

Kukishin Naginata Ryuha
(bending willow-reaping sword)
Prerequisite: none
Classes are now forming for this graceful and powerful martial art.
The naginata is an ancient weapon of feudal Japan. This graceful sword is a 6′ staff with a 12″to 15″ blade on the end. It was developed about the 10th or early 11th century and has been modified only slightly from it’s original form. Many people believe the idea came from China but historians have determined it to be an original Japanese weapon. It was used by the Samurai for combat against horse mounted advisaries for many centuries. When the calvary began to decline in Japan, the naginata became less advantages and was less used. At this time, the “Yama Bushi” (mountain warrior monks) took up the weapon for it’s advantages length. In the late 15th or early 16th century, the Samurai women took up the naginata for use in defending their homes when the men were away. They also had the responsibility of defending their lord’s manner from invasion when his Samurai were gone. In recent times, the women of Japan and through out the world have been using the naginata to express the beauty of motion, self expression, introspection and physical health. The dynamic and circular motion, as well as the grace and beauty of the women are expressed in a manner that can be appreciated by all that are involved. Not only do you experience the beauty of this ancient art but, you will learn hand techniques used to defend yourself without the weapon.
Location:
Mizu Shin Tao
1531 Greg Street
Sparks, NV 89431
(775) 358-8337
Cost: $50.00 per month
Want something fun, challenging, exciting and practical, this is for you. Special Classes for High School and College students being formed.