Atarashii naginata contests are an imitation of kendô competition.
The matches between heavily armored opponents scoring points only at
specified targets often resemble a game of tag, and the practitioners rarely
utilize kata movements. Thus kata are no longer relevant to combat. So, by
removing the considerations of one’s own death (and one’s responsibility
for another’s fate), atarashii naginata may have removed the major impe-
tus for the development of an ethical stance toward the world. All that may
remain for many trainees is a sport, with the emphasis on winning or los-
ing a match.
Be that as it may, many naginata teachers have entered the modern as-
sociation and have attempted to teach both their old tradition and atarashii
naginata. However, only a few of their students are willing to practice the
old kata. This has resulted in the abandonment and demise of most of the
old martial traditions; often the only reason young people practice the old
school at all is “just so it won’t be forgotten.”
It must be noted, however, that the demise of the old traditions is the
responsibility of practitioners themselves, as they either could not find a
way to make their art relevant to the younger generation or have no idea
themselves of the value of the tradition passed on to them. But there is
hope. In the words of one outspoken teacher, Abe Toyoko:I see lots of people today, jumping from one new thing to another, not getting
settled. I really think people need something in the foundation, some deeply
rooted place in their lives. I see this even in the judging of naginata matches.
It used to be so different, this judging. There were only two per match, and
they were deliberate and subtle, not jumpy and conforming like the ones to-
day. Even their movements had more meaning. The judges used to have indi-
vidual styles, their own way of signaling points. Now everyone has to do it
the same way. You won’t believe this. They stopped a match once, one I was
judging, and asked over the loudspeaker if I would raise my arm a few more
degrees when signaling. Do you believe it? And just a couple of years ago, I
was judging with another teacher. One of the competitors moved, just moved
a little, and the other judge signaled a point. I asked the two women in the
match if a point had been made and they both said no. But because the judge
had ruled for it, it was declared valid! I haven’t judged since. I don’t want to
be a part of teaching people how to win cheaply or lose unfairly. (personal
communication 1982)
Ellis Amdur
See alsoForm/Xing/Kata/Pattern Practice; Koryû Bugei, Japanese; Religion
and Spiritual Development: Japan; Swordsmanship, Japanese; Women in
the Martial Arts, 479 B.C.–A.D. 1896
References
Amdur, Ellis. 1995. “The Development and History of the Naginata.”
Journal of Asian Martial Arts4, no. 1: 32–49.
———. 1994. “Divine Transmission Katori Shintô Ryû.” Journal of Asian
Martial Arts3, no. 2: 48–61.704 Women in the Martial Arts: Japan