What is Naginata?

Naginata is a Japanese martial art built around the long pole weapon with a curved blade (the naginata). It began as a battlefield weapon used by samurai and warrior monks and, over centuries, evolved into both a refined martial tradition and in modern times, a competitive, educational practice.

From battlefield to the school gym

Historically the naginata served a battlefield role through the Heian–Sengoku periods (710-1615 AD). By the modern era it became closely associated with women’s martial training in schools and teacher-training programs; in the early 20th century naginata was widely taught in girls’ schools as part of physical education. Academic studies emphasize how naginata’s role in schools shaped cultural ideas about gender and physical education in Japan.

Post-war revival and the “Atarashii Naginata” movement

After World War II, enthusiasts and educators worked to revive and modernize naginata. The All Japan Naginata Federation (AJNF) formed the organizational and technical foundations for the modern discipline, standardizing kata, rules, and teaching methods that became known as Atarashii Naginata (あたらしいなぎなた “new/modern naginata”). This effort adapted traditional techniques into a safe, systematic curriculum suitable for sport, school programs, and international competition. 

International growth and competition

Atarashii Naginata now has two main components; kata (prearranged forms) and shiai (sport competition). The International Naginata Federation (INF), founded in 1990, coordinates international rules, seminars, and world championships, helping spread practice beyond Japan to Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and elsewhere.

Practice and values today

Modern practice develops technique (kihon), paired and solo kata (shikake-ooji and advanced forms), and shiai strategy. Beyond technique, naginata emphasizes zanshin (awareness), etiquette (rei), and character building; values shared across Japanese budō. Many clubs today combine traditional lineage study with school and sport programming, making naginata both a cultural art and a living athletic discipline.

Practice and Philosophy

  • Kihon & Kata

    Pre-arranged pairs (Shikake-Ooji) and advanced forms (Zen Nihon no Kata) that develop technique, timing, and partnership

  • Shiai

    Competitive matches using lightweight bamboo naginata and armor similar to kendo, with added shin protection

  • Key Values

    Emphasis on character development, balance, physical fitness, and lifelong practice reflecting respect for tradition and modern athleticism.

Roche Sensei

  • Renshi
    Naginata Chief Instructor

    Roche Sensei is one of the most accomplished naginata practitioners in the United States today. A seven-time U.S. Women’s National Champion, she has represented the United States at multiple World Naginata Championships. Most recently, at the 2023 World Championships in Boulder, Colorado, she earned:

    • Silver Medal – Women’s Team Shiai

    • Silver Medal – Zen Nihon no Kata

    • Bronze Medal – Engi-Kyogi

    Roche Sensei is also one of the few U.S. practitioners to hold the teaching title of Renshi, reflecting both high technical ability and exceptional contribution to the development of the art.

    In addition to her competitive achievements, she has played a central leadership role in the growth of East Coast and collegiate naginata, founding and mentoring university clubs at Mount Holyoke College, Columbia University, and Pratt Institute. She currently serves as President of the Greater New York Naginata Federation and continues to shape the next generation of practitioners through her teaching at Ken-Zen.

  • Design Director

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • Sustainability Director

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

Ken to wa kokoro nari

  • 剣とは心なり

    剣とは心なり。
    心正しければその剣正し。
    心正しからざればその剣もまた正しからず。
    剣を学ばんとするものはすべからくその心を学べ。
    — 島田虎之助

  • Ken to wa kokoro nari

    Koroko tadashi kereba sono ken tadashi.
    Kokoro tadashi karazareba sono ken mo mata tadashi karazu.
    Ken wo manaban to suru mono wa subekaraku sono kokoro wo manabe.

    - Shimada Toranosuke

  • The sword is the mind

    When the mind is right, the sword it right.
    When the mind is not right, the sword is also not right.
    If you wish to study the sword, first study the mind.
    — Shimada Toranosuke

Make It

Welcome to Ken-Zen Institute— New York’s oldest Japanese swordsmanship dojo since 1959.

Ken-Zen Institute blends authentic Japanese martial arts with Zen philosophy to cultivate the mind, body, and spirit. Explore Kendo, Iaido, Jodo, Naginata, and classical sword arts in Manhattan’s TriBeCa.

Make It

A dojo built on purpose, not for profit

Ken-Zen Institute operates as a not-for-profit organization. Our mission is to preserve and promote authentic Japanese martial arts for the enrichment of our community. All proceeds from membership fees and donations go directly toward maintaining the dojo, upgrading training equipment, and supporting educational programs. Our instructors volunteer their time out of deep dedication to their arts and students.

Donate

Training everyday