We're all familiar with the Eastern martial arts, such as Karate and Tae Kwon Do, but have you heard much about Western martial arts?

In this edition of Get Out we introduce you to a form of Western Europe martial art that has been kept alive for centuries--even here in Alaska.

Back in England in the sixteen and seventeen hundreds, learning to wield a sword was hardly optional. Not only was it a noble art form, it was essential for protection.

Of course, times have changed. But in Anchorage, the art of Highlands broadsword lives on. It has been passed down through the centuries, thanks to one man who took the time to write it down.

"The only documentation we have of the Highlands style of swordplay was written by an Englishman,

Thomas Page, and he published it in 1746, and that's the basis of this class," said Highland broadsword instructor, David Teague.

Teague has been studying up on Page's writings for over a decade and now teaches at the Fairview Recreational Center. CBS 11 News joined up with a group and got our first lessons on footwork and sword positions.

When you're just a beginner and learning the basic movements, you're going start out with a stick for a weapon. But gradually, as you get better and better, you move up to a steel sword.

"You have to do this over and over again to the point of almost nausea. But once you get behind that blade and you're armored up and you're wearing 110 pounds of steel on your body. If you do not have your footwork right, you're gonna find yourself on the end of this thing real quick," said broadsword warrior, Kevin R.

If you'd like more information on Highlands broadsword classes, click below:

To contact Mitch, call 907-273-3186.