Stage Combat
This is a very interesting part of theatre performances where actors try to do fight scenes that seem very realistic. In reality, it is just an illusion that gives the audience the feel of physical combat without causing actual bodily harm and is the close cousin of doing stunts. It is fairly common in live stageplays like ballet and operatic performances. It is considered as an art form because of its difficulty. Films and movies also employ stage combat in such genres as karate films and gangster movies that use fight choreography to a large extent. Gun fights, fisticuffs and sword fighting are the common fight sequences we see often.
These guys were practicing for stage combat.