The naginata (halberd) was used mainly by the female samurai to defend their family and territory when the husband was away. It is a longer weapon and could quite easily keep the swordsman at a safe distance while cutting his hands or legs.

The blade was used to cut rather than thrust (like the yari, spear). The shaft was also used to strike or distract before the final cut with the blade was delivered.

The heavier bisento was made of a thicker shaft and a heavier blade. This weapon was used in the battle field against samurai in armor. Rather than cut through the samurais' armour, the heavy blade was used to crush the enemy with its weight.

The naginata or bisento was also used against samurai who were riding on horses. Attacks directly to the legs of the horse were employed in order to take the samurai down to the ground. Once the horse unseated its rider, the weapon could be used to inflict further damage on the felled warrior.

The most common and natural techniques for the naginata employ cutting at the enemy's hands, arms or legs, from a safe distance before a more final ending.

When you train use a naginata made of wood - DON'T TRAIN WITH LIVE BLADES. If you don't own a wooden Naginata, you can use a bo staff (6ft staff). You can indicate which end is the "live" end, i.e. which end has a blade, by putting colored tape around one end of the bo. You can also tape a tennis ball to one end, again to simulate a blade, as well as for providing added safety when performing tsuki thrusts. Finally, you can also make your own wooden blade. Make sure that the end is rounded, and that the "blade" is well sanded. Above all be cautious. Wooden blade or no, you can still injure your training partner if you are not careful.

Contributed by Shidoshi Mats Hjelm, Sweden. Mats has been practicing ninpo taijutsu for the past ten years, has founded several Martial Arts BBSes, and has his own ninpo newsletter. He is accepting articles for his NinZine and may be contacted via E-mail: helmet@algonet.se.