What is a naginata?
Q: What is a naginata?
A: A naginata is a Japanese bladed weapon with a long shaft (wooden handle). It looks like a pole and has a blade that can be anywhere from 1 to 3 feet in length. The blade's shape resembles that of a 'leaf' being more curved at the point.
Q: When was the naginata first used?
A: The naginata is said to have been first used in China around 3 B.C., as mentioned in the Kojiki (A Record of Ancient Matters, 712). It was further improved during the Nara period (approx. 710-784 A.D.) and by the 11th century it was widely used in battles.
Q: Who used the naginata?
A: The samurai used the naginata when fighting against many enemies or on horseback, while warrior-monks also used it for temple defense against invaders until around 1400's A.D.. During the Edo period (1603-1867), it became symbolic weapon of samurai women who trained for self-defense and building virtue, and families would hang them in important places of their houses as presents to brides.
Q: What are some theories about how the naginata came about?
A: There are three main theories about how the naginata came about; one theory suggests that it evolved from farming tools with sharp stones attached to one end which were then replaced with metal pieces; another theory states that Chinese halberds were brought to Japan during early migrations; and finally, there is also evidence suggesting that it evolved directly as a weapon made out of bronze blades which were later improved using steel technology.
Q: How did infantry use this weapon?
A: Infantry typically employed sweeping or circular motions when using this weapon due its length making striking methods difficult, often using it to cut through horse's legs before killing off disoriented riders.
Q: Why was this considered an effective women’s weapon?
A: This weapon gave women an advantage because its long shaft could keep enemies at safe distance away from them - one famous example being Itagaki whose skills surpassed even those of most trained samurai - so much so that by Edo period (1600-1800 AD) Japanese women were taught how to handle them by age 18.
