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While the market is saturated with many types and styles of swords, very few are actually usable in combat. Most are decorative and made very cheaply. This applies to all swords of all types. There are very few sword makers that actually make a quality product that you could depend on in true combat and trust to defend your life. Be very careful and research very diligently before purchasing a sword- unless your only purpose is for the use of an extra decoration in your home or office.
I will begin on this subject with the knowledge that I have been training diligently with many different styles of swords for over 30 years. With 80% of my learning being focused on the Japanese Katana through the arts of Kenjutsu (The art of the sword), Kendo (The way of the sword), Iaijutsu (The art of drawing the sword)- and 20% on all of the different styles of Chinese swordsmanship (With different styles of swords).
Fact: if you are not training under a true Master, you are wasting your time. Anyone can swing a sword around and cause damage. To be trained properly is to be effective.
You should always train with a practice sword before moving on to a "live" blade.