The Atarashii Naginata in Tallinn began to develop in 2017.
In 2021, the Estonian Naginata Federation (EENF) and the Tallinn Naginata Club “Amatsubame” were established. Since 2022, the Estonian Naginata Federation is a member of the European Naginata Federation. Naginata athletes from Estonia participate in international seminars and competitions. Twice a year, the EENF organizes naginata seminars in Tallinn with the participation of world-famous naginata sensei, and also conducts competitions and qualifying exams.
OUR DOJO LOCATION : Tallinn, Ed. Vilde tee, 71a
TRAININGS:
Every Sunday 15:30 – 17:00
Contact:
info@naginata.ee
Naginata
The Soul of the Blade: History and Evolution
The Ancient Origins The Naginata is a traditional Japanese sword that first rose to prominence during the Heian Period (794–1185). This special sword is characterized by its very long wooden hilt and a curved, razor-sharp steel blade. Originally, extended reach of the naginata made it a preferred weapon for the cavalry, allowing mounted warriors to strike with devastating precision.
The Legacy of the Rider The influence of the cavalry remains visible even today in our traditional training attire. The Hakama we wear — wide, pleated trousers — were specifically designed for riding horses. Even the complex way we tie the Himo (belts) of the Hakama is a technique inherited from the samurai; it was meant to ensure the trousers stayed perfectly in place during the intense movement of high-speed riding. Every time we dress for practice, we honor the functional heritage of the ancient Japanese horsemen.
A Masterpiece of Balance and Versatility It soon became clear that the Naginata was a remarkably universal weapon. Perfectly counterbalanced, it allowed a single warrior to control dozens of square meters on the battlefield. Its design allows for rotations, sweeping strikes, and even throwing. If the naginata was damaged in battle, parts of the broken naginata could serve as independent weapons or could still be used as effective tools for self-defense.
The Warriors of the Long Sword The mastery of the Naginata was not limited to one class. It was the chosen weapon for a diverse array of figures in Japanese history: – The elite Samurai – The formidable Sohei (warrior monks) and the ascetic Yamabushi (mountain hermits). – The Ashigaru (infantrymen) and even the elusive Shinobi.
From Battlefield to Spirit As the nature of warfare changed, the Naginata transitioned from a weapon of war to a symbol of status and protection. It became the signature defense of women in samurai families (Onna-musha), who mastered the art to protect their homes and honor. Over centuries of peace, the focus shifted from taking life to cultivating the self, transforming the “technical use of the sword” into a “way of the spirit.”
Atarashii Naginata: The Modern Path Today, this legacy continues through Atarashii Naginata (Modern Naginata). Established after World War II, this discipline integrates the ancient fencing techniques with modern athletic principles. While the battlefield is gone, the essence of the sword remains: every movement in Atarashii Naginata is focus, harmony between body and mind and a search for perfect timing.
Equipment
Atarashii Naginata is a sophisticated, full-contact martial art. Once the basic techniques are mastered, the practitioner transitions to Shiai (sparring) — the “moment of truth”, when theory meets practice. Traditional protective armor known as Bogu is essential for the sparring. Putting on the armor is a meditative ritual, performed while Seiza (kneeling position), honoring the equipment that allows our bodies to “think” under pressure. The components of Bogu are donned in a specific, mindful order:
Tare (Thigh guards): Protecting the lower body, with a Zekken (chevron) on the central section
Sune-ate (Shin guards): Essential for the unique low strikes of Naginata.
Do (Cuirass): A shield for the torso, providing a solid core.
Men (Helmet): Worn over a traditional Tenugui (headband) to focus the mind and protect the head.
Kote (Gloves): Protecting the hands while maintaining the flexibility needed for complex movements to control the naginata.
Bogu armor is the form of Your presence in the moment of truth.
Tendo-ryu (天道流), meaning the “School of the Heavenly Way”, is one of the most respected classical martial arts (Koryu) of Japan. Founded in 1582 by Saito Hangan Denkibo Katsuhide, it has a history spanning over four centuries. Originally a school of swordsmanship, it evolved into a profound system where the Naginata became its most distinctive soul.
Living Tradition in Estonia
Tendo-ryu was first introduced in Estonia by Sensei Takami Matsumoto Tanner in 2022. Since then, our community has flourished, with dedicated seminars organized in 2023, 2025, and 2026. Our team is honored to be guided by our Tendo-ryu instructor, Jakob Ryngen (Sweden). Furthermore, the President of our Federation is a proud member of the renowned Bitokukai club, ensuring a direct link to the authentic teachings of the school.
Practice at Our Dojo
In our dojo, we conduct Tendo-ryu training alongside Atarashii Naginata sessions. We believe in the harmony between the modern sport and the classical roots of the art.
Note: You can find the list of specialized training equipment for Tendo-ryu in the “Equipment” section of our website.
