Discover the ancient art of scientific wrestling and its cornerstone, the mace, a formidable strength training tool with deep roots in history. This article delves into the cultural significance and physical benefits of mace training, a practice that has sculpted warriors and athletes for centuries. From the legendary Indian Pehlwans to the mighty Persian Pahlavans, the mace has been a symbol of power and a key to unparalleled physical prowess. Embrace the challenge of the mace and join the ranks of history's most formidable athletes.
The traditional Indian gada, also known as the mace, was introduced to me by my friend Karl Gotch. Despite his elegant mastery, my initial attempt was a near disaster, as I almost knocked myself out. This encounter with the most challenging and unwieldy exercise tool I had ever encountered ignited a determination within me to conquer it.
The mace has been a preferred training implement for legendary wrestlers for centuries, from the Pehlwans of India to Karl Gotch, often referred to as the 'God of Wrestling'. Its significance extends beyond the physical realm, with strong spiritual and combative connotations in folklore. Robert L. O'Connell, in his book "Ride of the Second Horseman: The Birth and Death of War," suggests that the mace was the first weapon designed specifically for human combat, rather than as a modified hunting tool.
In Hinduism, the mace of the deity Vishnu, named "Kaumodaki," symbolizes the elemental force from which all other powers, both physical and mental, are derived. The Indian god of strength, Hanuman, often depicted wielding a mace, serves as a reminder of the limitless power within each individual and the potential to overcome physical fatigue through devotion.
The mace is the quintessential tool of the Pehlwans, the Hindu wrestlers of India. It is so revered that competition trophies are often crafted in the shape of gold and silver maces, symbolizing significant achievement.
I have recently partnered with Torque Athletic to reintroduce mace training to the Western world through the development of the Macebell. This kettlebell/Indian club hybrid has its origins in ancient Persia, where it was known as "Meels." Used by the Pahlavan, ancient Persian grapplers, and strongmen, Meels were employed to build strength, endurance, and health. Lighter versions, weighing between ten to fifteen pounds, were used for stamina, while heavier ones, ranging from twenty-five to sixty pounds, were for building strength.
According to Farzad Nekoogar, a researcher on Pahlavani, Meels first arrived in India in the thirteenth century, brought by Persian grapplers escaping the Mongols. Indian mace swinging is a derivative of ancient war club practice, with nearly every depiction of Hindu gods and goddesses featuring a war mace.
One of the most renowned mace-swinging athletes was "The Great Gama" Baksh, also known as The Lion of the Punjab. Born into a family of wrestlers, Gama's physical stature was impressive, with thirty-inch thighs and a fifty-six-inch chest. His father's death when Gama was six years old drove him to excel in grappling.
At a national physical culture competition around 1888, ten-year-old Gama demonstrated his prowess by winning a squat competition, performing several thousand repetitions. His daily routine included five hundred squats and push-ups, and by the time he was preparing for the world championship in London in 1908, his regimen had increased to five thousand squats and three thousand push-ups. Even at fifty, Gama maintained a rigorous routine of six thousand squats and four thousand push-ups daily, as well as wrestling practice.
In the nineteenth century, the British army incorporated Indian club exercises into their physical training while stationed in India. American fitness enthusiast Sim D. Kehoe introduced Indian clubs to the American market in 1862 after observing the practice in England. Indian Clubs were featured in the Olympic Games from 1904 until 1932.
Today, there is a resurgence of interest in Indian Clubs and mace training, particularly among combat athletes. The non-linear motions of mace training uniquely engage the shoulder girdle and core, while also improving grip strength. For those looking to diversify their workout routine, the Macebell offers a challenging and respected form of strength training.
The mace is not just a relic of the past; it's a testament to the enduring pursuit of physical excellence. As we rediscover these ancient practices, we find that they offer unique benefits that are still relevant today. The mace, with its rich history and demanding nature, is more than just an exercise tool—it's a bridge to the strength and discipline of the warriors of yore.
For those interested in exploring the world of mace training, resources and equipment are now more accessible than ever. The Macebell stands as a modern incarnation of this timeless implement, ready to challenge and build the strength of anyone willing to take on its weighty legacy.
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Jake is a master hypnotist and an entrepreneur whose endeavors include the wrestling DVD-making company scientificwrestling.com. Sondra runs the animal rescue group Pinups for Pups, and a training program for Gatemaster ticketing software.
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