Naginata
Helen Michiyo Nakano Sensei is the Chief Instructor of Naginata at Big
Green Drum Japanese Martial Arts. She is also Chief Instructor of the
Southern California Naginata Federation and Co-Founder of the United States
Naginata Federation. She has studied Naginata for over 30 years, and
currently holds the rank of Godan Renshi (5th degree black belt). She
has conducted numerous seminars throughout the United States and Canada, and
serves as a member of the Technical Committee for the International Naginata
Federation.
Leslee Williams Sensei who is the instructor for the Naginata dojo in
Tallahassee, Florida is the regional instructor.
Naginata is a traditional Japanese martial art of both power and grace.
The original naginata weapon was a short sword mounted on a long pole or staff.
It was first used on the battlefield. In the Edo period samurai women took
the naginata as a method of defense and self-development.
Naginata is not restricted to women. It can be enjoyed by all people
who are interested in either competitive fighting or in the beauty of
choreographed, practiced movements called kata. The practice of Naginata
helps to foster physical and mental discipline, grace, and awareness of self and
others.
Today's Naginata practice weapon is made from a wooden staff with bamboo
slats in place of the blade. Naginata kata is practiced with a weapon that
has a wood blade fashioned similarly to a metal blade. During sparring and
at times when there will be contact, armor is worn by the participants to
protect the target areas.
Important Links:
Southern California Naginata Federation
International Naginata Federation