Gada (mace)
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A gada (Sanskrit: गदा gadā) is an Indian legendary weapon that uses a heavy head on the end of a handle to deliver powerful blows. It typically consists of a single piece strong, heavy metal shaft featuring a head made of metal. The head is stroked on opponent by holding shaft. Fighting with gada is known as gada-yuddha.
Gada is main weapon of the Hindu God Hanuman, avatar of Shiva. Hanuman is regarded as God of Pehlwani (wrestling) in India. In the epic Mahabharat Bhima, Duryodhana, Jarasandha, Balram etc were famous experts of gada yuddha.
Various types and skills of gada yuddha are mentioned in Agni Purana and Mahabharat like aahat (आहत), gomutra (गोमूत्र), prabrita (प्रभृत), kamalasan (कमलासन), udarvagatra (ऊर्ध्वगत्र), namita (नमित), vamadakshina (वामदक्षिण), aavrita (आवृत्त), paraavrita (परावृत्त), padodrita (पदोद्धृत), avaplata (अवप्लत), hansmarga (हंसमार्ग) and vibhag (विभाग) etc.
As exercise equipment
Nowadays gada is primarily used as an exercise equipment in India. It is more common in akharas of north India. Mugdar (a wooden variant of gada) is used as exercise tool. Pehlwan (wrestler) take mugdar in single or both hands and rotate forward, backward, up and down. It conditions the muscles of hands and chaste.
Chi'ishi, a karate conditioning equipment and its exercise pattern is also inspired by gada and mugdar.
