Below you will find a few of the most commonly asked questions. This is not a definitive list, so please feel free to email us using the form at the end if you want to know anything that is not covered here.
1. About Naginata
What sort of Naginata do you do?
Atarashii Naginata is a budo (martial way) and we follow the form taught by the All Japan Naginata Federation (AJNF) through the International Naginata Federation (INF) and the European Naginata Federation (ENF). Atarashii Naginata involves both kata (choreographed sets of cuts performed with a partner) and free sparring in armour (bogu. The fundamental kata in Atarashii Naginata, is called “shikake-oji” (or engi) – this consists of 8 basic kata. All students coming to Naginata in Great Britain will be almost entirely focused on mastering these 8 fundamental forms, ahead of developing further their Naginata education. In 95% of our practices we use the shiai naginata, which has a light oak wood shaft and a bamboo ‘blade’. Practice also means eventually wearing bogu (armour), unless there are exceptional circumstances. (For example, new students, who are perhaps over the age of 45, may wish to study only the set (ie. kata) forms which are less physically demanding). Otherwise all students are advised that the AJNF syllabus is a balanced one between shikake-oji (Naginata kata) and armoured practice. We do not promote or teach Koryu kata on their own. “Old style” or Koryu Naginata styles may exist in Great Britain, in various kobudo, jiu jitsu and aikido schools, but this is not what we do. Please also note, we do not ever practice with, or promote the use of metal bladed Naginata weapons!
What is Naginata-do, as practiced by BNA?
The Naginata weapon is abit like a halberd, a long pole with a blade on the end attached to it. Naginata the martial art, uses the same word, as the weapon name. Though officially it should be called Atarashii Naginata. Before the war it was Naginata-do – “Do” meaning Way or Path…of study – as used in other titles, Judo, Karate-do, Aikido, Kendo and so on, the “Do” has simply been dropped. Naginata therefore refers both to the weapon and the art. Naginata’s history is as old and varied as other Oriental weapons.
Is Naginata a battlefield martial art or self defence?
Yes it was battlefield art. Due to the advantageous length (at least over 1.5 meters, and higher – there was no set length) it was popular for cutting down horses and clearing space on the battlefield. As you cannot carry such a weapon today, it has no direct ’self defence’ application, but it does teach discipline, self control, awareness of distance and timing, etc. all of which could assist in self defence situations.
So in the 21st Century Naginata is only a sport?
No, no more than other martial displines are. Martial Arts (including Naginata) should never be reduced to “point scoring” or just hitting people for the sake it. Martial arts are as much mental & philosophical as physical. Being in relatively good health also helps, after all – wearing 4 kilos of body armour, and wielding a pole over 2 meters in length while wearing thick gloves – and become ambidextrous (you must be able to fight both sides/all stances) can be tough, you’ll need lots of energy and dexterity! The action required for this modern discipline, in the hips and feet, is as important as the action in your shoulders & arms.
Is Naginata a ‘women’s weapon’?
You will sometimes hear this said and indeed in Japan, the Naginata is associated with women for historical reasons (they were often part of a samurai wife’s dowry and their length helped women when defending the home against men using swords). However, historically the naginata is a true battlefield weapon and was extensively used by men in warfare. In modern times, Naginata attracts both men and women – in the UK in roughly equal numbers.
Does naginata involve kneeling?
Yes on occasion for some of the formal elements (bowing) of entering a match or display with a partner and at the start and end of practices. However, if you have a medical reason not to this knealing there are alternative postures.
2. Equipment & Clothing
How big is the modern Naginata training weapon & what is it made of?
The adult naginata is a minimum of 212 centimetres in length, and is primarily made of white oak. It can fit into a small hatchback car. At the end of the white oak shaft, is a bamboo blade (like the halberd). For safety reasons the naginata blade is made of a strip of bamboo (2 pieces). In vigorous shiai (competition) this bamboo is flexible and absorbs shock – although it can break, which is quite normal (don’t be shocked). This bamboo part is relatively cheap and easy to replace (about £8-9). Those not engaged in shiai, can expect their blade to last 4-5 years, with care… This combination of shaft and blade makes it a very long, and formidable weapon. For koryu (old style) kata, there is an all wood naginata available. But in Europe, due to the scarcity & expense of these all wood ones, the oak & bamboo blade combination is used for everything – competitive sparring and kata. Those who study seriously and long enough, eventually acquire the all wood naginata weapon for Koryu study. Caution: ‘Ornamental’, screw type, lacquered type, etc naginata – and ones with blunt metal blades etc etc. are not safe for practice use. Please please, leave these types of naginata on the wall, as a display item. Please note the British Naginata Association is not insured for “metal weapons” and we do not use them.
Complete beginners can start wearing just t-shirt/sweater (in winter) and jogging bottoms. No zips or buttons or belts, if possible. After a few weeks you may want to purchase the traditional jacket (keiko-gi) and trousers (hakema). See our section on buying equipment for more information on what to look out for.
What armour do you wear? Is the body armour worn by Naginata students the same as used for Kendo?
Not quite, but almost identical. But don’t worry, Kendo bogu is just fine if you have it – for the standard that is currently available in Britain. The main noticeable addition is a pair of sune-ate (shin protectors) a valid target in Naginata (that doesn’t exist in Kendo). Brand new, the cost is about £75. The Kote (or gloves) are also very different, there is a spilt finger (index). But until one can afford to buy these, Kendo gloves are okay.
