ESTONIAN NAGINATA FEDERATION

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 first appeared during the Heian period

Atarashii Naginata is a sophisticated, full-contact martial art. It is a dialogue of movement where theory meets practice. Once the basic techniques are mastered, the practitioner transitions to sparring — the “moment of truth” where strikes are delivered with controlled force and absolute focus.
To engage in this dialogue safely and beautifully, traditional protective armor known as Bogu is essential. Putting on the armor is a meditative ritual, performed while kneeling (seiza), honoring the equipment that allows our bodies to “think” under pressure.
The components of Bogu are donned in a specific, mindful order:

1. Tare (Thigh guards): Protecting the lower body, with a chevron (Zekken) on the central section
2. Sune-ate (Shin guards): Essential for the unique low strikes of Naginata.
3. Do (Cuirass): A shield for the torso, providing a solid core.
4. 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: The Path of Celestial Harmony

The Heritage

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.