French naginataka in Greece.
October 2016, my arrival in Greece: on the other side of Europe. I knew nobody in this country and of course I didn’t know any greek word. But I took my naginata clothes and the phone number of a greek naginataka.
In Greece, there is only one dojo where you can practice naginata and luckily it is in Athens. The dojo is big and only dedicated to martial arts practice. It’s 20 minutes by metro from the city center of Athens. There are few Greek naginatakas – only 2 women and 1 man – but they are really nice people, full of energy and eager to learn.
With my past experience – many competitions and a second dan – I am now the high-ranking naginataka in Greece. So from Sempai in France, I became Sensei in Greece. It’s not easy but it’s really interesting!
Quickly, I realized one thing: Greece is much more isolated than France. I was used to easily attend seminars and competitions. I also never realized how lucky French naginatakas are to be so many. It’s a chance because attending seminars and competitions allows you to keep a good level and to share with others and to exchange about naginata.
Such remoteness is obviously geographical but also due to the current economic crisis. Martial arts practice has a cost and this cost is not a priority. This is the reason why there are not many practitioners and why it is so difficult for them to attend European seminars. Regardless, Greek naginatakas are still here and want to learn. I really enjoy teaching them, sharing my knowledge and practicing with them.
There is one thing a little bit difficult: heat! When I put my bogu on I feel like I’m in a sauna or in hell. It depends!
This autumn, for the first time in Greece, a Japanese Martial Art demonstration will take place and it will be the opportunity to present naginata to the Greek public. We are really proud (and stressed!) about it!
So if you plan on visiting Athens, don’t hesitate to send a message on facebook page of European naginata federation or to me directly. We’ll be very pleased to welcome you for a practice. Usually, practice starts at 12:00 on Saturday but it depends on schedule so ask and we’ll tell you if it’s ok or not!
Marie JEAN