Samurai swords, once the weapon of choice for Japanese warriors, are now being used by women to fight the flab in a new fitness craze in Tokyo.

The Samurai Camp classes, which are set to techno music, feature dance moves that were apparently performed by Samurai warriors after battles - although for obvious safety reasons, the swords are only made from wood and urethane foam.

A one-hour session costs JPY2,000 (about £15) and the aim is to lose 11 pounds in a month.

The class was invented by Takafuji Ukon, a choreographer, dancer and fitness expert.

Ukon designed the moves with men in mind, but was instead an instant hit with women - he told newspapers that more than 100 signed up for the classes in his studio.

Samurai Camp night classes are also now said to be reaching their maximum capacity, with new instructors being quickly trained for a rollout to other cities.