Naginata Equipment
Q: Where can I buy naginata equipment?
A: We know of at least 3 sources in the United States:
1) East Coast Martial Arts Supply
2) E-Bogu.com
3) Mazkiya
More sources are listed in our Links section.
Q: What type of uniform is worn by Naginata students?
A: All Naginata students wear a black or navy blue hakama (wide, pleated pants), a plain white obi (belt), and a white keikogi (jacket). Advanced students also make use of protective armor (bogu) if they wish to participate in competitive matches.
Q: Are colored belts worn in Naginata, as they are in many other martial arts?
A: No. All students and instructors, regardless of their rank, are attired identically.
Q: Is the armor (bogu) worn by Naginata students the same as that used for Kendo?
A: The bogu used by Naginata students is essentially the same as that worn by Kendo students, except for the addition of shin protectors (suneate). Naginata gloves (kote) are also slightly different than those utilized in Kendo. Naginata kote have a singulated index finger as well as the thumb to better facilitate the rapid shifting of the hands along the length of the naginata's shaft.
Q: Do I need to buy armor (bogu) right away?
A: No. Bogu is usually not needed until a student is more advanced.
Q: How large is the shiai (competition & practice) naginata?
A: Shiai naginata are between 2.10 and 2.25 meters in length (82.6-88.5 inches) and weigh a minimum of 650 grams (1.4 lbs).
Q: What is the shiai naginata made of?
A: The shaft (ebu) is made of oak, and the mock blade (habu) is made of two strips of bamboo.
Q: Is used equipment available?
A: Yes, used equipment is generally available.
Q: Is Naginata competition & testing held only in Japan?
A: No. The International Naginata Federation (INF) holds sanctioned matches all over the world. In addition, local clubs occasionally host their own tournaments. Dan (black belt) testing is conducted at most INF or USNF seminars or tournaments. Testing for lower ranks is usually done at the student's own school.
Our School (Dojo) Locations
Q: Do you have a school in my area?
A: We currently have 7 schools (dojos) in the United States. Five are in the Los Angeles CA area (Torrance, Gardena, El Camino College, Pasadena, and Irvine). We also have dojos in Lincoln NE and Phoenix AZ.
The Martial Art of Naginata
Q: Is Naginata practiced only by women?
A: No. At one time in Japan's history, Naginata was the only martial art that women were allowed to practice. Today, however, Naginata is practiced by men, women, and children of all ages and abilities.
Q: What is "Atarashii Naginata"?
A: Atarashii Naginata is a standardized combination of all of the old schools of Naginata.
Q: Is Naginata just a sport?
A: No. Although many aspects of modern Naginata are contest oriented, most people practice it solely as a means of building character and self-discipline.
Q: Do I have to be athletic to learn Naginata?
A: No. Naginata is practiced by people of all ages and abilities.
Q: Do I need to have had prior martial arts experience before I can study Naginata?
A: No. Experience in other martial arts, while it may be helpful, is not a pre-requisite for studying Naginata.
Q: Does it cost a lot of money to get started in Naginata?
A: No. Most schools will rent equipment to beginners for a nominal fee.
Q: Where did the naginata originate?
A: Historians differ in their opinion as to the naginata's origin, however, most feel that it originated in China but was utilized and refined in Japan.
Q: Are there any other terms used to describe the naginata?
A: The naginata is sometimes referred to as a "reaping sword" or "halberd".
Q: Was the naginata ever used in battle?
A: Yes. The naginata was used extensively in battle in medieval Japan. It was especially popular in cavalry battles. Foot soldiers used it to cut horse's legs and then kill the rider once the horse fell. The wives of the Samurai also used the naginata to defend their homes while their husbands were working in the fields or away in battle. Once firearms were introduced in Japan (mid-16th century), however, the naginata declined in use and was practiced primarily by women as a means of character development.
About the Southern California Naginata Federation (SCNF)
Q: How long has the Southern California Naginata Federation been in existence?
A: The Southern California Naginata Federation was co-founded in 1974 by Sensei Helen Michiyo Nakano. She is also the co-founder of the United States Naginata Federation.
Q: Do I have to live in Southern California in order to be a member of the Southern California Naginata Federation?
A: No. We have members all over the United States. Everyone is welcome to join!
Q: Where are your schools located?
A: We have 5 schools (dojos) in the Los Angeles CA area (Torrance, Gardena, El Camino College, Irvine, and Pasadena). We also have dojos in Lincoln NE and Phoenix AZ.
Q: Can I stop by one of your schools and observe a class session?
A: You are always welcome to stop by and visit! Whenever possible, please check with the instructor before doing so to make sure there have been no schedule changes.
Competition
Q: How large is the match area in Naginata tournaments?
A: The match area is a square measuring 12 meters on each side.
Q: How long is a Naginata match?
A: Naginata matches last no longer than 5 minutes.
Q: What are the valid targets in shiai (competitive matches)?
A: The head, throat, wrists, shins, and body are all valid targets.
Q: Can the butt end of the naginata (the ishizuki) be used to strike?
A: During shiai (bogu), the ishizuki CANNOT be used to thrust to the throat due to the danger involved. Ishizuki thrust to the throat is no longer valid and would be considered a hansoku if used. Thrusts (tsuki) to the sides of the body, such as in Shikake-Oji drills #5, 6, & 7, are NOT valid strikes during shiai (bogu) competition although the side of the ishizuki can be used to strike the shins (suneate) or to block strikes to the head or shins (suneate).
Q: I like to participate in "forms" competition. Do Naginata tournaments include that?
A: Yes. Engi ("forms" competition) is quite popular.
Sword Appraisal
Q: I have a Japanese sword (or naginata). If I send you some photos of it, can you appraise it for me?
A: We're sorry, but we cannot appraise swords. Numerous factors determine the value of Japanese blades, including the name of the swordsmith, the condition of the blade, its age, etc. In addition, a certified appraiser needs to examine the blade directly (not via photographs). Please check our list of favorite links for the names of sword related websites which may be able to help you.