Indian Clubs

Indian clubs are an ancient art form, used in India for centuries, as a component of strength and flexibility training.  Indian clubs derive their name from the much larger and heavier objects of similar shape traditionally used by martial artists and Kushti wrestlers in India to train for strength.  In fact, Indian clubs can be traced to one of the most ancient weapons in India, the war club, or gada, a symbol of invincible physical prowess and worldly power.  Through the ages, the war club changed in both name and form. Eventually, its use evolved in India and the Indian club became a means of physical exercise.  During the nineteenth century, the British army, stationed in India, adapted Indian club exercises as part of its own military exercise drill.  In time, the clubs and the exercises were conveyed to England and found favor among civilians throughout Europe and North America.

Indian clubs are bowling-pin shaped wooden or resin "clubs" of varying sizes and weights.  The clubs are swung in certain patterns as part of an exercise program. They can range from one pound each, up to special clubs that can weigh as much as 50 pounds.  Historically, they were used in carefully choreographed routines in which the clubs were swung in unison by a group of exercisers who follow the lead of their instructor.  The routines varied according to the group's ability and the weight of the clubs being used.  We teach the use of Indian clubs in our weekly online classes with a focus on teaching exactly how to perform the movements safely.  We also focus on all of the common mistakes and teach you how to avoid them.  Because of the beneficial effect that they have on the nervous system, Indian clubs are an excellent adjunct to traditional weight lifting.
 
For more information on the benefits of Indian club training and club swinging in general, click here.