NAGINATA (reaping sword)
History: During the Edo period (16001808), women of the samurai class were the primary wielders of the naginata for self-protection. It couid be used on horseback or on foot, and was part of the bujutsu (Japanese military arts).
Traditional use: The naginata probably originated as a weapon. The blade was used to slash with wide, circular movements, and the butt could block or knock opponents off balance.
Current use: Naginata-do (the way of the naginata) is still popular with Japanese women and is part of many academic athletic programs in Japan. National competitions are still held, and women often compete with naginata against men armed with bokken (wooden swords). Extremely strong wrists and forearms are necessary for this sport.
TONFA
History: The tonfa (side-handle baton) was developed as a weapon by the Okinawans, specifically for use in conjunction with karate. Two tonfa were often used simultaneously, and were very efficient against armed asailants.
Traditional use: Originally a bean or rice grinder, the tonfa's circular movements as a farm implement evolved into its rotating strikes as a weapon. The side of the tonfa was used for blocking, and the ends for direct punches.
Current use: Now an advanced karate training aid, the tonfa aids development of block-and-strike strategies and upper-body strength.
YARI (spear)
History: Used by men and women of the samurai class on foot and horseback, the yari has been part of Oriental weaponry for thousands of years. Many schools of sojutsu (the art of the spear) were formed throughout history, each teaching different methods of yari fighting.
Traditional use: Primarily a thrusting weapon, the yari existed in several forms and styles, including the pipe spear and three-bladed spear.
Current use: No competitive form of sojutsu has developed. Training extends only to yari kata, and these are not widely studied.
JO (short staff)
History: Noted swordsman Gonnosuke Muso developed the jo for competition against Musashi Miyamoto, Japan's greatest swordsman, in the late 16th century. Garnering victory only after cutting his bo to the length of a jo (three to four feet), Muso founded the shindo muso-ryu to train others in the weapon.
Traditional use: Less awkward than the bo, the jo focused on basic biocking and striking maneuvers.
Current use: Jodo (the way of the jo) is currently practiced in Japan and the United States. Competitions, including free sparring and kata demonstrations with the jo, exist within the study.
KATANA (traditional Japanese sword)
History: Developed after the bokken, the katana was the favored weapon of the samurai warriors and the most widely used Japanese sword. Drawn in a "sky-to-ground" manner, it was worn in the belt on the left side, edge upward.
Traditional use: Employed on foot or horseback as a thrusting weapon the katana was used in battle, competition and in ritual deaths.
Current use: The katana is now primarily a popular weapon for kata competition and demonstrations.