3. Classes and Practice
Due to the very small nature of our association we do not routinely accept children under the age 18 – due mainly to the legal and administrative difficulties. It is a deeply regrettable situation, and we hope this can be reviewed as the BNA grows. BUT – Anyone between ages 16-18, will be assessed on a case by case basis and may require the parent or guardian to be present during practices and/or seminars. We can teach children, but teaching must be ‘tailored’ and is quite different. They will not, for example, be engaged in full physical combat with adults when starting out.
Can I get a book or video in English?
There is one main book available in english, written by Dr Alex Bennett called “Naginata – The Definative Guide”. Please go to www.kendo-world.com to order. There is also a free download here which covers a lot of basics. BUT – nothing makes up for actually practicing. Any self respecting budo-ka knows you cannot learn from a book. You must do the actions yourself, books are only a reminder & confirmation of what you have already learnt.
Is there a grading structure in Naginata?
Yes. But grade is not displayed using any visable sign such as coloured belts. Generally your level of ability, and thus “grade”, is evident to an experienced teacher, there is no need to display your grade. Almost all European countries with established Naginata organisations, grade only kyu level (ie. coloured belt equivalent) because the art is still rare and there are very fewe high grades in Europe. Ikkyu (1st Kyu) and Dan grades can only be done at major international seminars where there are enough senior teachers present to make a grading panel feasible. Those small nations who cannot grade even KYU, encourage their members to grade at INF events. Great Britain, falls into this category along with about 4-5 other European nations. The highest attainable grade is 5 dan (go-dan). After that, the “sensei” grades, of renshi, kyoshi and hanshi, are also available. A Japanese 5 dan hanshi, is likely to be quite “mature”, with 40+ years experience under their belt. There are minimum age requirements too, meaning you’ll never bump into a hanshi who is young. The hierarchy system in Japan, is particularly rigid, in Naginata-do.
Are there Kata (set routines) in Naginata as there are in other martial arts?
Yes. Forms “Engi” are part of the Naginata syllabus. This helps to ensure it does not degenerate into a pure sport just concerned with hitting people to score points. Kata is very important in the study of Naginata. For “seitei” the “standard” part of the main AJNF syllabus, there are 8 kata. But for koryu there are about 200+ katas!) The 8 main kata are enough to see people up to about ni-dan (2nd dan level). Like any kata, movements are relatively easy to learn. BUT like ALL budo kata, the nuances and improvements to movements, comprehension and form can take a life time to “perfect”. They are not “simple” movements, which is why learning “only” 8 still requires considerable practice. A lot of time is spent, at the early stages of Naginata, learning kata. This helps you to become familiar with the Naginata and its properties. A good technical base will allow you to develope the keiko (free sparring) side of Naginata more effectively. Learning the 5 key kata, will be primary concern of anyone studying up to shodan (1st dan).
4. Naginata and Kendo
What armour do you wear? Is the body armour worn by Naginata students the same as used for Kendo?
Not quite, but almost identical. But don’t worry, Kendo bogu is just fine if you have it – for the standard that is currently available in Britain. The main noticeable addition is a pair of sune-ate (shin protectors) a valid target in Naginata (that doesn’t exist in Kendo). Brand new, the cost is about £75. The Kote (or gloves) are also very different, there is a spilt finger (index). But until one can afford to buy these, Kendo gloves are okay.
By wearing similar body armour to Kendo, does that make the targets the same too?
Yes, almost. Kendo & Naginata people can fight each other safely with their respective weapons. The head, throat, wrists, and body trunk are all valid targets. And of course, due to the shin-protectors – the shins are the additional target available to strike too. (If a naginata person is fighting a Kendo person, then the Kendo person has to wear the shin-protectors too). In this respect the Naginata fighter often has the advantage when fighting a Kendoka, simply because the Kendo person is not used to defending their legs (which are a target) and also because the Kendoka is less likely to be familiar with the length of the Naginata weapon, the changing kamae, the changing sides, which can deceptively change the distance of the opponent, from long to short. A kendoka’s instinct is to go forward, but the Naginataka (Naginata person) can change the length of their weapon and go back as quick as they can go forward, which means they have a lot of advantages.
Technically yes, but please note… Due to variations in the conditions of insurance cover by different martial arts bodies, the BNA insists that all Kendo individuals who compete against a Naginata player seek clarification from their own martial body as to the applicablity of their insurance to fence against a Naginata individual. Please check before challenging a naginata-ka to a match. The BNA cannot be held liable or responsible for a Kendo-ka if he/she wishes to undertake that risk. Please note that in Atarashii Naginata, as laid down by the AJNF, and INF, mixed matches (ie. that’s shinai to naginata), is a valid part of an experienced Naginata-ka training/syllabus. BNA members are therefore insured to fence against a shinai. This means, a BNA member can fight on either side, (with a shinai or naginata) and will be insured by the BNA. It is the INDIVIDUAL who is insured. It is not the opponent fencing the Naginata-ka, who claims on BNA insurance. Hence the note above for Kendo players, they must be covered by their own insurance, we stress the BNA does not cover Kendo people fighting Naginata players. We hope this is clear and absolves the BNA of any legal or insurance liability, for Kendo individuals who are not BNA members. The BNA does not cover individuals practicing shinai to shinai (ie. the budo of Kendo only). Even in Japan, at least ONE side must be a minimum SAN-DAN level. Anything less, generally a Yon-dan Naginata-ka is present/watching, to ensure the fight does not degenerate into a dangerous “bashing mess”!
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