The Naginata is a long-handled weapon used by ancient Japanese warriors. Its shape is similar to the Chinese Guan Dao, a heavy pole weapon, and was employed on the battlefield for combat. Later, it became a mandatory skill for women of samurai families, leading to the Naginata’s adaptation into a lighter weapon, allowing for better control and increased speed and mobility in Naginatajutsu.
Today, Naginatajutsu has gradually evolved into a modern martial art. The All Japan Naginata Federation has standardized the form of the Naginata, making it one of the significant disciplines in Japanese martial arts competitions.
Origin of the Naginata
It is said that the Naginata was introduced to Japan during the Nara period (710–794). At that time, Japan had close exchanges with the Song Dynasty, and monks dispatched to China brought back large swords used in Zen monasteries for martial practice. Over time, these weapons were adapted to better suit the physique of the Japanese people, leading to the development of the Naginata and the Chōken (long sword). The Naginata eventually became one of the primary weapons used by warrior monks (sōhei) during the Nara period.
Some research suggests that the Naginata may have evolved from a long-handled weapon unique to the Nara period called the "Tehoko" (手鉾). The Tehoko, an improved version of the standard spear, had both thrusting and slashing capabilities. The restored Tehoko from the Shōsōin repository, created by swordsmith Fuji Yasu Shōhei, measures 104.4 cm in total length, with a 66 cm handle and a 38.4 cm blade. However, in terms of both length and shape, the Tehoko and the Naginata still have notable differences. Therefore, the exact origins of the Naginata remain a subject of debate.
The Naginata in Warfare
In common perception, the Naginata is often seen as a weapon exclusive to women. However, it was originally used as a battlefield weapon by samurai and armed warriors. According to Dr. Hu Weiquan, the term "warrior monks" (sōhei) did not emerge until the Edo period, and the idea that Naginata was their exclusive weapon is a misconception formed in the Edo-Meiji era.
During the Heian period (794–1185), samurai warfare involved long-range archery from horseback, followed by close combat in single duels known as "ikkitō" (one-on-one battles). As warfare transitioned to infantry-based combat, the Naginata became widely used by foot soldiers (ashigaru).
During the Genpei War (1180–1185), cavalry battles became increasingly important. The Naginata proved effective in countering cavalry attacks while also delivering devastating power in infantry combat. This increased its prominence on the battlefield, leading samurai to regard it as a crucial weapon. The impact of the Naginata was so significant that Japanese armor was modified to include shin guards for protection against low sweeping strikes.
In the Nanbokuchō period (1331–1392), frequent conflicts continued. At the time, spears were not as long as those used in the later Sengoku period, and their primary functions were thrusting and striking. In contrast, the Naginata was capable of thrusting, striking, and executing wide, powerful slashes, making it a favored weapon among samurai.
However, from the Ōnin War (1467–1477) onwards, group tactics involving foot soldiers became the dominant form of warfare. The increasing length of spears (ranging from 2.5 to 10 meters) made them more advantageous in both usage and battlefield formations. Consequently, spears gradually replaced the Naginata as the primary weapon for foot soldiers.
Although the Naginata disappeared from the battlefield, it continued to be preserved as a martial art among the civilian population.
Naginata (Battle-ready), Fire and Steel
The Naginata in the Edo Period and Beyond
By the Edo period, Japan no longer faced warfare, and the Tokugawa shogunate imposed strict regulations on civilian weapon ownership, allowing only the samurai class to carry swords. Fortunately, these restrictions only applied to large Naginata, allowing the art to survive as a martial discipline. With no wars to engage in, Naginata practitioners shifted their focus to running dojos and training students. As a result, various schools of Naginatajutsu proliferated across different domains.
Additionally, Naginatajutsu became a form of self-defense training for samurai women. According to Dr. Hu Weiquan, Edo-period women actually practiced swordsmanship more frequently than Naginata techniques. The popularity of Naginatajutsu among women surged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From the Taisho era to the post-war period, modern Naginatajutsu evolved into a sport, yet the stereotype of it being exclusively for women has persisted.
Today, Naginatajutsu is still practiced in schools, classical martial arts dojos, and martial arts centers, attracting both men and women in Japan.
Structure of the Naginata
The shaft of the Naginata typically measures between 90 and 180 cm in length and is fitted with a "tsuba" (handguard) at the end. Unlike the round shafts of spears, the Naginata’s shaft is oval-shaped. The bottom of the shaft is equipped with a "ishizuki" (butt cap).
The blade of the Naginata usually ranges from 30 to 60 cm, though some large Naginata have blades reaching up to 90 cm. Compared to spear weapons, the Naginata’s tang (nakago) is longer, almost as long as the blade itself, and often features engraved inscriptions.
There are two primary blade shapes for Naginata, both named after famous women recorded in historical texts. The slender blade with a smaller curve at the tip is the "Shizuka" type, named after Shizuka Gozen, the concubine of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. The wider blade with a more pronounced curve is the "Tomoe" type, named after Tomoe Gozen, the concubine of Kiso Yoshinaka.
The "Tomoe" type is more common, as its curved blade enhances cutting efficiency and makes it easier for smaller individuals to wield from horseback.
The Transformation of Naginata into Swords
As the Naginata gradually faded from the battlefield, some were repurposed into samurai swords to extend their usability. This process, known as "Naginata-naoshi", involved two main steps: reshaping the Naginata blade into a suitable sword form and trimming the tang to an appropriate length. Standard-sized or shorter Naginata blades were converted into wakizashi (short swords) or tantō (daggers), while large Naginata blades were reforged into katana. One example is the katana owned by Kuki Yoshitaka, which was originally a Naginata blade.
Through these transformations, the legacy of the Naginata has persisted in various forms, continuing to influence Japanese martial traditions to this day.
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