Naginata FAQ: (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Where can I buy a naginata equipment?
A: We know of at least two sources in the United
States:
1) East Coast
Martial Arts Supply
2) E-Bogu.com
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.
Q: Do you have a school in my area?
A: We currently have 8 schools (dojos) in the United
States. Four are in the Los Angeles CA area (Torrance, Gardena, El Camino
College, & Pasadena). We also have dojos in Denver CO, Tallahassee FL,
Lincoln NE, and Phoenix AZ.
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 3 schools (dojos) in the Los Angeles CA
area (Torrance, Gardena, & Pasadena). We also have dojos in Denver CO,
Tallahassee FL, 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.
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: Yes, the ishizuki can be
used to thrust to the throat. However, this is rarely done due to the danger
involved. Thrusts (tsuki) to the sides of the body, such as in
Shikake-Oji drills #5, 6, & 7, are NOT valid strikes during
competition. The ishizuki can also be used to strike the shins or to block
strikes to the head or shins.
Q: I like to participate in "forms"
competition. Do Naginata tournaments include that?
A: Yes. Engi ("forms" competition) is quite popular.
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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.
Web site maintained by Sue Kent; email
webmaster@scnf.org
Copyright © 1996 Southern California Naginata Federation. Written
permission is required for reproducing materials contained herein. You are
welcome, however, to add a link to our web site.