Yes, samurai did use wooden swords as part of their training and practice. Wooden swords, known as "bokken" or "bokuto" in Japanese, were commonly used by samurai for various purposes, including honing their swordsmanship skills, practicing kata (pre-arranged sequences of movements), and engaging in sparring or partner drills.

Bokken served as training tools to simulate the weight, balance, and handling characteristics of real swords, such as the katana. By using bokken, samurai could practice sword techniques, footwork, timing, and distancing in a safe and controlled manner. It allowed them to develop their skills, improve their form and technique, and build their understanding of sword combat principles without the risks associated with using sharp blades.

Training with bokken was an essential part of samurai education and martial arts disciplines such as Kenjutsu, Kendo, and Aikido. Bokken provided a means to develop proper technique, strength, agility, and mental focus while minimizing the risk of injury during training.

Even today, bokken training remains a significant component of many Japanese martial arts practices, allowing practitioners to continue the tradition of training with wooden swords to refine their skills, understand the principles of swordsmanship, and deepen their understanding of combat techniques.