Naginata is a Japanese budō based on handling a long weapon with a curved blade. Modern practice combines technical exercises, kata with a wooden weapon, and bouts using a bamboo blade and protective armour.
Naginata is a Japanese budō based on handling a long weapon made of a shaft and a curved blade. In modern practice, the sparring weapon generally combines a wooden shaft with a flexible bamboo blade; an all-wood weapon is used for some kata.
Practice includes technical exercises, set sequences and, depending on the club and session, bouts with protective armour. Modern naginata is a form of fencing at distance: it calls for coordination, footwork, weapon control and awareness of a partner. Traditional schools of naginatajutsu are also taught.
These forms are not all practised in the same way: bouts follow rules and use protective equipment, while kata use an all-wood weapon to practise codified sequences. Equipment and formats vary according to the practice being taught.
The naginata is a pole weapon from Japanese history, used in conflicts and by warrior monks. Over time it was also associated with training and household defence in warrior families.
After the Second World War, a modern sport form, Atarashii Naginata, was developed from older traditions. The All Japan Naginata Federation was founded in 1955. In France, practice began in 1973 and is now connected to the National Committee for Kendo and Related Disciplines within France Judo. In Spain, Naginata Spain, a cultural association, promotes the modern practice and is a member of the European Naginata Federation.
Naginata combines technical learning, self-control, respect for a partner and attention to movement. Exercises on both sides of the body develop balance, coordination and the ability to move and control a long weapon.
Modern practice may take a sporting form with regulated bouts, or focus on kata and the transmission of traditions. Aims and contact levels depend on the format, club and school.
Naginata may appeal to people interested in Japanese fencing, handling a long weapon, and practices where footwork, coordination and technical precision are central.
Depending on the class, practice may include bouts in armour with a flexible bamboo blade, or kata with a wooden weapon. Ask the club which form it teaches, what equipment is required and what level of contact to expect.
