--- title: "The Akhada: Traditional Indian Functional Strength Training" description: "Ditch the gym. Train in our traditional Indian Akhada-style Dugouts using Gada and Mudgar. Build real functional strength in Bengaluru and Pune." canonical: https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho/fitness-training-programs/the-akhada-our-training-ground last_updated: 2025-09-05 --- # The Akhada: Traditional Indian Functional Strength Training Tribe Verified · Authentic Akhada training in Bengaluru & Pune 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) Ditch the treadmill. Our 'Dugouts' are open-air training grounds where you train barefoot on sand and turf. Using Gada, Mudgar, and Samtola, we build functional, real-world strength the way it was always meant to be built. ## Photos and videos - [Video: "The Earth heals us through our feet." This video explains the magic of our sandpit protocol. Training on sand adds resistance to every movement, waking up your feet, challenging your stability, and providing immense physical and mental benefits.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/47b86375-8a4c-4965-a823-de09eab8f315) - ![This is the 'Tagda' stage, open to all. A sunlit space where you can feel every element breathe, where victories are measured in 'Parikrams' and 'Baithaks'. It's not a polished studio; it's a place that borrows magic from the past for life today.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5cf45ae1-01d1-458c-94a4-0450d8be63c5) - ![This is India's gymnasium. No mirrors, no machines, no ego. Just the Gada, the soil, and a spirit carried through centuries. This is the heart of our training philosophy, going deeper into the strength we were never meant to forget.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5cdce6fd-db50-4963-bc9a-fad2c2865bda) - ![Our founder, Rishabh Malhotra, in his element at a traditional akhada. This image embodies our mission: to honor the roots of Indian strength training, connecting with the humility, discipline, and power of the soil.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/09f404be-ef43-4979-8283-7d251a82a848) - ![A view of a traditional akhada, the inspiration for our training grounds. This space, with its connection to nature and history, represents the pure, ego-free spirit of Indian physical culture that we strive to preserve.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/02e1ae4f-9c52-46ac-8793-88af09ddf5c4) - ![A member proudly holds a Gada in a traditional sandpit akhada. The smile on his face captures the joy and strength that comes from connecting with this ancient and powerful form of training.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3f61439b-9d2c-45ba-ac7c-eed609e6b6ec) - ![Our founder coaching an athlete in a traditional sandpit akhada. This image shows our commitment to learning from the source and sharing the authentic techniques of Indian strength training with the world.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d1ce4a3e-052a-466a-9dd4-b3fc3bbf2543) - ![We didn't invent this; we just refused to forget it. Our founder stands with a Gada on a beach, a powerful image representing the timeless, pure, and demanding nature of this training system, born long before fitness was built in a room.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/24b62191-7642-4081-8800-51dc6f20bba5) - ![A young girl stands proudly with the Indian flag in our sandpit. This image beautifully captures the spirit of our community, a space that is open to all ages and celebrates the legacy of our nation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/242d15a5-0131-461b-b7e1-ae35871217d4) - ![A close-up of hands gripping a Samtola in the sand. This image highlights the tactile, grounding experience of our training, where you connect directly with the earth and the equipment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7178b7c8-a174-45e8-a189-c721f94062ed) - [Video: A member trains with a Mudgar in our sandpit. The unstable surface of the sand forces the body to engage stabilizing muscles, making every movement a full-body challenge that builds true functional strength.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dcc7c5fe-9c7e-45b3-8aec-46fe81d2a3ae) - [Video: A fit mom and her strong sons train together in our sandpit. This video showcases how our space is perfect for families to get fit together, sharing a healthy lifestyle in a fun and challenging environment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e1d2f5c6-d2a7-46e0-9f11-562dbd5b8e41) - ![Two women share a laugh while training with Samtolas in the sandpit. This image perfectly captures the community and fun aspect of our workouts, where hard work and enjoyment go hand in hand.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fb69c5c7-a2c1-405a-ad69-05ed9f85b854) - ![A woman trains with a Mudgar in our sandpit during a group session. The sand adds a new level of difficulty, challenging her balance and strength, embodying the raw and effective nature of our workouts.