its worn that way to "slingshot" the curved blade out on a draw. I own an admittedly crappy katana but the design is the same, the difference on draw the right way and the perceived (ie curve facing down) way is like night and day. The blades "length" is deceptive cuz of the shape and curve down doesn't allow the room to properly draw it. The proper draw, the position along with the twisting of your wrist on draw allows for speed and "aiming".