What is Naginata?

Naginata is a traditional Japanese martial art centred on the use of the naginata, a long pole weapon historically associated with battlefield combat and later with the cultivation of discipline and character.

Modern practice involves the use of protective armour (bogu) and bamboo or wooden training weapons, allowing for both kata and dynamic, controlled sparring similar to kendo. Naginata emphasises fluid footwork, precise distancing, and the effective use of range, encouraging practitioners to develop balance, awareness, and composure under pressure. As with other budo, it is not merely about technical skill, but about fostering respect, resilience, and a calm, focused mind through sustained training.