Indian Gada

The Gada was the weapon of choice for Hindu soldiers. Kushti wrestlers in India have trained with the Gada for many generations. It holds a very special place with Indian Physical Culture and is common in the Akhara of North India. Gada of various weights are used depending on the strength and skill level of the practitioner.

The Gada is taken, sometimes thrown, from the ground over the head to start the movement and is swung freely and smoothly behind the body.

The Gada is the main weapon of the Hindu god Hanuman. Known for his strength, Hanuman is traditionally worshipped by wrestlers in South and Southeast Asia. The Great Gama was known for his extravagant use of the Gada; He was a wrestler in India and was undefeated in a career spanning more than 52 years; he is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Centuries ago the Gada consisted of a heavy stone with a hole in the middle secured to a metre length of bamboo. Today a Gada can be a steel ball secured to the end of a shaft. Home made versions can be a cement ball, a pot on a bamboo pole or even a heavy bowling ball attached to the end of a metal pipe.

A whole body exercise that makes you feel alive and is truly mind and body working together: “Horse and rider as one”. They are swung for hundreds of repetitions and will strengthen the whole body, making it a perfect fitness tool for martial artists or anybody wanting to take their fitness to higher levels. If you are a Judo player or MMA fighter the Gada will condition you for throwing opponents to the mat.

The two major Gada exercises are the 360 and the 10 to 2, performed in one or two hands. Learning to use the Gada is a difficult skill to master. You have to learn to relax and let the Gada swing behind you naturally, rather than trying to ‘muscle it’.

I recommend learning the movement with something light such as broom prior to attempting anything heavier.

I can integrate Gada training into existing training plans and even advise you on how to make your own.