Tulwar hilt and disc pommel.....the reason for their design

[LabanTayo]

katana,
the same goes with filipino swords. some hilts are too small for me, but in smaller hands, make sense.
the tulwar, with a large cup and d-guard, create a snug fit for controlling all the centrifugal force created by their moves. the centrifugul force has to have a center (the hand and hilt). too much play or movement between the hand and hilt (the hand loosing control of the hilt because there is too much room inside of the guard) means not too good of control of the blade. if you cant control the blade and cutting edge, you get killed.
they are not gripping it like a stick with a closed fist. i'm sure there is a special way of holding it.