The Naginata is a Japanese weapon similar to the European glaive. Naginata were traditionally used by women, especially the women of Samurai families. Today Naginata is studied by women and men of all ages. In its competitive form, Naginata involves the use of a bamboo naginata which is reminiscent of a Kendo shinai. The armor for competitive Naginata is similar to Kendo armor with the addition of shin armor. Like Kendo, Naginata also involves the study of various kata, or choreographed forms.