Krystal Locke

Bokken adhere to a general standard length because there is generally a greater degree of homogeneity in the Japanese body type than in other groups'. Sword length is very important, although the importance usually shows up in the other direction. A sword that is too long is very difficult if not impossible to safely draw from its scabbard. Someone who is proportioned radically differently than the average Japanese man may need a longer sword

Ever try to find a gi that fits an American woman well? Same same. And what a pain in the arse.