Was the naginata ever used in battle?
Yes. The naginata was used extensively in battle in medieval Japan. It was especially popular in cavalry battles. Foot soldiers used it to cut horse’s legs and then kill the rider once the horse fell. The wives of the Samurai also used the naginata to defend their homes while their husbands were working in the fields or away in battle. Once firearms were introduced in Japan (mid-16th century), however, the naginata declined in use and was practiced primarily by women as a means of character development.
