Atarashii Naginata (新しいなぎなた) is a modern Japanese sport and martial art involving the use of the Japanese halberd created by many masters from different traditional schools of Naginata. Though the naginata was originally widely used in battle by attendants to the samurai and by warrior monks, it eventually became associated as a weapon for samurai women to use to defend the home. Nevertheless, naginata is now practiced around the world by people of all ages and genders. The benefits of practicing naginata include strengthening your body, honing your reflexes, sharpening your mind, and engaging in and preserving a unique tradition from Japanese culture.