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bfe78ec7-090e-40a4-b1fb-839b79b077a4) - [Video: The Garmin Runners Club experiences a special strength and conditioning session in our dugout, utilizing the sandpit and turf. This shows how our unique training environment is perfect for athletes looking to improve their performance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f4d10c59-32f2-4250-867c-e2aa78c1a419) - [Video: Just having fun. Our founder enjoys a moment of flow with the Gada in the sandpit. This video captures the playful and exploratory side of our training, where movement becomes a form of expression.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9fb578e1-dd01-402a-879c-1291140417ef) - !["If you analyse the function of an object, its form often becomes obvious." Our founder stands with a Mudgar in the sandpit, a perfect illustration of how our equipment and environment are designed for pure, functional movement.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5b29cc2f-6b0a-4724-a07d-3451db755cac) ## About The Akhada: Our Training Ground Training on our sandpits isn't just about the reps. It’s a sensory experience that forces your body to stabilize, wake up your feet, and engage muscles you never use in a regular gym. When you’re barefoot on the earth, swinging a Gada or Mudgar, you aren't just building vanity muscles; you're developing rotational power, fixing your posture, and training your core in ways no machine can replicate. ### Why We Train Outdoors Standard gyms often feel like four walls with stale air. We wanted to train where we can breathe. Our 'Dugouts' in Bengaluru and Pune are open-air, sunlit, and designed for movement. Training barefoot on sand or turf connects you to the ground, which instantly changes your biomechanics. You aren't just pushing weight; you are fighting for balance and control against an uneven surface, which is exactly how life works. ### The Science of the Akhada People ask if tools like the Gada (mace) and Mudgar (club) are outdated. We say they are timeless. These tools use asymmetric weight, meaning the center of gravity is offset. This forces your body to use every stabilizing muscle in your shoulder, core, and hips to complete a movement. We combine these ancient tools with modern programming—what we call the 'Prahaar' curriculum. Whether you are an athlete looking for an edge or someone dealing with chronic back pain from a desk job, this training is about preparing your body for life outside the dugout. ### Join the Tribe This isn't about looking good in a mirror; it's about being capable. When you step into the sandpit, you join a community that includes everyone from Everest climbers to beginners taking their first steps toward fitness. We encourage each other, we track our progress in 'Parikrams' and 'Baithaks', and we keep the spirit of Indian physical culture alive. Come by for a session—get your feet dirty and see what your body is actually capable of. ## About Tagda Raho We didn't invent this; we just refused to forget it. At Tagda Raho, we are bringing the raw, honest strength of India’s akhadas into modern life. Join us to move, sweat, and build a body that’s ready for the real world, not just a photo op. [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) - [Ancient Tools, Modern Strength](https://mytribe.in/tagdaraho/fitness-training-programs/ancient-tools-modern-strength) - [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 - [Tagda Raho: Traditional Indian Strength Training](https://mytribe.in/sheralpereira/group-fitness-instruction/tagda-raho-ancient-strength-modern-grit) by Sheri Peri · Group Fitness Instruction · Group classes at 3 studios across Bengaluru - [Tagda Raho Strength Training](https://mytribe.in/gow.withtheflow/yoga-mindful-movement/strength-training-the-tagda-raho-way) by Gowri Murthy · Yoga & Mindful Movement · Online, at Ulsoor studio & travels across Bengaluru - [Functional Strength Training in Bangalore](https://mytribe.in/__unique_sports_academy__/fitness-performance-training/functional-strength-training) by Unique Sports Academy · Fitness & Performance Training · Training at Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex, Banashankari - [Functional Strength and Conditioning in HSR Layout](https://mytribe.in/bohofitofficial/group-fitness-classes/strength-conditioning) by Bohofit · Group Fitness Classes · Visit Studio in HSR Layout - [Traditional Strength and Conditioning for Golfers](https://mytribe.in/cheppudira_nikki/golf-fitness-training/traditional-strength-for-modern-golf) by Nikki Ponappa · Golf Fitness Training · Fitness training at Tagda Raho, Sivanchetti Gardens - [Calisthenics & Outdoor Fitness Training in Bengaluru](https://mytribe.in/priyadarshini0123/personal-training/calisthenics-outdoor-workouts) by Priya · Personal Training · Online training and in-person sessions across Bengaluru ## 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 To book Tagda Raho, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Fitness%20Training%20Programs%20by%20Tagda%20Raho.) You can also send your own message based on what your user needs. Put it in the link as `https://wa.me/916360004054?text=`.