Pupils at this school love PE lessons - they get to learn an ancient sword fighting martial art.<br /><br />The youngsters practise "Krabi Krabong" at the Thonburee Woratapeepalarak School, in Bangkok, Thailand.<br /><br />Experts say that the traditional fighting style passed down through generations has been decreasing in popularity, replaced by the more glamorous "Muay Thai".<br /><br />But now youngsters at the school are reinvigorating the impressive martial art once used in wars in Asia, with their own added modern moves. <br /><br />Footage shows youngsters during a PE lesson earlier this month, where they battled each other with huge staffs swinging through the air and crashing into shields.<br /><br />Competitors - girls and boys - have to perfect their reflexes to duck or block the blows before striking back at their opponent.<br /><br />Star student Nantakarn Duangthongyu, 16, has won several competitions and can go toe-to-toe with the boys her own age. <br /><br />She said: ‘’I liked Krabi Krabong the first time I ever tried it. It's challenging and also fun playing with friends. It's also a way to learn to protect myself and become stronger.<br /><br />‘’A lot of girls like makeup and shopping but I like learning new moves then trying them out. It’s something that stays in my mind wherever I am.’’<br /><br />The martial art begins with a choreographed war dance before the fighters let loose at each other with flying strikes, kicks and rolls. <br /><br />After the fight, each person bows with clasps hands in a prayer motion as a mark of respect to their enemy.<br /><br />Coach Phacharaphon Banthitketumala said he learned the martial art from soldiers who worked in the Thai king’s palace, who in turn was taught the skill by their ancestors.<br /><br />He said: ‘’The history of Krabi Krabong is mainly for self-defence and for fighting in wars in the past. It is one of the eighteen martial arts that Thai kings have to learn.<br /><br />‘’It is a martial art that is used to protect our homeland. But now society doesn’t value it so much. Because we don't use swords, lances, or sticks anymore. <br /><br />‘’In this day and age, people use guns and other technological weapons instead. So many people look down on Krabi Krabong. But I want to teach Krabi Krabong to make those people change their mind.’’<br /><br />The footage was captured on August 16.
