---
title: "Ancient Tools, Modern Strength: Gada & Mudgar Training"
description: "Master Gada, Mudgar, and Samtola training for functional, real-world strength. Join our Bengaluru and Pune dugouts for authentic Indian movement programs."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho/fitness-training-programs/ancient-tools-modern-strength
last_updated: 2025-09-05
---

# Ancient Tools, Modern Strength

Tribe Verified · Heritage tools, modern strength, Bengaluru/Pune dugouts

By [Tagda Raho](https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho) · Training at 4 centers in Bengaluru & Pune; Online programs available · ₹333 per session (estimate)

Part of [Fitness Training Programs](https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho/fitness-training-programs). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho/fitness-training-programs/gallery)

Bored of the usual gym machines? Discover how Indian heritage equipment like the Gada, Mudgar, and Samtola build real, functional strength that actually transfers to your daily life.

## Photos and videos

- [Video: Bored of dumbbells and barbells? This video shows how to use the Hanuman Gada for a continuous, flowing workout without counting reps. This method builds incredible strength and cardiovascular fitness, giving you the pump and 'sudol' body you're looking for.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b0d223db-5a18-45c5-af1e-915432a8686e)
- [Video: This video breaks down a common question: how do you train your lower body with a Gada? We demonstrate how movements like the Parikrama are not just for the upper body, but are full-body exercises that rely on the legs and core for anchoring, stability, and power.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a79a4b91-4a17-44f4-8847-b61acbb565bf)
- [Video: Our founder Rishabh breaks down the myths about our equipment. He explains how the Gada and Mudgar function as levers with asymmetric weight, challenging your body in ways that balanced dumbbells can't and becoming a true extension of your body's natural movements.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cf1372c3-711b-44d2-a3af-717116316e2b)
- [Video: Forget what you think you know about strength training. This video demonstrates multiple variations of using a 12kg Gada, moving beyond the basic swing to include pivots, extensions, and lifts that engage the entire body in different planes of motion.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7398dc64-29c0-404e-83eb-0d681eab73fa)
- [Video: This video introduces the Samtola, our traditional Indian wooden barbell. We demonstrate beginner-friendly movements like push jacks and crescents, showing how this single piece of equipment can build rotational strength, work your core, and get your heart rate soaring.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b753cdc4-8f0b-4ea7-a397-5e5420d57f6d)
- [Video: Say goodbye to boring cardio. This video showcases the 'Chakravyuha' movement with the Samtola, a full-body conditioning drill used by Indian wrestlers for centuries. It's an excellent, high-intensity alternative to running that builds strength and endurance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/654e646c-9fff-4a09-aea9-b2f29f3aa42b)
- [Video: Ready for a challenge? This video demonstrates a double Mudgar drill. Swinging two clubs at once requires immense stability and strength, as your stabilizing muscles work overtime to control the asynchronous movements, building incredible core, grip, and arm strength.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7d8b710d-bce7-4380-a855-7db65a12cbf1)
- ![A member demonstrates a dynamic lunge with a Gada, showcasing the focus and power required. This is a perfect example of how we combine traditional tools with functional movements to build strength that is useful in everyday life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/477a3ffb-9cda-4d2a-87aa-5c796fe6922d)
- ![A powerful stance with the Gada, ready for movement. This image captures the essence of our PRAHAAR program, which uses ancient tools to build modern functional strength, focusing on posture, mobility, and power.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f638a49f-cc00-4f37-a950-cbf706771b91)
- ![This image, labeled PRAHAAR, shows an athlete in a powerful stance with the Gada. It represents our core training program, designed to correct posture, analyze movement, and build strength for all fitness levels using traditional Indian equipment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3437c059-740e-45b6-9d88-1271009dfa28)
- ![Our founder demonstrates the power of the Samtola, or Indian Barbell, while wearing a weighted vest. This tool is excellent for full-body conditioning and can be integrated into any training program, from HIIT to mobility work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8379034d-1b76-4e23-b73a-81fe14cf4f25)
- [Video: The Gada is a versatile tool for everyone. This video explains how it complements lifting, running, and yoga by building strength and muscle endurance. Whether you're a beginner or an athlete, the Gada can help you lift better, perform longer, and stay injury-free.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f11be697-bd5e-4275-801d-57b6ac260c82)
- [Video: This video demonstrates Samtola swings using the single-hand Dharwad grip. This advanced variation is an excellent tool for building upper body power, focusing intensely on grip, forearm, and shoulder strength, as well as deltoid conditioning.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6ef5701f-f361-4093-aa64-ec5be023536b)
- [Video: This video breaks down the 'Parikrama' or Gada swing, showing how it's a full-body movement. It demonstrates the weight shifting and counterbalancing required from the lower body and core to manage the momentum, making it a highly efficient exercise.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ce0ae8f5-90fd-4dc8-873d-029b25c6323f)
- [Video: Need a quick and effective workout? This video lays out a 30-minute, 4-movement circuit using the Gada. It includes Parikramas, drop curls, Gada dhara, and wood choppers to give you a solid, full-body workout that will definitely make you sweat.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5ec7bd43-9fa5-4f83-8f8c-ddf85ac9c6fb)
