Kick ass - literally

Since you're fully armed with a stone and half-worth of protective gear and a mock sword, simply moving around will require a lot of effort. Strength in the forearms, aerobic fitness, reaction time and concentration will also improve with regular Kendo sessions.

For more information, contact the British Kendo Association on 01843 592472.

Krav Maga Reportedly a favourite of Demi Moore, Tom Cruise, Geena Davis and countless celebrity bodyguards, Krav Maga (pronounced krahv ma-gah) is a self-defense system that was created by the Israeli defense forces and is now used by many US police forces as a fitness tool.

In its basic form, Krav Maga is rather brutal and includes techniques for eye-gouging and head-butting. Thankfully, toned-down versions are now taught in gyms and health clubs and show you how to channel your natural 'fight or flight' reactions into defensive tactics to subdue your opponent. Instructors also simulate stressful situations for class members such as fending off an attacker in the dark. With high kicks, punches, running and jumping it's as tiring as a tough circuit-training class.

For more information, contact Alywn Dixon, director of the International Krav Maga Federation on 01438 235895, or visit www.kravmaga.com for general facts. As yet, Krav Maga hasn't made it big in the UK and most classes are self-defense based. However KO (Knock Out) Cardio classes, which use Krav Maga techniques, are available in central London at various fitness clubs.