Onna Bugeisha - Weapons

Weapons

The naginata is a long rod with a curved blade at the tip. Due to its versatility and convention, more women have been attracted to its use. It offers a wide variety of long ranged techniques due to its length. It also proved to be very efficient against marauders who often attacked on horseback. A bow and arrow would also be used due to its even wider attack range. Additionally, the naginata was proven to be effective in close quarter combat. Considering the usual strength advantage men had over women, a strong woman armed with a naginata could keep most combatants at bay. It was during those circumstances where strength, weight, or sword counted for less. Through its use by many legendary samurai women, the naginata has been propelled as the iconic image of a woman warrior. During the Edo Period, many schools focusing on the use of the naginata were created and perpetuated its association with women.