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Traditional Pehlwani

Traditional Mud Wrestling

Power · Agility · Spirit

What is Kusti?

Kusti (Pehlwani) is an ancient form of wrestling practiced in a clay or dirt pit (the Akhada). At Shree Bhavani Akhada, we train wrestlers in pure, traditional techniques, emphasizing mutual respect, rigorous physical conditioning, and deep spiritual strength. Training in the red mud of the Akhada connects the athlete to the earth. The clay is often mixed with ghee, milk, and turmeric, providing healing properties.

Our Kusti program is designed for both beginners and seasoned athletes. Beyond physical prowess, Pehlwani instills humility, brotherhood, and perseverance. Training involves unique exercises like 'Danda' (Indian push-ups) and 'Baithak' (Indian squats), which cultivate unmatched endurance and cardiovascular fitness. Suitable for age groups from 6 years onwards.

The Sacred Akhada

The Akhada is more than a training ground — it is a temple. When you step into the red earth, you join a lineage of warriors stretching back thousands of years. The clay, enriched with turmeric and ghee, heals the body while the discipline of the Akhada forges the spirit.

What You Will Learn

  • Traditional Grappling Techniques (Daav-Pench)
  • Functional Strength and Stamina Conditioning
  • Akhada Etiquette and Discipline
  • Diet and Lifestyle Regimens (Pathya)
  • Mental Toughness and Respect

The Warrior's Path

I

Danda & Baithak

Master traditional Indian conditioning exercises that build extraordinary functional strength and endurance.

II

Brotherhood

The Akhada fosters deep bonds of respect, discipline, and camaraderie among all wrestlers.

III

Holistic Wellness

Pehlwani includes Pathya — the traditional dietary and lifestyle regimen for peak performance.

IV

Competition Ready

Prepare for local, state, and national wrestling tournaments under expert guidance.

Kusti at Shree Bhavani

What we offer

Traditional Pehlwani training

  • Grappling technique — the classical Daav-Pench repertoire
  • Danda and Baithak conditioning for functional strength
  • Pathya — the traditional diet and lifestyle regimen
  • Preparation for local, state and national tournaments
  • Open from age 6, beginners through seasoned wrestlers
Why we offer it

A lineage worth keeping

  • Pehlwani is thousands of years old and disappearing from Mumbai
  • It builds endurance and cardiovascular fitness no machine teaches
  • The akhada trains humility and brotherhood alongside strength
  • Wrestling on earth keeps the athlete connected to the ground
How we offer it

In the red clay, three evenings a week

  • Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Training in a real clay pit, not on a synthetic mat
  • Clay mixed with ghee, milk and turmeric for its healing properties
  • Sessions graded so beginners and competitors train side by side
How we are different

An akhada, not a gym

  • A genuine mud akhada — most Mumbai centres teach mat wrestling only
  • Akhada etiquette and discipline are taught, not assumed
  • Diet and lifestyle guidance included rather than sold separately
  • First class is free, so you can judge the ground for yourself

Class Schedule

Days Time Age Group Batch Type
Mon, Wed, Fri7:00 PM – 9:00 PMFrom 6 YearsRegular

Enter the Akhada

Step onto the sacred earth and begin your journey as a Pehlwan.

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