Aluminum swords are made for practice only, so beginners do not cut themselves accidentally. I had one when I started Kung Fu sword with "Plum Blossom" single edge Dao years ago. Decades later I practice with a sharpen heavy steel sword designed and made for combat. Yes, Aluminum is fine for beginner and for rusty old guys getting back into martial arts. Please note that these are not designed or meant to be combat swords at all. You pay for a Volkswagen; don't expect a Cadillac.

The person who posted the comment that this aluminum sword sucks because it is not flexible and not a wushu sword appears to lack knowledge about swords and wushu in general. These are designed and made to replicate kung fu single edge "Darn Dao" swords which are not meant to be flexible. I've seen some Wushu forms using a whip like flexible sword which is not the same as these "Darn Dao" swords. He should seek out the flexible steel type which are sold through various sword websites. I find aluminum blades to be practice only especially for beginners or old guys trying to get back into martial arts again after many years of laid off. Good Luck.