The tradition of swinging clubs for physical improvement dates back to ancient times. In preparation for war, tools were crafted to replicate melee weapons. Making them heavy helped soldiers build strength and endurance in preparation for battle.
It seems they were first used for sports and physical exercise by Persian wrestlers and strongmen, although many countries had their own unique versions. In New Zealand they were referred to as Patu Paraoa, in Japan Chi’ishi and India as gada and mugdar.
It was in 1800s India where British army officers discovered locals swinging heavy wooden clubs. They noticed the positive impact it had on physical strength and balance. So much so, they adapted the clubs for their own soldiers, reengineering them to be smaller and lighter. The new shape and weight allowed more dynamic movement and enabled the clubs to be swung in pairs. Patterns and footwork were developed and worked into exercise drills. The British then bought this ‘new’ apparatus, which were now referred to as ‘Indian Clubs’, back to Europe where they were embraced by Germany and Czechoslovakia.
Later that century when German immigrants landed in the US they brought with them Indian clubs, however, their rise in popularity on these shores can also be attributed to a well-known missionary who whilst on a visit to England and Ireland saw the clubs in action and the benefits they brought. He captured his findings in a book, which introduced them to a whole host of celebrities and sport systems. Participants from boxing to baseball realised the club’s aesthetic and movements improved their game. Word soon spread to a wider audience who in turn used the clubs to combat the daily strain and pains of life.
They made such an impact on popular culture they featured in the Olympics in 1904 and 1932. The public’s love for swinging these wooden-shaped bowling like pins dwarfed in the late 1930, as more popular sporting activities like soccer and football together with different exercise equipment such as dumbbells took over.
Club swinging in one form or another remained popular in some circles (no pun intended) and took off again in 1990s, as sporting and medical professionals once again recognised their unique attributes.
Click here for more information on the benefits of exercising with clubs.