What is Naginata?
The naginata is a Japanese weapon consisting of a sword mounted to the end of a staff. The art of
wielding the naginata has been handed down for generations since its use on the battlefield in
medieval Japan. The practice of Naginata is unique among martial arts in the following way: for the
last three centuries the tradition of Naginata has been kept alive primarily by women.
What is the USNF?
The United States Naginata Federation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the
preservation and development of modern “Atarashii” Naginata in the United States. Today, the
organization consists of six regional federations, all offering classes, seminars, and competition
in Naginata at the local level. They are located on the West Coast, the Greater New York area,
Washington, D.C., parts of the midwest, and Colorado.
What is “Atarashii” Naginata?
“Atarashii” Naginata is the contemporary version of the practice of Naginata, begun in Japan after
the Second World War. It incorporates sports competition elements and techniques to the practice
that keep the art interesting and relevent in the modern age. Practice includes the use of both kata
(choreographed practice) and shiai (full-contact sparring with flexible weapons and armor). The All
Japan Naginata Federation sets technical specifications for regulations and ranking. The term
“Atarashii Naginata” refers to dojo recognized by the AJNF and the International Naginata
Federation.
Board of Directors
Officers 2024-2026
| Title | Name | Federation |
|---|---|---|
| President | Kei Tsukamaki | Pacific Northwest |
| Vice-President | Nigel DaSilva | Greater New York |
| Executive Secretary | Shannon Rabanal | Southern California |
| Treasurer | Gwenyth Evans | East Coast |
| Recording Secretary | Vahn Libby | Northern California |
Regional Representatives 2024-2025
| Federation | Name | Name | Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Coast | Jessica Espinosa | Alberto Faria | Axel Noorman |
| Greater New York | Jana Casals Puy | Beatriz Circelli | Adriano Fernandes |
| Northern California | Chad Goerzen | Adan Canales | |
| Midwest | Jessica Wilson | ||
| Pacific Northwest | Karen Schmucker | Kurt Schmucker | |
| Rocky Mountain | Diana Payne | ||
| Southern California | Cathy Mikuni | Ruben Ramirez |