Naginata

[koto_ryu]

I said it is a woman's weapon, not that it was never used by men. And it is a woman's weapon. (though they have other more dangerous and fun ones! )

There's a quote actually in "The Heart of Kendo" by Darrell Max Craig made by Harutane Chiba Sensei, the 37th grandmaster of Hokushin Ryu Kenjutsu, that specifically mentions the naginata:

CRAIG: What is a naginata?

SENSEI: It is a pole weapon that has a long handle with a short or long blade on it. It was originally used by samurai on the battlefield. Later, in Shusaku Chiba's time, because Japan had reached a peaceful state under the new emperor*, the naginata became obsolete as a weapon of war. The naginata was then turned over to the females of samurai clans and they used it in defense of their homes.

The new emperor also disallowed two swords at that time, and since gunpowder was already becoming a major factor the naginata and other weapons were effectively "phased out". That's when they turned them over to women. Naginatajutsu concentrates more on the samurai and martial aspects of the weapon.

[jubaji]

The naginata was then turned over to the females of samurai clans and they used it in defense of their homes.
.

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ok

[HtTKar]

1st Class

koto_ryu, Thank you for breaking those down for me.

I had my first class last week. You really need a lot of room to practice naginata forms. we could only allow 4 people at a time in the dojo to practice (1 per sparring ring) while the others stood off to the side. Part of our first form requires us to jump off our left foot 6' behind us, land in a right front stance while cutting with the 6'8" naginata. Lots of room.

At first much of the form was like okinawan bo forms, but it is different. Definitely not flashy, but graceful. Also the naginata is very sturdy, you could hurt anybody with anypart of the weapon. When bowing into the ring, they use an open legged natural stance. I guess this comes from the japanese military. We also do not present the weapon.

This is some of what I've learned so far, I'm still looking for any advice, pointers, or tricks of the trade. Thanks everybody. I'll keep posting as I learn more.

[jubaji]

koto_ryu, Thank you for breaking those down for me.

I had my first class last week. You really need a lot of room to practice naginata forms.

And a sports bra, right?