Mudgar Club on Shark Tank India: Deal Secured

Mudgar Club is an Indian startup modernising ancient fitness tools like the Mudgar, known as Karlakattai in South India, Meel in Iran, and Indian Clubs in the West. Founded by Anjit Suhag and Sanjit Suhag from Rohtak, Haryana, the company combines traditional exercise methods with modern manufacturing techniques.

Click here to visit their official website : Mudgar Club

The Mudgar, made from premium mahogany wood, allows 3D movements and swings, unlike conventional dumbbells and barbells that enable only 2D movements. This versatility improves strength, mobility, and overall fitness.

Anjit, who previously ran a yoga services business, has always been passionate about fitness rooted in Indian traditions. His expertise in yoga inspired him to reintroduce the Mudgar to the modern fitness community.

Sanjit complements Anjit’s vision by bringing operational efficiency and a focus on quality to the business. Together, the duo has positioned Mudgar Club as a unique player in the fitness industry.

Related: Tripole on Shark Tank India: A ₹65 Crore Success Story

Mudgar Club doesn’t just sell equipment—it offers comprehensive training on proper usage. With a lineup of seven products, the brand aims to deliver premium-quality Mudgars tailored to modern fitness enthusiasts.

• 3D Movement Advantage: Enables functional exercises for improved mobility and flexibility.
• Premium Materials: Made from natural mahogany wood, each Mudgar is carefully seasoned and polished for durability.
• Personalisation: The company engraves users’ names on their Mudgars, adding a personal touch.

The process of creating a Mudgar is time-intensive and meticulous:

1. Sourcing the Wood: High-quality 6×6 mahogany blocks are procured.
2. Seasoning the Wood: Blocks are seasoned for 1–1.5 months to enhance durability.
3. Shaping and Polishing: Each Mudgar is handcrafted and polished over a week.
4. Engraving: Names are engraved for a customised experience.

This attention to detail ensures every Mudgar is not just functional but also a work of art.

Since its launch in December 2023, Mudgar Club has shown impressive growth:

• Units Sold: Approximately 5,000 Mudgars.
• Monthly Revenue: ₹10 Lakhs on average.
• Price Point: A 5kg Mudgar costs ₹4,000, with manufacturing costs at ₹2,000.

Before July 2024, monthly revenues ranged between ₹15–₹18 Lakhs, driven by both products and services. However, the shift in focus to manufacturing resulted in a slight dip in revenue.

Mudgar Club relies heavily on social media for marketing. Founder Anjit’s Instagram account, with over 100,000 followers, has been instrumental in building a loyal customer base.

Interestingly, the user base has evolved significantly:

• 2023: 95% male, 5% female.
• 2024: 70% female, 30% male.

This shift reflects growing interest among women in functional fitness and traditional exercise tools.

• Pre-July 2024: ₹4–5 Lakhs per month.
• Post-July 2024: Reduced to ₹1–1.5 Lakhs to focus on profitability.

The founders entered Shark Tank India seeking ₹50 Lakhs for 10% equity, valuing the company at ₹5 Crores. They emphasised the unique blend of tradition and innovation behind their product, as well as their strong focus on quality.

• Shark Aman Gupta: Opted out, doubting the product’s integration into daily fitness routines.
• SharkVineeta Singh: Shared similar concerns and chose not to invest.
• Shark Azhar Iqbal: Felt the product’s market fit was unclear and exited.
• Shark Kunal Bahl: Declined, stating it was too early for investment.

Ritesh saw potential in the business despite its niche appeal. He offered ₹50 Lakhs for 12.5% equity, valuing the company at ₹4 Crores. The founders accepted the offer without hesitation, appreciating his support and belief in their vision.

Potential challenges and opportunities for Mudgar Club

• Scaling Production: Handcrafted manufacturing limits scalability, making it hard to meet high demand.
• Market Education: Educating users on the benefits of 3D movements and traditional fitness tools remains a hurdle.

• Expanding Demographics: Growing interest among women and fitness enthusiasts provides a larger customer base.
• Global Appeal: With roots in ancient traditions, Mudgar has the potential to attract international markets.

With the funding secured from Shark Tank India, the founders aim to:

• Build inventory to meet growing demand.
• Invest in better manufacturing facilities for faster production.
• Expand their social media campaigns to reach a wider audience.

The Mudgar Club journey offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs:

1. Stay True to Your Vision: The founders’ commitment to traditional fitness tools resonated with Ritesh.
2. Adapt Marketing Strategies: Anjit’s Instagram success highlights the power of leveraging social media effectively.
3. Focus on Quality: Prioritising craftsmanship over mass production has helped the brand stand out.

Mudgar Club is more than a fitness brand—it’s a movement to revive and popularise ancient Indian fitness practices. While the challenges of scaling and educating the market remain, the founders’ passion and vision have laid a strong foundation.

The Shark Tank India deal provides the financial boost needed to take Mudgar Club to the next level. With their focus on quality, personalisation, and customer engagement, they’re set to make waves in the fitness world.

For anyone curious about traditional fitness tools or seeking to add variety to their workouts, Mudgar Club offers a compelling solution grounded in heritage and innovation.