| This is true. They are in terms of style equal but different; there are elements of japanese swordsmanship, such as the speed and emphasis on vital targets, that allow a samurai to fight very well unencumbered against an unarmoured enemy. The reason for this is of course that iron in Japan is scarce and poor quality, hence the reason for (well-made) katanas being folded a lot and the lack of fear about armoured opponents. In an armoured fight (what a knight trains for) he'd win easily. In an unarmoured fight, the knight would be at a disadvantage, because that is not what his training, physical development and weaponry is really designed for. |