Changes

According to Alexander Bennett, "the word ''naginata'' first started to make an appearance in historical literature around the mid-[[Japanese Eras#Heian Period|Heian]] period".  He gives examples such as the ''Honchoseiki'' and ''Wamyosho''.  Early sources use different characters including 奈木奈多 (phonetic spelling), 長刀 ("long sword"), and 薙刀 ("mowing sword").  The latter set of characters is more commonly found today.

According to Alexander Bennett, "the word ''naginata'' first started to make an appearance in historical literature around the mid-[[Japanese Eras#Heian Period|Heian]] period".  He gives examples such as the ''Honchoseiki'' and ''Wamyosho''.  Early sources use different characters including 奈木奈多 (phonetic spelling), 長刀 ("long sword"), and 薙刀 ("mowing sword").  The latter set of characters is more commonly found today.

Naginata are commonly depicted in Heian and Kamakura picture scrolls, such as the 'Mongol Invasion Scroll' of [[Takezaki Suenaga]].  Many associate the naginata as a weapon of the [[sohei|sohei]], or warrior monks, usually from the various temple complexes surrounding [[Kyoto|Heian-kyô]].  The famous monk [[Musashibo Benkei|Benkei]], said to be a companion to [[Minamoto Yoshitsune]], is often depicted with a naginata.  The use of the weapon is also mentioned in the ''Heike Monogatari'' (''Tales of the Heike'').

Naginata are commonly depicted in Heian and Kamakura picture scrolls, such as the 'Mongol Invasion Scroll' of [[Takezaki Suenaga]].  Many associate the naginata as a weapon of the [[sohei]], or warrior monks, usually from the various temple complexes surrounding [[Kyoto|Heian-kyô]].  The famous monk [[Musashibo Benkei|Benkei]], said to be a companion to [[Minamoto Yoshitsune]], is often depicted with a naginata.  The use of the weapon is also mentioned in the ''Heike Monogatari'' (''Tales of the Heike'').

By the [[Japanese Eras#Early Modern Age|Sengoku]] period, the battlefield had changed.  They were more crowded, and the close quarters does not seem to have been hospitable to the use of the naginata.  It did not entirely leave the field, however, and techniques for its use were passed down in some of the martial schools, or ryuha, which were passing down specific fighting techniques.

By the [[Japanese Eras#Early Modern Age|Sengoku]] period, the battlefield had changed.  They were more crowded, and the close quarters does not seem to have been hospitable to the use of the naginata.  It did not entirely leave the field, however, and techniques for its use were passed down in some of the martial schools, or ryuha, which were passing down specific fighting techniques.