ABOUT SHRI SHIVAJIRAJE MARDANI AKHADA
Established in 2009, Shri Shivajiraje Mardani Akhada, Pune was founded by Shri Vijay Ayawale-Patil with the mission to restore and preserve the ancient Maratha martial art of Mardani Khel—a gem of Maratha courage and heritage. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj being the guiding force, the Akhada began as a small group of dedicated students and has now grown into a vibrant center of physical and cultural education. In October 2010, we were privileged to be a part of our first national reality television show—”Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega” on Sony TV, featuring Mardani Khel on a mainstream platform for the first time in history. This milestone brought the art form into the limelight of India and motivated a lot of people to reconnect with their culture. For over 17 years, we have remained dedicated to nurturing discipline, fitness, and self-defense through the traditional forms of combat training. Our Akhada is registered under the Shivrudra Mardani Akhada Trust, committed to transparency, community service, and cultural education.
Why Mardani Khel?
Mardani Khel is more than a martial art—it’s a legacy. This traditional form of warfare, practiced by the Marathas, builds strength, agility, mental resilience, and a warrior mindset. In today’s context, it offers:
- A comprehensive fitness and self-defense class.
- An entirely immersive cultural learning experience.
- One way to create discipline, confidence, and respect.
- A natural stress reliever that alleviates anxiety and enhances concentration.
- An effective aid to mental health, evoking awareness, emotional stability, and inner peace.
- A chance to experience Maharashtra’s martial tradition and cultural pride.
We aim to keep this peculiar medium alive while adapting it for modern use—rendering it beneficial not just physically, but for emotional and mental well-being.
OUR TEAM
Weapons Taught in Mardani Khel
Students at Shri Shivajiraje Mardani Akhada are trained in a wide range of traditional Maratha weapons, including:
- Lathi (Stick Fighting)
- Dandpatta (Gauntlet-sword)
- Talwar (Sword)
- Dhaal-Talwar (Shield & Sword),
- Vita (Hooked Spear), Bhala (Spear)
- Khanjar (Dagger)
Each weapon is taught with respect to tradition, safety, and historical context, helping students gain both skill and cultural understanding.
MEET OUR EXPERT TRAINERS
key highlights
Training Schedule & Visiting Hours (Throughout the year)
- Weekdays Batch: Monday to Friday: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
- Weekend Batch: Saturday & Sunday: 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM
REVIEWS
Visitors Welcome:
We welcome guests, collaborators, and researchers with prior notice during training hours. Please contact us to schedule your visit or to learn more about our programs.