The Gada or Macebell is an ancient training tool popularized in India. It was used heavily by wrestlers and strongmen, and continues to be a choice training tool for many.

The benefits of Gada / Mace training are focused primarily on the upper body, especially the grip, arms and shoulders. The dynamic nature of club swinging also provides an extra challenge in coordination and mobility. Not to mention it's fun!

There's also the added benefit of being able to make your own. Here's how...

MATERIALS YOU'LL NEED:

4'-5' rattan shaft 1.25"-1.5" in diameter
8" stone mold or medium size clay pot
50lb bag of high strength concrete
Scraper / Wire Brush
Silicone spray
Spraypaint
Sandpaper
Tape

You can get shaved or unshaved (shown here) rattan shaft.

STEP 1: Sand the rattan until smooth and no loose fibers.

gada steel mace training batimore kettlebell club

STEP 2: Put some nails or screws through the end of the shaft that will be loaded. This will allow the concrete something to "grab" onto.

STEP 3: Prepare your mold. If using a stone mold, spray the inside of the mold with silicone to make it easier to remove once the concrete has cured. If using a clay pot, silicone isn't necessary as you will break the pot off with a hammer. [Note: an 8" diameter concrete sphere will weigh approximately 22lbs and a 10" diameter will weigh approximately 42lbs.]

STEP 4: Fill approximately half of the mold with concrete and then add reinforcement wire (chicken fencing shown). Be sure that the wire is in the middle of the concrete mold. Then add rattan shaft and fill the mold the rest of the way up. As you add the concrete, tap vigorously on the outside of the mold to bring the air pockets to the surface.