A warm welcoming club, at the heart of Hoxton, Hackney, London, England – practicing the Japanese Budo of Aratashii (‘new’) Naginata since about 2004. An intriguing niche Japanese martial art with British and international students.
The naginata itself, is best described as a halberd or glaive – which has been used for centuries in Japan. The modern naginata we use in our martial art is a mix of light white oak wood and bamboo ‘blade’. Advanced students will also practice with an all wooden (white oak) naginata.
There are two types of main practice in our dojo. Shikake-oji is the kata i.e set routines forms; Bogu refers to the armour for sparring and waza (kihon, technical drills) practice – both are taught modern Naginata. We warn you now, techniques are practiced on both sides, left and right side – so your dexterity will be challenged !
Thinking of joining us ..?
We practice Saturdays 11:00am to approx 13:15 hrs at Britannia Leisure Centre.
Whether you’re the newbie looking for a niche Japanese martial art, a former student who may have studied overseas, or a simply guest visitor who is visiting London for studies, work or vacation – short (e.g. one session) or longer stays, please reach out – as we can lend practitioners, pretty much everything: the naginata, the armour (bogu), and sometimes depending on one’s size, even clean club clothing. Everything loaned is disinfected or in the case of clothes, washed after each loan.
For experienced or returning overseas players, please bring your clothes, zekken and Kote if you have them. Be prepared to tell us your size so we can guess what club bogu we have that might fit you for the duration of your visit to our dojo. We’ll do our best, we have a lot of club equipment. For existing players with a regular dojo practice, please seek your sensei’s blessing and permission to visit and practice with us in Hoxton.
For the brand new student, please wear t-shirt, jogging bottoms – ideally no zips or buttons. If you have clothing from practicing a different martial art, feel free to wear that.
Contact Us
For simplicity we use Facebook for our open page where you can contact us. You do not need a Facebook account to view our club page and some photos to see if we’re your “vibe and tribe”.
About Our London Naginata Dojo (club)
At our London Naginata Dojo, we embrace the art of Atarashii Naginata, a modern Japanese Budo deeply rooted in history and tradition. Our training focuses on developing mental and physical dexterity, preparing our practitioners for the challenges of life but first and foremost enjoyment of this niche Japanese martial art. This is a space to delve into the essence of Atarashii Naginata and its impact on our physical and wellbeing health.
Our Values
Respect
Friendships
Focus
Discipline
Safe
Confidence