Origins

The origin of the weapon is still in debate, but there are three popular theories. One state's that the weapon evolved around 300 B.C. from a similar looking agricultural implement which was modified for combative use, along the same origins as the weapons of kobudo. Others contend that the Naginata was developed by an innovative samurai who attached his sword to a pole creating a crude form of Naginata. Another theory is that a similar looking Chinese halberd was carried over from China to Japan and later refined by the Japanese into what we now know as a Naginata.

The first documented use of a Naginata in combat was in the Oshu Gosannenki (A Diary of Three Years in Oshu) which was written in 1086 A.D. Before that there are stories of mysterious warrior priests, know as the yamabushi or the tengu (as they are more popularly referred to today), using Naginata, as well as other weapons that would become associated with Bujutsu (Japanese military arts). During this time the Naginata was primarily used in combat against cavalry.

During the Gempai War (1180-1185) was when the Naginata was recognized as a practical and effective weapon on the battle field, mainly because cavalry at this time was a constant threat and the Naginata proved perfect for dismounting riders, killing the horses, or even against standing opponents while maintaining a relatively safe distance.

During the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States era 1467-1615) is when women of the bushi class (samurai class) increasingly began to use Naginata in battle however it was not yet totally associated as being a feminine weapon. This would come after later, during the Edo Jidai (1603-1868) a time of moderate peace. In this era bushi women became the primary wielders of the Naginata for self-protection. The reasoning behind this was mainly to the effect that the Naginata, being one of the longest weapons used by the samurai, was suppose to keep a much stronger more aggrieve man a safe distance away so as not to give him the chance to grab and over power a much weaker woman. Though the weight of the weapon became an issue and was subsequently lightened.

After WWII Naginata Jutsu was transformed from Naginata Jutsu to Naginata-do, the difference between the two is that Naginata Jutsu is the traditional combative application of the weapon and Naginata-do is this traditional form of budo altered into more of a sport type of application. Naginata-do is very popular in Japan and is part of many athletic programs. Naginataka (a practitioner of ether Naginata-do or Naginata Jutsu) often participate in shiai matches (matches were two opponents face each other with bamboo weapons, the sword version being called a shinai and the Naginata being called a shiai yo) against kendoka (swordsmen). These matches are highly anticipated and closely followed. Though there are still many schools that follow the traditional teachings of Naginata Jutsu, most have incorporated some Naginata-do waza into their curriculum. The development of exceptionally strong wrists and forearms are a product of this art.