown in the practice video.
Start each with L step forward into a L zenkutsu-dachi, pull back to L neko-ashi-dachi for next block. Keep cycling between those two stances. Do all on the left side first and then repeat all on the right side.
Return to the yoi position between each of the three sets: low, middle, and high.
Opening Sequence

5 Sai Low Blocks





4 Sai Middle Blocks




3 Sai High Blocks



Closing Sequence
Sai Uke (Blocks) PDF Reference Sheet
The following PDF reference sheet is a distillation of all the moves in the drill to use as reference while learning and practicing the Sai drill. It is useful to help you remember what all the moves are until they are committed to muscle memory or for review to remember them after returning to the drill if it hasn’t been practiced in a while. I had created this reference sheet when I was first learning the drill myself. I hope it helps you as much as it helped me.
Download Sai Uke (Blocks) Drill PDF Reference Sheet
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It’s interesting when you said that Kobudi prioritizes the block power as three simple steps. The other day, my cousin told me that he was considering enrolling my nephew in Kobudo classes because he shows interest in it, and enhances his strength and discipline. Thanks to this helpful article, I’ll tell him that it will be much better if he consults a trusted martial arts class as they can answer all his inquiries and will provide the proper training for my nephew.
Thanks Steve. Yes, it’s always best to learn from a qualified martial arts instructor.