Kobudo
What I meant was that if I really cant use them on the street, why pratice like I do use them on the street? Like I said before, if I did use them people would think I planed on getting in to a fight because I had them on me.
Well, it depends on what you mean by "on the street." I agree that if your instructor is verbally telling you that this is how you carry them when you got your baggies on, then, yes, that is strange, and perhaps you should look into a new instructor. If you are having questions about all this, then maybe that is your answer. I don't think any of us are going to be able to tell you more than you know about the situation that you are personally in at the moment.
If however, your instructor is just delving into the possible theoretical uses of the sai based on its design and composition, well then that is what a kobudo instructor should be doing. Examination of esoteric weapons in modern times is ok and can make things interesting, but there are caveats and limitations.
For real self-defense there are better choices than a sai. Mr. Truscott, our moderator, is an advocate on canes. I know someone in my current organization of choice who also is a large proponent of canes, and I am still trying to figure out if he actually has a limp or if he is one hell of an actor.
I have given my choices for being prepared for unpleasant situations. There are many others.
I have learned about some very impractical weapons in my martial arts training of late. However, there things that I can take from those weapons and use in a real (although unlikely) situation. I have seen someone get completely demolished in a very unexpected demonstration with a tea cup. The dental work would have been astronomical had it been taken to its logical conclusion, and very nearly was. I don't really need to practice in the dojo for hours on end to get it, but I did play with some tea cups at home, just handling them to sink the idea in.
However, any weapons instruction, even impractical esoteric ones need to be conducted with the idea of life and death. Even in practice people have been killed and maimed during weapons work. To teach any less, which is often the case, is a dangerous and negligent act.
Glenn R. Manry
---Iaijutsu, don't forget the doorman.