The only problem with Swordsages is the limited amount of armor. Then again, a Samurai likely wouldn't walk around the country side in full armor anyway, so it might work.

But yeah, in war you'd use a bow or pole arm. Katanas were personal weapons that were easier to carry than pole arms, so they were a personal defense weapon. Wakasashis were the next step down, used when in close quarters (such as in a hallway).

Not that there's anything wrong with being Samurai Jack... in which case the light armor is fine.

JaronK