- [Video: This video showcases three powerful movements to add to your workout: kneeling Mudgar twists, warrior swings, and horse stance power snatches. This combination guarantees a full-body burn, building strength and coordination.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8f810361-c025-46f8-aad4-97318dab0680)
- [Video: Gada wood choppers are a highly effective movement for building a strong core. This video shows how to perform them correctly to enhance your rotational strength, a perfect addition to any routine that includes medicine ball throws or other core exercises.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ae5a2ed2-c58d-4b6b-a276-e88ffb2a37cf)
- [Video: This video highlights two essential lower body drills: the Samtola Chakravyuha and Gada Slingers. These movements are exceptional for activating and conditioning the glutes, quads, and hamstrings, helping to counteract the ill effects of a sedentary lifestyle.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/407aa347-c225-46e6-b1e8-0d6a4d4d3c8c)
- [Video: Rotational strength is crucial for daily life and sports. This video demonstrates how the Gada is an exceptional tool for training in multiple planes of motion with movements like Farmer Throws, Wood Choppers, and Rotational Parikramas.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1591f932-0477-45cf-83c5-ed834c1b8306)
- [Video: Ever wondered what a pair of 2kg clubs can do? This video demonstrates the 'slinger extension,' a cross-body movement that gets your heart racing and builds serious rotational strength, making it perfect for golfers, cricketers, and MMA fighters.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c9a6ad5f-9bba-432c-b1bf-80319d9de4e1)
- [Video: If you haven't tried a Gada workout yet, you must. This video explains how to get started, emphasizing that you should start light and focus on movement, not just weight. The Gada can be integrated into any training format to add a new dimension to your fitness.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4904e01d-3bfa-4d27-b66f-0aecdecb270c)
- [Video: This video introduces the Samtola, the traditional Indian barbell used by wrestlers for conditioning. We show a few basic exercises that can be incorporated into any workout for functional, cross-body, and full-body training.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f87b401d-2fe6-4e63-95ea-40a5262eb5ba)
- [Video: The possibilities with an Indian Gada are endless. This video dispels the myth that it's only for upper body work, showing how it can be used for a full-body, movement-based workout that builds an injury-resilient body.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/363dc99d-0ea1-4a11-a9be-d1517be2f246)
- [Video: Meditation in motion. This artistic, black-and-white video shows the focused, rhythmic nature of training with traditional Indian equipment like the Gada and Mudgar, highlighting the beauty in their simplicity.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a4bfb7b1-4f76-4d6f-afcf-f5d1e6909050)
- [Video: A close-up look at our beautifully crafted wooden Mudgars and Gadas. These are not just weights; they are pieces of a rich heritage, designed for functional strength and built to last.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/18010b35-8e72-4484-ba66-2c54a4246d9f)
- [Video: Magic happens when movement takes over. This clip shows a dynamic Gada flow, demonstrating the fluidity and power that comes from training with this ancient tool.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/64889571-198d-421c-83d5-f95f116a03c3)
- [Video: 'Abhyaas' or practice. This video shows a powerful, fluid movement with two Mudgars, embodying the discipline and dedication at the heart of our training philosophy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/707a30ab-5da9-44ec-8f5b-3d500195adbc)
- ![Ancient tools, modern application. Our founder holds a traditional Mudgar, a tool that provides controlled instability to build strength, balance, and body awareness in a way that modern machines cannot.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0fef8c96-3c51-4692-8bfe-73cc7dcb6d44)
- [Video: Heavy swings hit different. This video captures the raw power and focus required to swing a heavy Gada, a core component of India's own workout.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/844f2b6e-6053-42b0-b5a5-5e0a0f224b3f)
- [Video: This is the Warrior Mace Flow. Using an 11kg club, this advanced pattern of movement works the entire body, testing your stability, explosive power, and grip strength. It's a phenomenal workout that requires dedication and practice.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a39e6cdb-86db-4dc7-aa43-ad1a54de55aa)
- [Video: This video demonstrates two powerful Gada movements: Hurricane Swings and the Progressive Parikrama. These drills are phenomenal for generating power from the ground up and are a great way to open up the body after hours of sitting.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e06bee5a-c93f-4449-80f5-b6eb05fa3945)
- [Video: A workout of the day (WOD) at Tagda Raho. This circuit combines Warrior Swings, Horse Stance Power Snatches, and Straight Arm Grip Shifts for a challenging, unbroken set that builds full-body strength.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fbc22c6c-3c14-45f8-9406-e53fc9980beb)
- [Video: Movement is endless. This video showcases a double Gada flow, a magical display of strength, mobility, and balance. This advanced practice requires the body and equipment to become one cohesive unit.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5a47ad8f-9d88-41f1-8a9b-4a372de01386)
- [Video: A full-body circuit featuring our signature equipment. This video combines Double Mudgar swings, Sapaate (a traditional Indian push-up variation), Gada Asht, and the Samtola Chakravyuha for a highly effective workout.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f6277d9a-57b6-4ba5-a405-cd6bd2e569a1)
- [Video: This video demonstrates a workout combining the Gada and Samtola. The movements can be done for time or reps, with the Gada's torque challenging core stability and the Samtola movement providing a great conditioning drill.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/334cf4cb-5939-4e8b-ba29-dcfb89fe5ad5)

