It seems kung fu style swords/sabers (sabres lol) have tassels or scarves attached to the end of the grip, my understanding is that they can be used to wrap around your wrist and back under the hand to more securely grip your sword and also to prevent it from bein struck out of your hand, and that they can obscure your blades orientation after certain cuts and movements. They can distract the eye of your opponent as well, and I give this more merit of an explanation because they can certainly be distracting and annoying when practicing. Some people write that if your scarves get tangled or wrapped up around your arm or blade its because you aren't holding it or manipulating it with any decent skill. This is probably true haha because mine do lay over my wrist and bother me after certain movements.