Naginata

Naginata (なぎなた長刀/薙刀) is a pole weapon usually used by Japanese samurai which in recent times has become strongly associated with women. It consists of a wood shaft with a curved blade fashioned onto the end. Usually, it also had a sword-like guard (tsuba) between the blade and shaft. Most naginata practise today is in a modernised form, a gendai budo called Atarashii naginata in which competitions also are held. Naginata is also practised within the Bujinkan and in some koryu schools.

History

The naginata was first visible in the Kojiki in 712 CE and was used by Yamabushi warrior priests during the Nara Period, around 750 CE. In the paintings of battlefield scenes made during the Tengyo no Ran in 936 CE, the naginata can be seen in use.

Construction

Physically, the naginata, like all weapons, can be customized to fit the build of the bearer. Generally, the naginata shaft is usually the height of the bearer's body, and then the blade is mounted atop, usually measuring two shaku or three shaku (one shaku is equivalent to 11.93 inches, or 30.3 cm) long. The blade is usually curved, sometimes strongly, and historically is believed to be related to Chinese halberds.

Usage

Naginata can be used to stab, but due to their relatively balanced center of mass, are often spun and turned to proscribe a large radius of reach. The curved blade makes for a more effective tool for cutting due to the increased length of cutting surface. In the hands of a skilled practitioner, one 5-foot tall wielder could conceivably cover and attack in 380 square feet of open, level ground. (5 foot shaft, 3 foot blade, 3 foot reach)

See also: Bojutsu budo yari martial arts bisento