Onna-bugeisha was a female warrior belonging to the Japanese nobility. These women engaged in battle, alongside their male companions . The Onna-bugeisha were members of the samurai class in feudal Japan and were trained in the use of weapons to protect their household, family, and honour in times of war.Onna-bugeisha were highly trained in the use of the Naginata, a long, extremely sharp curved blade that was mounted on the end of a hardwood pole that would extend in some cases over 6 feet long. The Naginata was used in long sweeping motions, with the ankles and shins being targeted by the weapon. Training techniques with the Naginata did not stop at just sweeping movements, although the long curved blade was the main tool of the weapon, the Naginata also had a small metal ball attached to the other end of the long pole which was used for striking, jabbing or opening a target area for slashing.
Another weapon that the Onna-bugeisha was fond of is called the Kaiken or pocket knife. The Kaiken, not a pocket knife as we may think today, but rather a single or double edged knife that is approximately 9 or 10 inches in total length. The techniques used by the Onna-bugeisha when fighting with the Kaiken were mainly slashing techniques rather than stabbing. Everytime an attacker came within reach of the Kaiken the Onna-bugeisha would slash them 2 or 3 times before moving out of reach. If you can imagine the damage a 9″ or 10″ long razor sharp knife would do if it was slashed a crossed a forearm, then down and across the mid-section and raising back up to the throat or face, a conflict with the Onna-bugeisha would not have continue long.
One famous Onna-bugeisha named Empress Jingu, used her skills to inspire economic and social change. She was legendarily recognized as the onna bugeisha who led an invasion of Korea in 200 AD after her husband the fourteenth emperor of Japan, was slain in battle.
According to the legend, she miraculously led a Japanese conquest of Korea without shedding a drop of blood. Despite controversies surrounding her existence and her accomplishments, she was an example of the Onna bugeisha in its entirety. Years after her death, Empress Jingu became the first woman to be featured on a Japanese banknote, designed to stop counterfeiting.
The bones found on battle fields have indicated that as many as 30% of Samurai Warriors where woman.
Rob Andress / Sensei Ancho Jujitsu
Ancho Jujitsu provides self defence and Jiu Jitsu to Brockville. Looking for a Martial Arts School, contact Ancho Jujitsu at 613 340 8002 or visit us online @ www.anchojj.com
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