One of the oldest tools of the ancient warriors is the Mace or Gada of Indian Culture. It was a soldier’s prominent weapon for combat which
he also used to train sufficiently with. When he swung it, it was beautiful but
also powerful. A Mace can range in weight to well over 70 lbs. and an expert of
the Gada took no exception to master its intimidating look. It’s come into
prominence lately in the last few years even though it’s not as popular as the
clubs; it’s still an effective exercise.
In
wrestling, circular movements are the foundation of mastering the art like the
Hindu Squats & Hindu Push-ups, the Gada and the Clubs. These things build a
level of strength & endurance that works the whole body from head to toe
and give you a workout that will have you begging for mercy. In its heyday,
Indian Wrestling or Kushti was the dominant sport and nobody made it more
feared all over than the Great Gama. He used these very same exercises and
tools to become the only undefeated man in his sport with a record of 5000
matches won. Using the Gada in a circular fashion works your body like very few
can compare.
There are
many ways to use the Mace, the main one is what’s called 360’s where you put
one hand over the other, push up and let the Mace swing over the shoulders as
you keep a tight grip. I love this exercise as it works your upper body like
crazy and the heavier it is, the more balance you’re going to need to do this
with ease and that’s where great strength and coordination come into play.
Other exercises like spearing, chopping, shoveling, curling and others work the
body like I said before that very few can compare. Karl Gotch also used this
and can be do well over 100 reps with a 50 lb. Mace and did it with ease even
into his 60’s. A workout just with this can help you gain flexibility in the
shoulders, hits your obliques, strengthens the arms and works your back to give
you that muscular look but have the strength to go along with it. Never
underestimate this.
I've always
emphasized old school training because quite frankly it works but more than
that it gives you a chance to feel like you’re back in time to a place where
training was not that huge on society and fitness was more of health and
natural strength & conditioning. Take into consideration that at this point
in History, if you wanted to get in awesome shape you used basic weights, odd
objects if you were in a job that required that, trained outside climbing,
swinging clubs and a mace, plus diets back then didn't exist. To get the most
benefit, think old school training and eating because when you come to grips
with this, it gives you a perspective on why it’s so much better for you and
less confusing than the crap being thrown around today. Give it a shot and be
shocked on how simple real exercise can be without the wear and tear of
isolating every single thing in your body.
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