Naginata and Ken Seminar at Delaware Budokan

by Phil Scudieri sensei

On June 17, 2006 KIAI instructors from the mid-Atlantic region of the United States met to train with ken, naginata, and bo. Often referred to as “pole arms” these weapons add a new dynamic to ken training. Many famous swordsmen were excellent wielders of this weapon. The naginata was used against many opponents and for cutting down horses. These attributes made it an especially useful weapon not only on the battlefield but for women to use when the men were on campaign or away from the home front. Today the naginata is used primarily by women. The women don body armor similar to kendo for competition. The naginata is constructed similar to a bamboo shinai. This type of training is a physical conditioner and preserves “budo” development and traditions. Often you can see this in High Schools, etc.

  Today a new version of these arts has appeared. It is called Chanbara. A padded helmet and a foam yari (spear), bo, or naginata can be fun and exciting to add to a dojo. Many options are available but a Choken or straight sword plus a helmet (men) or a naginata can be reasonably purchased.

Naginata came in different sizes. Some had short staffs with long blades and some just the opposite. Most of the time the hands are placed on the weapon in thirds, however, with long sweeping motions the hands will be closer to the butt end.

 Due to the size of these weapons most of the training was done outside.

          I did the fundamentals, or kihon suburi (exercises), basic gamae (postures) and ippon kumitachi (one point sparring). Mr. William Messick and Mr Walter Orth then continued with more advanced kumitachi and waza (techniques).

At the end of the seminar we did cutting practice or tameshigiri with tatami mats and plastic water bottles. Milk containers are the best when compared to other bottles. When the containers are filled, you have an inexpensive yet pretty accurate way of testing your skills. Some people in parts of the world are not able to afford tatami and shipping; also, battles, duels, long marches, and guard duty were done in the rain and snow. Combat took place in rivers, streams, and on beaches by the ocean. Katana and saya got wet. Although some schools frown on this practice, the sword is still a tool. I would not use water bottles for public demonstrations however. Be sure to use a blade designated for this as you might scratch a nice antique blade. Be SAFE and MINDFULL! Always be sure the cutting area and the direction in which you are swinging are clear, as a katana might possibly fly out of your hands. Always check the mekugi (pin in handle) to see it does not need repair. Use an old Gunto (WWII military sword) or a hand forged contemporary katana. Do Not use a "wall hanger" like the 440 steel swords you buy in a catalog or souvenir shops. They are not made for this and the handles (tsuka) may break. Also, be sure to clean and dry your blade thoroughly after using it for this purpose. For a tameshigiri blade of this type, you can use baby powder to sprinkle on the blade instead of uchiko. Wipe the blade with a soft paper towel and then perhaps put a little vegetable oil on the blade, or clove oil if you have it. Be sure the blade is dry when you put it in the saya (scabbard) unless you are putting up the blade for awhile. A very thin coating can be applied.