sais

Sais can refer to a traditional Okinawan weapon as well as to several historical and contemporary uses as a proper noun or acronym. In martial arts, sais are short, three-pronged handheld weapons associated with kobudō and karate. The design typically features a central straight prong with two shorter, outward-curved side prongs. Sais are used to block and trap an opponent’s weapon, strike, and manipulate an attacker’s limb. They are often practiced in pairs or as a single weapon, and have a long association with Okinawan fighting arts, though variations exist in form and metallurgy.

In Egyptology, Sais is the name of an ancient city in the western Nile Delta and the capital of the Saite (26th) Dynasty. The Saite period, named after the city, flourished roughly in the 7th to 6th centuries BCE. Sais held religious and political importance, and the city is linked with the cult of the goddess Neith. Classical sources and archaeological remains attest to its role during the late period of ancient Egypt, although extensive excavation has yielded patchy evidence about everyday life and urban planning.

SAIS is also an acronym used for Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. This graduate school specializes in international relations, security studies, and public policy, with campuses in Washington, D.C.; Bologna, Italy; and Nanjing, China. SAIS offers master’s degrees and other programs and is recognized for its global programs, faculty, and interdisciplinary approach to international affairs.