NAGINATA

Traditionally, the naginata (halberd) was a long shaft with a sword-like blade fixed at one end that was used by the Japanese feudal warrior.  In combat it could be used to slash and cut graceful arcs as well as to thrust.  The origin of the naginata is not clear, but stone heads attached to staffs were found among the relics of the early third century B.C.  The naginata was widely used in combat for many centuries before the introduction of firearms in the sixteenth century.  Originally it required a powerful man to wield the naginata effectively, although there are records describing women samurai who ably defended their posts using such a weapon.  During the Tokugawa Period, naginata was particularly taken up by the female members of the warrior class and the weapon was shortened and lightened to accommodate their usage.    Individual and partner training consists of happoburi, uchikaeshi, shikake-oji, kihon, keiko, and kata.  The Jinbukan is affiliated with the Zen Nippon Naginata Renmei and with Nakano Michiyo Sensei who directs the United States Naginata Federation.