Meanwhile at JCMU: Naginata

At JCMU the students are able to participate in different activities that are apart of Japanese culture. I've been here for three months now and this was one of the few that has caught my interest. I know I should be out absorbing everything about Japan, but the activity takes place after we have our big chapter test and dealing with the grueling week of the dual teachers/sensei.

Pretty much I'm exhausted.

A little history and information about the Naginata:

• In a Japanese samurai class, certain members traditionally used a pole weapon known as the naginata. The shaft of this weapon is made of wood, and has a large curved blade on the end. The shaft of the weapon ranges from five to seven feet and the blade is can be a huge three feet long and is curved making the weapon’s total length ranging from eight to ten feet long.
• The naginata was originally used during times of war and those who wielded the weapon were regarded with high esteem.
• When the weapon lost its usefulness during battle, the naginata became a symbol of social status for samurai women. So much so that a naginata was usually included in the Samurai daughter’s dowry. Japanese women practice using the naginata more than men.
• Along with Kendo, and Jutjitsu, naginatajutsu is a form of martial arts. However, unlike jutjitsu naginatajusu uses the weapon soley in its practice. Some styles of Jujitsu do practise the naginata, but it is generally at the higher dan black belts. Protective armour is worn for this martial arts called bogu. The modern practice of this martial art is now simply called naginata. There are around 80,000 people who study and practice naginata today.  

( Information borrowed from: http://www.japanesejujitsu.org/a-brief-history-of-the-naginata )

Here are some videos: