Kendo World Special Edition SE6

Introduction I had only just turned twenty when I first became involved with the creation of the International Naginata Federation (INF). As a young lad from New Zealand with a passion for learning Japanese budo, I was employed by the All Japan Naginata Federation in 1990 to assist in preparations for creating an organisation to oversee the spread of Naginata internationally. It was a dream job for me, and apart from liaising with Naginata enthusiasts around the world, I was also tasked with translating Illustrated Naginata, the first English language textbook on the art. My lack of ability in Japanese at the time, not to mention my limited experience in Naginata made it very challenging work indeed. Throughout my short tenure at the AJNF, I was made to feel as though I…

Part 1: The History of Naginata 1. Origins The word naginata first appeared in historical documents around the mid-Heian period (794–1185). For example, in Honchoseiki1 the naginata was written phonetically using the characters “奈(na)木(ki)奈(na)多(ta)”. Other texts such as Wamyosho—a Chinese-Japanese dictionary compiled by Minamoto-no-Shitagau in 934—mentions the naginata using the characters “長刀” (long sword). Toward the end of the Muromachi period (1333– 1568). The glyphs “薙刀” (mowing sword) were used more frequently, and represented the sweeping motion of the naginata when employed to slash at human foe, or the horses they were riding. These characters were also utilised to make a distinction between actual “long swords” in vogue at the time. Waka sansai-zue (Japanese-Chinese illustrated assemblage of the three components of the universe) was an encyclopaedia edited by an Osaka physician, Terashima Ryoan…

Part 1: Naginata Concepts 1. Why Naginata? Why study Naginata? What can be gained by training in a martial art that has no obvious self-defence applications? These are valid questions for practitioners of Naginata, and indeed other budo disciplines. The physical and mental benefits gleaned from training in any sport is obvious. The educational potential of budo is widely acclaimed in Japan, but there is an all-too-common misconception that just training is enough for it to be an effective means for “self-cultivation”. The practitioner does not become a “good person” by virtue of merely turning up at the dojo. Conscientious and continual effort is needed to comprehend the many, often nebulous principles that provide the philosophical basis for budo. When trying to work out what these principles actually are, a good place to…

Part 1: Shizentai and Rei Before learning techniques, it is important to understand the etiquette for training in Naginata. Correct posture must be maintained and appropriate courtesies observed at all times in the dojo. By adhering to protocols of courtesy during the course of training, the practitioner will learn to act in a courteous manner to others outside of the dojo, if they don’t already do so. This is why form and courtesy are considered as central components to character development through the study of Naginata. 1. Shizentai Holding the naginata upright is referred to as shizentai, or natural standing position. This should be a comfortable and stable stance from which bows are conducted at the beginning and end of a set of techniques, or a match. 1. Stand the naginata up straight with…

Part 1: Uchikaeshi This chapter will outline how to employ the strikes and blocks in attacking and receiving sequences. To start with, uchikaeshi is one of the most basic exercises practised in Naginata. It helps the practitioner develop an understanding of maai (distancing), body movement and footwork, breathing technique, correct grip and application of power in the strike, and so on. These are all extremely important elements for using the naginata effectively. It also teaches the practitioner appropriate striking opportunities, precision in technique execution, and it helps develop the muscules and stamina necessary for training. Therefore, uchikaeshi is a fundamental exercise which is indispensable for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. It is usually practised at the beginning and end of the training session, and can be done with or without bogu…

Men Sune SOKUMEN All of the lessons in this book so far have been concerned with fundamental kihon movements and various techniques (waza) used in Naginata. These are combined and practised in set patterns called Shikake-Oji. By practising Shikake-Oji in pairs, practitioners learn correct etiquette, kamae, grip, footwork and body movement, maai (distancing), breathing technique, striking chances, zanshin (mental and physical state of alertness), correct posture, and so on. Shikake-Oji is also a competition event in engi-kyogi. Always start and finish the set of Shikake-Oji in shizentai. Important Points: When receiving Shikake’s attacks, Oji should wait until the last possible moment before reacting. Also, when executing blocks or attacks, the naginata and body should move in unison.…