Naginata

The Naginata is one of the ancient weapons of Japan. Its name was first visible in the Kojiki (A Record of Ancient Matters, 712) and was used by warrior monks during the Nara Period, around 750 A.D. Now a martial arts form, symbolized by both power and grace and characterized by the grandeur of its sweeping movements, the art of the Naginata lives on. This piece by Gladius is characterized by its 2-piece tubular aluminum staff and a stainless steel blade.

Naginata is a pole weapon that was traditionally used in Japan by members of the samurai class. It has become associated with women and in modern Japan it is studied by women more than men; whereas in Europe and Australia naginata is practiced predominantly (but not exclusively) by men. A naginata consists of a wood shaft with a curved blade on the end; it is similar to the Chinese Guan Dao or European glaive. Usually it also had a sword-like guard (tsuba) between the blade and shaft.

The martial art of wielding the naginata is called naginatajutsu. Most naginata practice today is in a modernised form, a gendai budo called atarashii naginata ("new naginata"), in which competitions also are held. Use of the naginata is also taught within the Bujinkan and in some koryu schools. Naginata practitioners may wear a modified form of the protective armour worn by kendo practitioners, known as bogu.

Overall Length: 76"
Weight: 3lbs 8oz
Handle Length: 61"
Blade Length: 15"