If you are interested in learning this stuff, look up Shinkendo's dojo finder to see if one is near you. Or find other ways to look up kenjutsu/iaijutsu schools. Although they are pretty rare even in the US.
The Western sword manuals still exist and have some good tips, although it's hard for a beginner to make practical use of them. K JKD is a historical student and has some sources, if you don't want to look for them yourself.
As for the Eastern sword ways, look up Yue Nu. http://www.bgtent.com/naturalcma/CMAarticle17.htm
Around 496 BC, one of ancient China`s best sword fighters was a woman named Yue Nu. She practiced developing her idea and methods for years in her land. Her fighting theories and techniques became another major influence on Wu-Shu theory.
For King Gou Jian of Yue, she wrote her theories:
1) Combining position, breathing, and consciousness;
2) Balancing the internal and external states of the body in harmony;
3) Simultaneous offense and defense;
4) Using both static and moving states.
This is deceptively short and simple, but it's much like the Art of War. Few can understand it, and even fewer of those that do understand it can put it to practical use.
For the Japanese version of sword methods, read Miyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings. Then study his life using movies and what not. That's always a good start.
Katas are for experienced students to use in self training. Or two man training. If you don't have a partner and you are beginning, katas of any kind won't do you much good.