Changes

Naginata are commonly depicted in Heian and Kamakura picture scrolls, such as the 'Mongol Invasion Scroll' of [[Takezaki Suenaga]].<ref>An online copy can be found at Bowdoin: [http://www.bowdoin.edu/mongol-scrolls/ Scrolls of the Mongol Invasions of Japan]</ref>  Many associate the naginata as a weapon of the [[sohei|sôhei]], 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]].<ref>An online copy can be found at Bowdoin: [http://www.bowdoin.edu/mongol-scrolls/ Scrolls of the Mongol Invasions of Japan]</ref>  Many associate the naginata as a weapon of the [[sohei|sôhei]], 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|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<ref name="Bennett 2005"/>.  It did not entirely leave the field, however, and techniques for its use were passed down in some of the martial schools, or ryuha.

By the [[Japanese Eras|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<ref name="Bennett"/>.  It did not entirely leave the field, however, and techniques for its use were passed down in some of the martial schools, or ryuha.

By the [[Japanese Eras|Edo]] period, the naginata was seen as a weapon of the women of the samurai class, although it was practiced by both men and women.  The art of naginatajutsu, as well as the weapon itself, continued to evolve throughout this period.

By the [[Japanese Eras|Edo]] period, the naginata was seen as a weapon of the women of the samurai class, although it was practiced by both men and women.  The art of naginatajutsu, as well as the weapon itself, continued to evolve throughout this period.