## About Ancient Tools, Modern Strength

People often mistake Gada training for simple weightlifting, but the real secret is the lever length and asymmetric balance. When you swing a Gada, you aren't just training your arms; you are forcing your core and lower body to constantly stabilize and counterbalance against shifting momentum, something a static dumbbell simply cannot do.

### Why Traditional Tools Work
Unlike Western barbells where the weight is balanced on both sides, Indian tools like the Gada (mace) and Mudgar (club) function as levers. This design means the weight is constantly in motion, requiring your stabilizer muscles to fire up and keep you upright. It is not just an upper-body workout; your legs, core, and grip are constantly engaged to manage the torque.

### The PRAHAAR Difference
Our PRAHAAR program blends these ancient tools with modern biomechanics. We do not count standard reps or aim for max weight. We focus on flow, range of motion, and posture correction. This helps:
* **Runners:** Improve rotational power and core stability.
* **Desk Workers:** Address posture issues and chronic back pain.
* **Athletes:** Build injury-resilient joints that handle dynamic movement better.

### Training at the Dugout
You will not find four walls and stale air here. We train in open-air 'Dugouts'—turf or sandpits that allow you to move freely, barefoot on the earth. Whether you are using the Samtola (traditional wooden barbell) or double Mudgars, you are learning to engineer movement back into your life, not just lifting for a pump. 

### Is it for you?
Absolutely. Whether you are a total beginner who has never picked up a weight or a seasoned gym-goer with a stiff back, we build your basics first. We teach you how to handle the equipment, keep your form safe, and slowly progress to heavier loads. You do not need to be strong to start; you just need to start.

## About Tagda Raho

I started Tagda Raho because I wanted to bring back our own physical culture. This isn't just about weight; it's about movement that actually transfers to your life, whether you're an athlete or just starting out.

[See all of Tagda Raho's services](https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho)

## More from Fitness Training Programs by Tagda Raho

- [Featured](https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho/fitness-training-programs/featured)
- [From Everest to Everyday: Member Stories](https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho/fitness-training-programs/from-everest-to-everyday-member-stories)
- [The Akhada: Our Training Ground](https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho/fitness-training-programs/the-akhada-our-training-ground)
- [Women of Tagda](https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho/fitness-training-programs/women-of-tagda)
- [Tagda for Athletes](https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho/fitness-training-programs/tagda-for-athletes)
- [Become a Coach: L1 Certification](https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho/fitness-training-programs/become-a-coach-l1-certification)
- [Our Philosophy & The Tagda Journey](https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho/fitness-training-programs/our-philosophy-the-tagda-journey)
- [Our Tribe in Action](https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho/fitness-training-programs/our-tribe-in-action)
- [Special Workshops & Events](https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho/fitness-training-programs/special-workshops-events)

## More services by Tagda Raho

- [Specialized Workshops & Corporate Training](https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho/specialized-workshops-corporate-training)
- [Trainer Certification Program](https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho/trainer-certification-program)
- [Traditional Indian Fitness Equipment](https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho/traditional-indian-fitness-equipment)

## Similar work from other experts

- [Traditional Indian Strength Training: Gada & Mudgar](https://mytribe.in/sheralpereira/personalized-strength-performance-coaching/traditional-indian-strength-gada-mudgar-more) by Sheri Peri · Personalized Strength & Performance Coaching · Personal coaching at 2 studios across Bengaluru
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- [Functional Fitness & Strength Training in Bangalore](https://mytribe.in/coachnaveen/group-partner-training/more-than-just-weights) by Naveen Kumar · Group & Partner Training · Online & In-person across Bengaluru
- [Functional and Advanced Training for Real-World Strength](https://mytribe.in/_habit_fitness_/personal-training-strength-coaching/functional-and-advanced-training) by Habit Fitness · Personal Training & Strength Coaching · Train at Gym in Meda Agrahara, Hesaraghatta Rd

## Guides

- [Personal trainers and group workouts](https://mytribe.in/guides/personal-trainers-and-group-workouts-in-bengaluru): What a month costs, what a group gives up, and how to check a trainer before they come home. About ₹12,000 a month for one to one three times a week at a studio.

## Book

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