JACKSON, Wis. | Think of it as Viking aerobics.

Sure, there are other ways to get a nice cardio workout, but none that involves brandishing a long sword like a marauding Norman.

Which is partly what drew folks to a daylong sword camp sponsored by the Wisconsin Historical Fencing Association last week. For first-timers, it was curiosity and the chance to learn how to wield a long sword think Hagar the Horribles sidearm. And for those experienced in Historical European Martial Arts, it was a chance to practice, exercise and hang out with others who know their way around a sword.

Whatever it is, its not whats seen in films, said sword camp instructor Jeremiah Backhaus.

Its faster than what you see in movies. In Robin Hood movies, theyre talking when theyre fighting. Theres actually no time for that. Its extremely sophisticated, Backhaus said.

Looking for an unusual way to spend the morning, Menachem Graupe signed up his four kids ranging in age from 7 to 12.

I thought itd be a fun thing to do on vacation. Theyve never done anything like this before. Its a little bit of action and a little bit of learning, said Graupe, of Mequon, Wis., as he snapped photos of his 7-year-old daughter Maya practicing with a white plastic sword at The Target Range in Jackson, Wis.

Historical European Martial Arts is the martial system developed in Europe centuries ago, when men would brandish long swords.

Lets be honest. The world back then was conquer or be conquered. You had to be able to defend yourself as efficiently as possible, said Backhaus. As metallurgy developed, they came up with swords to more efficiently defend themselves.

Some Historical European Martial Arts enthusiasts are attracted by the history while others like to do it for exercise or because they enjoy learning martial arts, Backhaus said. He trains with a police officer whose historical fencing expertise saved his life when someone lunged at him with a knife while he was on duty.

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Sword camp gives participants chance to learn, practice, exercise