Naginata

A Japanese martial art using the naginata, a polearm with a curved blade. Used as a warrior's weapon since the Heian period, it developed as a women's martial art from the Edo period onward. While practiced by all genders today, it is notable for its many female practitioners and is valued as a martial art that emphasizes etiquette and grace.

Martial art using a long-handled bladed weapon. Developed as a self-defense method for women from the Sengoku through Edo periods, now recognized as a woman-centered martial discipline. The All Japan Naginata Federation was established in 1962 with a competitive system emphasizing kata and sparring. Featured in high school national tournaments.

A martial art rooted in Japanese swordsmanship, practiced with bamboo swords (shinai) and protective armor (bogu). Its philosophy centers on character development through the disciplined study of the sword, emphasizing etiquette and mental cultivation alongside technique. Led by the All Japan Kendo Federation, it is practiced in over 60 countries.

A martial art systematized from traditional Japanese archery. Using a Japanese longbow approximately two meters in length, it combines shooting technique with spiritual discipline. Under the principle of 'seisha hicchu' (correct shooting always hits the target), emphasis is placed on the beauty of the eight stages of shooting form and the unity of mind.

A Japanese martial art that trains the complete sequence of drawing the sword from its scabbard, cutting, and resheathing. Evolved from practical swordsmanship, it emphasizes the unity of mind and body and spiritual cultivation. The act of drawing the sword in an instant from stillness embodies 'stillness within motion, motion within stillness,' pursuing the essence of martial arts.

A collective term for classical Japanese martial arts transmitted from before the Edo period. It encompasses diverse weapon arts and unarmed techniques including swordsmanship, spear arts, staff arts, and shuriken-jutsu, with each school preserving its unique traditions and techniques. Many organizations are affiliated with the Japanese Budo Association, and an annual Kobudo demonstration is held at the Nippon Budokan.