Indiana State Fair: "Bridges to Japan" Exhibition

August 6 - 22, 2010

Naginata (Japanese Warrior Halbert)

The Batesville Naginata Club will give naginata demonstrations at the “Bridges to Japan” Exhibition. They are part of the US Naginata Federation and the Rocky Mountain Naginata Federation. They practice every Thursday from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Southeastern Indiana YMCA in Batesville, Indiana. New students are welcome.

The naginata is a pole weapon that was traditionally used in Japan by members of the samurai class. It consists of a wooden shaft with a curved blade on the end.

Most people who study naginata today study the modern sport form called atarashi naginata in Japanese. While this form encompasses many of the aspects of competitive sports (tournaments, championships, teams, and physical education-like training) it is still a Japanese martial art and thus stresses the mental and moral development of its trainees. Those who instruct in modern naginata are not merely coaches, but also leaders who seek to develop the character and personalities of their students - both by their example and by drawing on the rich and long heritage of naginata.

All who study modern naginata participate in two different types of practice: a tournament-like form which uses protective equipment and a naginata in which the blade portion is made of bamboo. Points are scored in this type of practice for strikes to the head, throat, torso, wrists, and shins. The other type of practice for modern naginata is kata, a highly stylized and choreographed practice with a partner in which the full beauty of naginata is shown. A special naginata of solid wood is often used in kata. Kata training helps to perfect technique and develop deep concentration.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naginata

“Bridges to Japan” at the Indiana State Fair: Performance Times
Sunday, August 8: 12:30 pm (Main Stage)
Tuesday, August 10: 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm
Tuesday, August 17: 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm
Sunday, August 22: 11:00 am, 12:00 pm