How to Use a Katana for Beginners

Many people think that using a samurai sword is easy, especially after watching a few videos on the internet. In fact, everything looks easy when watching somebody else performing. In reality, it’s not that simple. Bad technique often causes beginners to struggle during training. Starting from the basics like holding incorrectly, to drawing, sheathing, swinging and cutting mistakes.

I mean, yes, it’s easy just to hold a katana, but everything feels hard to execute without the right technique. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to refine your technique in a dojo, martial arts practice, or self-defense, this article will guide you through the fundamental techniques. And with a few simple tips, you will learn how to use a katana properly so your blade will not only perform at its best, but you’ll also execute everything with more ease.

How to Equip a Katana Properly

In iaido or traditional training, equipping the katana is one of the first steps. At home, you might not have the correct attire like a hakama or obi to secure the scabbard (saya). That’s okay, just focus on getting the positioning right.

Start by holding the scabbard so the end lines up with the center of your body, in front of your belly button. If you’re wearing a belt or similar clothing, you can tuck it in securely. Traditionally, the sageo (cord) is tied to keep the scabbard stablel.

The handguard (tsuba) should always sit at the center of your body, with your thumb resting lightly against it to prevent the blade from slipping.

How to Draw and Sheath a Katana

Historically, drawing and sheathing were vital skills for samurai, especially in combat where speed could determine survival. A faster draw allowed them to strike directly with a one-handed cut, eliminating the need for extra motion and giving them an immediate advantage.

Drawing

To master how to draw a katana, start by position your right foot slightly forward so you can maintain balance. You should hold the scabbard (saya) with your left hand, and draw with your right. If the sword feels too close to your body, use your left hand to adjust the scabbard by bringing it slightly forward.

With your right hand, grip the handle from underneath, as shown in the image, and simultaneously draw the blade while pulling the scabbard back with your left hand.

Sheathing

Use your left hand as a guide by cupping the end of the scabbard to create a “rail” for the blade. Align the katana by resting the back (non-sharp edge) against your hand, allowing it to slide in smoothly.

Move both hands together—push the scabbard forward with your left hand while keeping the blade steady with your right. When practicing how to sheath a katana, ensure your movements are slow.

How to Hold a Katana

The third step is learning how to hold a katana properly (with two hands). This is also the most important part because without the right grip, you risk losing control of the blade, which can lead to poor cuts or even injuries.

Always hold the katana handle from above, not from the side. Grip it firmly but not too tightly, with a slight twisting motion. 

Your dominant hand should be near the guard (tsuba), while your other hand rests closer to the bottom of the handle (tsuka). Your left hand provides the strength for the swing, while your right hand acts as the brake to control it (if your right is dominant). 

Keep your wrists loose enough to allow fluid motion, but steady enough to maintain control. The angle and alignment of the blade depend heavily on how you position your hands, so take your time to adjust and find balance. After you get comfortable, now you can learn swinging motions.

How to Swing a Katana

Swinging Basics

The first step when performing swinging motions or cuts is to position one leg forward for balance. Raise the sword above your head with your arms open so you don’t block your view. The goal is to draw a large, smooth circle with the tip, ensuring the blade’s angle stays correct for effective cuts. Focus on letting your left hand drive the swing, while your right hand stops the blade at around waist height.

Vertical Swing

To perform a vertical swing (same for the cut) you will do the same motion in a straight-vertical line with the centerline of your target. The blade should slice downward with a single, fluid motion, driven by your entire body.

You should engage also your hips and core, not just your arms. Stop the blade just above waist height to complete the motion. Be careful with over-swinging. You can risks hitting the ground or disrupts your balance and readiness for the next movement.

Angled Swing

Start by raising the sword, but this time adjust your hand position to tilt the blade slightly, bringing your left hand over your ear to prepare for a diagonal swing. These angled motions are key for effective cuts, such as slicing through tatami mats.

A helpful way to visualize this is to aim for a line similar to cutting from 1 o’clock to 7 o’clock or 11 o’clock to 5 o’clock. Practice this motion a couple times and try cutting with a bit more force added. Just like vertical swings, angled swings should stop at or slightly below waist height.

When performing angled swings, avoid twisting your body or over-rotating your shoulders. This can throw off your balance and lead to uncontrolled swings, increasing the risk of injury.

Horizontal Swing

This is a bit different because doesn’t involve raising the sword above your head. This is executed at torso or neck level and rely on a smooth rotation of your hips and shoulders to drive the motion.

The key is to keep the blade perfectly horizontal throughout the swing to ensure a clean cut. Aim to stop the blade just past the target. This cut is effective for broad, sweeping motions and is especially useful for engaging multiple targets in close range.

Improper technique, such as swinging with the wrong angle or too much force, can damage the blade or even cause it to bend. By practicing these steps, you’ll avoid common mistakes and develop the confidence needed for effective handling. So, take your time and be patient. 

Nukitsuke

Nukitsuke is a drawing and cutting technique in Japanese swordsmanship, particularly in Iaido or Iaijutsu. So, the sword is in your belly. From this position, you will do the same hold and draw technique, but this time the focus is on attacking directly with a horizontal or diagonal cut using one hand.

How to Do a Katana Defensive Move

Using a Japanese sword for blocking can be challenging. Yes, it can be used and there are techniques for it. However, in my opinion, in comparison with European swords, they don’t make a great job. Whether the blade can be used to block or deflect, with a samurai katana is more risky and requires a highly skilled swordsman to execute effectively.

Blocking is not just about stopping an attack. It’s about redirecting and minimizing the force of the strike while maintaining control. To block with a battle ready katana, first identify the direction of the attack—whether it’s coming from above, the side, or diagonally. If the strike is coming from above, raise your blade at an angle to deflect the attack off to the side, using the back of the blade or its flat surface to avoid damaging the edge.

For a horizontal or diagonal attack, position your katana at the incoming angle, ensuring it meets the strike with enough stability to redirect the force. Always keep your arms slightly bent to absorb impact, and step to the side or backward to minimize the force and prepare for a counterattack.

If You Want to Go Deeper

If you want to go deeper i highly suggest “Mastering the Samurai Sword” by Cary Nemeroff. In my opinion this is one of the best samurai books you can read, that offers a perfect introduction to real samurai swords. Not only covers the history, evolution and philosophy of the classic samurai weapon, but also provides practical guidance for mastering the samurai sword yourself. It includes an instructional DVD that covers the material in the book where you can actually see in detail how the technique should be done.

Last Words

Whether you’re training in a traditional dojo or practicing at home just for fun, mastering the basics is essential for safe and effective use. Be careful when practicing, and if possible, train with a dull katana.

If you are practicing at home with a sharp Japanese sword and you are a beginner, I suggest going to an open space or backyard without people around and using slower movements until you get comfortable. After some time, everything will look much easier. Don’t forget to clean your katana after you finish and display it properly.

Read next: 3 Best katanas for self-defense