The Naginata is one of the ancient weapons of Japan. Its name was first visible in the Kojiki (A Record of Ancient Matters, 712) and was used by warrior monks during the Nara Period, around 750 A.D. Now a martial arts form, symbolized by both power and grace and characterized by the grandeur of its sweeping movements, the art of the Naginata lives on. This piece by Gladius is characterized by its 2-piece tubular aluminum staff and a stainless steel blade. This Japanese Naginata features an overall length of 76 inches and a 15 inch blade length.