It not only demands the most skill, both physical and mental, it develops in the adept, abilities that separates him from others and elevates intuition, reflexes, and technique, to the highest degree. For the warrior the sword represents his honor and responsibility. The emotional tie is stronger than with other weapons and the training for it's use strengthens his spirit. I feel that any society that loses these warrior virtues is a poorer one and will soon be a society who's freedoms are lost. The male has a prime directive to protect and defend.
Every man is responsible for defending every woman and child.
When the male no longer takes this role, when he no longer has the courage or feels the moral responsibility, then that society will no longer be a society where honor and virtue are esteemed. Laws and government cannot replace this personal caring and commitment. In the absence of the warrior protector, the only way that a government can protect a society is to remove the freedom of the people. And the sons and daughters of lions become sheep.