systems-naginatajutsu
Naginatajutsu (薙刀術)
Naginatajutsu (薙刀術) is the study of the naginata, a long-bladed polearm valued in classical Japanese warfare for its reach, cutting power, and versatility against both mounted and foot opponents. It was used to unseat riders, control distance, and strike through armour.
In the Kukishin-ryū tradition, the naginata shares core principles with the rokushaku bō and yari, while exploiting its curved blade to deliver sweeping cuts, binds, and reversals. The forms in this system are influenced by the gokui (secret principles) of the Kukishin-ryū polearms, adapted to the handling and characteristics of the naginata.
This system is based on the Sengoku period battlefield naginata, which was longer and heavier than the Edo and Meiji era forms seen in modern naginata practice. The weapon shares characteristics with the bisentō, requiring the use of whole-body mechanics to generate power in its cuts, thrusts, and reversals. Movements are designed for armoured combat, unseating mounted opponents, and breaking through defences, and therefore emphasise decisive strikes and continuous pressure rather than rapid duelling exchanges.
Gokui no Kokoro
The essence of Naginatajutsu lies in the unity of blade and shaft, each end serving as a weapon in its own right. Hand changes are used to shift the line of attack, confuse the opponent, and maintain initiative. Strikes flow between the heights of heaven and the depths of earth, forcing the guard to open and close without rest. Each form is a single breath, moving without pause until the encounter is ended. In this way, the naginata embodies both reach and immediacy, breaking the enemy’s rhythm while preserving one’s own.
Kukishinden-ryū Naginatajutsu Gokui no Kata
九鬼神伝流 薙刀術 極意之形
[一] Tenchi Arashi – 天地嵐 (Heaven-Earth Storm): From Seigan no Kamae, shift into Hassō and cut diagonally up to the uke's leg. Draw back and deliver a second diagonal cut to the left side of the neck. Reverse the naginata to strike with the haft to the opponent’s head, then reverse to cut the lower leg with the blade.
[二] Kaminari no Mai – 雷の舞 (Dance of Thunder): From Seigan no Kamae, step forward and strike down with the tsuka. The opponent receives with the blade. Draw back, flip the naginata and thrust. Follow with a horizontal strike using the tsuka, then sweep up with an upward diagonal cut. Switch hands and finish with a downward diagonal cut from the opposite side.
[三] Sashi Gaeshi – 差し返し (Thrust Reversal): From Seigan no Kamae, thrust with the naginata, then strike horizontally with the tsuka. Reverse into a downward cut, follow with a low upward strike, and finish with a high downward diagonal cut from the opposite side.
[四] Ryūsui Gaeshi – 流水返し (Flowing Water Reversal): From Seigan no Kamae, transition to Hassō no Kamae and strike vertically down to the opponent’s head. Switch hands and cut vertically upward. Follow with a downward strike using the tsuka, then an upward diagonal cut from the left. Switch hands and finish with a downward diagonal cut from the right.
[五] Kasumi Harai – 霞払い (Mist Sweep): From Hassō no Kamae, cut straight down to the head, then sweep low to the leg with the tsuka. Reverse the naginata into a downward cut, switch to the opposite side with a high strike using the tsuka, then immediately reverse again and strike low to the opponent’s leg.
[六] Kasane Giri – 重ね斬り (Layered Cuts): Sweep low to the leg with the tsuka, then rock back and deliver a full-length vertical drop cut. Follow with four alternating diagonal cuts from left and right, and finish with a thrust to the opponent’s face.
[七] Raijin Otoshi – 雷神落とし (Thunder God Drop): Thrust to the opponent’s face, then feint a horizontal strike with the tsuka. Follow immediately with a sweeping horizontal cut to the head while switching hands. Switch hands again, throw the blade back, and finish with a jumping full-length vertical drop cut.
[八] Tsukomi Harai – 突込み払い (Thrusting Sweep): Thrust toward the head, then transition into a low strike with the tsuka and immediately reverse to cut on the same side. Strike to the opposite side with the tsuka and reverse again with a low cut. Switch hands, draw back and deliver a full-length vertical drop cut, then finish with a final thrust.
[九] Hashira Otoshi – 柱落とし (Pillar Drop): From Hassō no Kamae, cut down to the head and immediately follow with a low strike to the leg using the tsuka. From this position, deliver a full-length vertical downward cut to the head, then strike high with the tsuka again, finishing with a reversal into a low strike to the leg.
[十] Ura no Mai – 裏の舞 (Dance of the Hidden Side): Thrust to the head, then feint a tsuka strike while bringing the tsuka behind the back and taking it with the opposite hand. Transition into a diagonal cut from the opposite side. Feint the tsuka strike again, bring it behind the back, and strike from the other side.