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, and then in the Edo period samurai women took it up as a method of defense and self-development.

Naginata is a martial art that both men and women can participate in together. 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. A further aim of the ANF is to encourage cultural exchange between Australia and Japan through visits, seminars and other shared activities.

Today's Naginata practice weapon is made from a wooden staff with bamboo slats in place of the blade. Naginata kata (or form) is practiced with a weapon that has a wood blade fashioned similarly to metal blade. During sparring and at other times when there will be contact, armour is worn by the participants to protect the target areas. The dojo can provide armour and practice weapons for beginning and intermediate students.

The Australian Naginata Federation is affiliated with the International Naginata Federation . The INF is responsible for the development and administration of modern Naginata around the world. As such it conducts seminars, runs tournaments, conducts ranking examinations, and generally fosters the development of Naginata while maintaining the rigorous standards of the art.

ANF contact details:
Australian Naginata Federation, Inc.
91 Rosslyn St
West Melbourne
Victoria 3003
Australia

Telephone:
Rebecca Orth: 0419 315 737
Kuan Bartel: 0435 061 002

E-mail:
Kuan Bartel

Australian state Naginata associations afilliated with the ANF:

New South Wales Naginata Association
Victorian Naginata Renmei

Last updated on 21 Jun 2009
Please inform Kuan Bartel of any broken links
or other errors on the ANF pages