Naginatajutsu : Combat Stories – 08

-by Ishita Mondal

–Reading Time – 4 min Approx

“Remember… you are expressing the technique, not doing the technique”.—Bruce Lee

That’s how martial art is described by the legendary Bruce Lee. Well, our today’s topic, naginatajutsu is a great example of it. This form of Japanese martial art has always been a well-known technique to defend oneself from mounted attackers. It is not about simply yielding the weapons. Instead, as Lee said, it is about expressing the technique.

The confidence within the warrior and expressing it matters a lot. If you think the mounted warrior is more powerful than you, you may not succeed. But, if you think yourself equally capable like him/her and express that confidence through the naginatajutsu technique, you will surely be successful in dropping him/her down. The expression of confidence and courage says it all.

However, naginatajutsu is still popular in different forms within Japan and outside Japan. Let’s have a look at what it is. We will discuss the interesting facts about the martial art form. Let’s proceed.

Naginatajutsu- What it is:

It is a weapon-based martial art form majorly prevalent in Japan. The sport is all about using the sword called naginata. As per the weapon experts, naginata is a pole-weapon influenced by glaive and guan dao. While glave is a medieval European pole-arm weapon, guan dao is another pole weapon that originated from China.   The game of naginatajutsu is practiced both in its traditional form and its modern version. The popular modern game where naginata is used is called naginata-do. Another modernized version of naginatajutsu is gendai budo.

Naginata- The Origin and History:

As we are here to discuss naginatajutsu, let’s first know where the weapon came from. How did it come into use? Well, the history of naginata starts from the 1^st millennium AD. Previously, there was a weapon called hook yari. As the experts claim, naginata is developed from it. One theory says, that it was developed as a farming weapon just like Okinawan Kobudo weapons. Another theory says that it was created to meet the need for a longer weapon. The innovative samurai experts attached their swords to poles and stroked with them. However, no matter, what the correct explanation is, the natural development of the polearm introduced the weapon called naginata. The swordsmen appreciated the use of it as it helped them to fight against the attackers riding on horseback.

In early days:

In Japan, we have always seen the prevalence of martial art forms. The weapon of naginata is also widely used in ancient Japan. According to the historical documents, the weapons are often used by warrior women of Japan, known as Onna-musha. Also, the mountain monks and warrior monks used to fight with this weapon.

In later days:

Although previously, naginata was used against cavalry to meet the gap of the length from horseriders and the attackers on the ground, later the scenario became different. When we talk about the Tokugawa period, we see how the weapon became a status symbol of valor instead of just a mere fighting weapon.  It was mostly used to honor the women from Samurai families in Japan. It is said that when husbands were away from their homes, the women used to protect their homes using it. In modern Japan, naginata is practiced in different forms under various schools.

The nature of the weapon:

Well, the real naginata is a steel-made weapon with a sharp edge of the blade. But it is not used often. The major types of naginata used in training are –

• Curved and flexible pairs of bamboo strips
• Solid wood-made poles

All about Naginatahjutsu Techniques:

In various martial art traditions, naginata comes into use. The techniques of naginatajutsu are used often in the styles of Kobudo. Although, the practice styles and grading systems are different in each of those styles, the essence is the same. The interesting traditions that incorporate naginata in their martial art lessons are- Tendo Ryu Naginata-jutsu, Jiki-shinkage Ryu Naginata-jutsu, Yoshin Ryu Naginata-jutsu, and, so on.

Nowadays, two types of games with under naginatajutsu are common. One is Shiai-kyōgi and another one is engi-kyōgi. The first one includes individual efforts and team matches. Teams usually have four-five members. On the other hand, engi-kyōgi includes two pairs of opponents. Both of them perform different techniques of the game and try to defeat one another.

Except for these mentioned forms, naginata is used in various ways. Atarashi naginata is a sport that is played in modern-day Japan with special moves of naginata. Although in Japan, the game is mostly played by women, outside Japan, we see participants from other genders as well.  It is practiced in Europe, Australia, and America, and so on. First, atarashi naginata associations were formed in 1950. With near about 15 different styles, the game became a popular one. While in Japan, it is controlled by the All Japan Naginata Federation, in Brazil, it is represented by the Naginata Association of Brazil. The practitioners use ‘bogu’ or armors to protect themselves from the impacts of attacks.

Interesting Facts about the Game:

• You can engage with your opponent from a distance with naginata.
• Naginata is a heavy weapon to wield along with being lengthy.
• The protective armor used in naginatajutsu is similar to the one used in kendo.
• Different championships take place with this sport.
• The naginata practitioners know how to respect discipline.
• The game develops the harmony of body, mind, and soul.

The Bottom Line:

As the practitioners say, Naginatajutsu is not just a game. Instead, it is about imbibing the traditional Japanese culture and heritage. The martial art form not only helps in attacking the opponent, but also cultivates the mind with peace, prosperity, and calmness. Hence, we can say practicing naginatajutsu is one of the best ways to be an individual with a balanced life. Grow from within and explore your inner abilities with the practice of naginatajutsu. Let’s play the game and be a better individual.

-by Ishita Mondal

Dear Reader, Hope you liked the post. If you think our initiative “The Creative Post” is worth supporting, then please support us by paying the amount you think we are worthy of. We believe, the value of content should be decided by the consumer. Hence we request you to evaluate our worth and pay accordingly by Clicking Here.