What is Naginata?
- なぎなたハンドブック (学科問題解説)
- Cited from the "Naginata Handbook (Study Guide of Questions and Explanations)"
Naginata (なぎなた、長刀、薙刀) is a Japanese, halberd martial art, with roots dating back to the Heian Period (794-1185 A.D.). The weapon was originally used on horseback to cut off an enemy horse's legs. As time progressed, the weapon's usage became popular among the warrior-monks, foot soldiers, and samurai. Some famous naginata-wielders include Tomoe Gozen, Musashibo Benkei, and Niijima Yae.
After WWII, a modern "sport" version of naginata was developed and implemented in the Japanese secondary school system. The objective of this evolution was to promote new-age students to practice a physical activity, that is traditional by nature.
Naginata now has spread worldwide, with over 10 delegations represented at the International Naginata Federation Championships, and is continuing to grow.