There are several noticeable differences between European swords and those forged in the East in countries like Japan, Thailand, and China. Most oriental swords are lightweight and have a slim blade. In addition, several oriental swords, such as those used by the Japanese samurai, have a small hilt with no separation between the hilt and the blade. Because of the relative size of the blades, sword fighting in the East was developed around finesse and technique. While this was also done in Europe with slim swords like the rapier, almost all Eastern swordsmen used the slim blades, while most Europeans used broader blades like the long sword or broad sword.
The sword fighting techniques used all across Asia are quite different than those found in Europe. The Japanese sword fighting technique known as Kendo involves quick and relentless strikes to overwhelm the opponent, while European techniques often utilize a shield in the off-hand, and are centered around powerful thrusts or slashes to batter the opponents defenses.