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Knowledge Base

“Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.” ― Terry Goodkind

What do you call someone who fights with a katana?

In general, someone who fights with a katana, a traditional Japanese sword, can be referred to as a swordsman, a katana practitioner, or a katana wielder. However, there are specific historical and cultural terms used to describe individuals who were trained in the use of the katana or other Japanese swords. Here are a few terms:


  1. Samurai: In feudal Japan, samurai were a class of warriors who served as military nobility. They were trained in various martial arts, including swordsmanship, and were skilled katana fighters. The term "samurai" is often associated with the historical context of the katana and the warrior class.
  2. Kenshi: Kenshi is a general term that refers to a practitioner of traditional Japanese swordsmanship. It can be used to describe someone trained in various styles of sword fighting, including the katana. The term "kenshi" is not exclusive to the katana but encompasses practitioners of other Japanese swords as well.
  3. Kenjutsuka: Kenjutsuka refers to a practitioner or student of kenjutsu, the traditional Japanese martial art of swordsmanship. Kenjutsu encompasses various sword styles and techniques, including katana techniques. The term specifically emphasizes the study and application of the techniques and principles of sword fighting.
  4. Iaidoka: Iaidoka refers to a practitioner of iaido, a modern Japanese martial art focused on the art of drawing and striking with the sword in one fluid motion. Iaido emphasizes the development of focus, precision, and mindfulness in the use of the katana. While not exclusive to the katana, the techniques and training methods of iaido often involve the use of this sword.


These terms reflect different historical, cultural, and training contexts associated with the katana and Japanese swordsmanship. Each term carries its own nuances and associations, but