From experience I can say avoid thrusting unless you have a top quality sword. The good ones now also have 99% solid silver plating so they can not rust. Also think about using the sword with the mech... now that should do it.

But back to thrusting, it can and will break the sword. I was doing a high level technique and the sword snapped on impact. I nearly broke my wrist and had my had snap off from the back pressure. So avoid crap swords. Also double short swords would probably be best.

http://www.japaneseswords4samurai.co...oni-katana.htm