If you’re just getting into mace training, the sheer variety of swings, flows, and techniques can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start?
You don’t need a long list of fancy moves right away. Instead, focus on three foundational swings that will build your confidence, control, and coordination: the Pendulum, the 360, and the Curl Cast.
These aren’t just “beginner drills.” They’re the building blocks of mace training—and they’ll carry over into everything else you do with the mace.
1. The Pendulum
Think of the pendulum as your warmup for positioning and timing.
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It teaches you how to get your hands behind your head and into proper order position.
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You’ll learn to sync your body with the momentum of the mace.
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You can do as many pendulum swings as you want before pulling the mace over—it’s a great way to groove the pattern.
2. The 360
The classic. This is the swing most people think of when they picture mace training.
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Cast the mace, swing it around your head, and return to order position.
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The mace moves in a continuous circle, building shoulder strength and control.
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You can play with different casts (over the shoulder, underhand, etc.) and swing in both directions.
Once you nail the 360, you’ve unlocked the core movement that every other mace swing builds from.
3. The Curl Cast
Curl casts give you a lot of variety while forcing you to stay smooth and controlled.
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Start with a supinated grip (palms up) and cast over the opposite shoulder.
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Switch grips as needed (supinated → pronated) to train both sides evenly.
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The key is control—catch the mace with intention instead of letting it free fall.
Curl casts are especially useful for breaking up long sets while still getting valuable casting practice.
Why These 3?
The mace is unique because of its leverage, torque, and momentum. These three moves help you build the foundation you need:
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Pendulum → positions & timing
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360 → strength & rhythm
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Curl Cast → variety & control
Master these early, and every other mace movement becomes easier to learn.
⚒️ Ready to get started?
At CK Maceworks, we handcraft American made steel maces built to grow with you. Check them out here