GATKA
Gatka is a traditional weapon based Sikh martial art. It is
based on the basic principle of unification of the mind, body and spirit in a
rhythm of life to train a saint-soldier to be able to defend himself/herself.
It originated in the north-western part of India i.e. in Punjab. The people of
the area, especially the Sikhs, have a tall stature with a heavy build and are
known to be fearless and feared warriors. The system of fighting there is
termed as “Shastar Vidya” (knowledge
of the weapons/sword).
In the 15th
and 16th centuries, Sikhs became renowned throughout South Asia for
their great martial prowess. The Sikh Gurus taught their followers to train the
body physically, mentally and spiritually. The need to practice fighting for
self defence against the Mughals encouraged the practice of martial arts. The
tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, galvanised the martial energies of the Sikh
community and founded the ‘Khalsa’ in
1699. The aim of the same being to fight oppression, worship one God, help the
poor and downtrodden, abandon superstition and defend the faith. He professed
the qualities, importance and aim of being a warrior-saint.
The word ‘Gatka’ variously means a three hand span
stick with a leather cover, a truncheon, a mace, a club etc. It is very common
in Sikh circles to use the word ‘Gatka’
for all traditional martial arts.
The various weapons
used in Gatka are:-
Talwar - one sided sword, about three feet
long
Tegh -
long sword, ten hands long
Khanda - straight double edged sword
Dhaal -
circular shield
Kataar - push dagger with H
shaped handle
Chakar - circular edged weapon
Kirpan -
dagger
Lathi - bamboo stick
Bagh
nakh - ‘leopard claw’ – spiked
weapon worn on the hand
The art emphasises
having something in both hands e.g. sword and shield, two swords, sword and
stick, or any combination of the above weapons. Training with ‘both hands full’
is believed to be an excellent exercise for coordinating the two halves of the
body.
Gatka is meant to be offensive as well as defensive. The
foundation of the art is a methodology for use of feet, arms, body and weapon
in unison. It favours rhythmic movement without hesitation, doubt and anxiety.
The attack and defence methods are based on positions of the hands, feet and
weapon. Chanting of holy verses normally accompany the exercises. The three
beat per cycle drum played by a drummer helps in coordination during practice.
Gatka is today taught to the youth to stay healthy
and agile. The art of self control keeps the youth away from drug abuse and
other intoxicants to lead a disciplined and pious life.
Many organisations in
India and abroad are doing a yeoman service in keeping the tradition alive as
also weaning away the Sikh youth from use of drugs.
As Guru Gobind Singh
said,
“Chun kaar
az haman hiltey dar guzasht,
Halal ast
burden ba shamshir dast”
(When
all other methods of setting right a wrong have failed, raising of sword is
pious and just).
