Bent shaft... :)

[emitbrownne]

Hi,
because I have no instructor, and I only ever get to fence against shinai I am unaware of a lot of the rules regarding naginata Vs Sword.

Is tari-tari (sorry about spelling) permitted?
If so what is the best way to hold the Naginata?

I am quite forceful in my kendo and tari-tari a lot.

After training I examined my naginata (after a rough match) and found that it appeared warped. First of all I thought it was my storage conditions, and began to grumble,until I realised the bends are in the exact position where I slam into my opponent.

I found that I naturally hold the naginata in a pseudo hasso position accross the font of my body when colliding........

Please help!!

[etherknot]

Hi,
because I have no instructor, and I only ever get to fence against shinai I am unaware of a lot of the rules regarding naginata Vs Sword.

Is tari-tari (sorry about spelling) permitted?

Yes it is. But I'd best try to not get into it if possible (you lose some benefits of reach and are limited to backup attacks from there).

If so what is the best way to hold the Naginata?

Hold it like you are in the middle of mochikae. That is, keep your hands together in the middle like you are about to go through with mochikae (changing sides). At least, this is what I've been taught.

After training I examined my naginata (after a rough match) and found that it appeared warped. First of all I thought it was my storage conditions, and began to grumble,until I realised the bends are in the exact position where I slam into my opponent.

That could be because of your use of force or storage issues. I don't know. One I was using last year developed a slight bowing but it wasn't problematic. Make sure you take a straight one if you go to a shiai cause they check for stuff like that apperantly.

I found that I naturally hold the naginata in a pseudo hasso position accross the font of my body when colliding........

I am thinkinink this is not right but I suppose it could work. Anyone?

[xvikingx]

I doubt the warping anything to do w/ colliding with your opponent. Do store your naginata flat or leaning up against something. If you dont lay it flat, it will warp. In regular naginata taiatari is permitted but not like in kendo. You dont go in and try to mow down your opponent. At the 3WNC there were alot of people who had too much naginata in their kendo.... if you know what I mean

[emitbrownne]

Cheers y'all,
I do store it upright in one of those holders for pool cues... but I will store it from now, on a flat surface (bit late I know).

Regarding Tari-tari, when I fence Kendoka they come at me with the force just as much as I do when going for them. If I do not provide the resistance I will be bowled over.

I will try the hand change position, but I can see that with my lack of skill, I will probably end up letting go mid collision.

I'll keep trying.
Thanks again,
Paulo

[xvikingx]

No problem. If someone comes plowing into you by all means do so in return. I am just saying its not proper with in regular keiko ie:naginataka vs. naginataka.

When go into taiatari I bring my naginata right in the center and I make sure I have the ishizuki at least close to ankle height. That way I can quickly deflect either sune or soku men. My hands are usually around my mune. I bring them together but not all the way. Maybe about the same distance as when I hold a shinai. This way you still have a good balanced grip on your naginata and you can switch kamae quickly. This is usually effective against other naginataka but I imagine a kendoka would have the advantage. I'd suggest a strong chudan and some well placed sunes and tsukis to care of the kendoka. Have fun!

[emitbrownne]

despite dodgy storage contitions.. it appears the shaft was not warped...it was just bent out of shape.

A bit of subtle pressure (actually screaming at it and flexing it over my knee) straightened it right out.

Thanks again for all the advice... My gnome pole (fishing rod/hockey stick... or any other name inventive kendoka can come up with) is now stored flat and is checked for missalignment before every match.

I'm still working on getting the tai-atari right though :D

[xvikingx]

gnome pole? :silly:

[emitbrownne]

gnome pole? :silly:
Y'know.. like a garden Gnome sat on a toadstool....

[xvikingx]

HA! You don't wear a pointy, red hat and false beard while you practice by any chance?