Ancient Japanese Weapons

Naginata

• The naginata is a sword that was used by the Sohei warrior monks. Each blade was hand-forged from iron by a blacksmith. The handles were made out of wood. Each handle was painted in highly personalized designs by each monk. The handle is about twice the length of the blade. The Sohei monks preferred a longer handle because it could more easily absorb the force of a blow. They held it in a two-handed fashion, slicing at enemies with quick glancing motions.

Samurai Katana

• The katana is a razor-sharp sword that was used by the ancient samurai warriors. The handle or tsuba is only long enough to hold in two hands. The handle is decorated with highly personal engravings, including spiritual prayers. The samurai sharpened their katana to the point where it could cut through armor. As they drew the sword from its holder, they cut outward to attack their enemy. Samurai were highly attached to their katana. Each katana took nearly a year to make. They were also considered spiritual weapons. The sword smith would bless the sword while making it.

Tanto

• The tanto was an ancient Japanese dagger used as a short-range weapon. It was mostly regularly used by kunoichi, who were the female ninjas. The kunochi often used these weapons on covert missions inside enemy castles. They would pose as a servant girl or a member of a concubinage. The dagger could easily hide under their clothes. The blade is a short piece of iron attached to a highly decorated handle made of wood. The decorations were highly personalized to the user. Tanto daggers came in single and double blade.

Nunchaku

• Nunchaku, often referred to as a nunchuck, was a Japanese weapon that began as a farming tool to grind rice. Farmers began using them for self-defense. Their use spread to the ninjas. The nunchaku is two small handles attached by a metal chain. These handles were large enough to be held. Nunchakus are spun quickly by the user. They are spun from hand to hand, around the body and through the air. This spinning served as a distraction. Users would strike at their opponent, often aiming toward the head.