gatka history

Gatka is an ancient martial art which has been thoroughly battle-tested and has existed in northern India for many thousands of years. It is considered to be a spiritual as well as a physical exercise. Both these aspects of the person are developed to a high level during the learning phase in this ancient art. Although it uses the sword as its primary weapon, many other weapons are available to the Gatka master. Today, this art exists exclusively amongst the Sikhs who have passed down the flamboyant techniques through generations, since their sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind wore the two swords of Miri (temporal, worldly) and Piri (spiritual, transcendental).

The Sikhs have been responsible for the revival of this early art ensuring it's survival despite mass persecution of the native population in India by foreign invaders like the Mughals and others for many hundreds of years.

Gatka is a complete martial system which uses spiritual, mental and physical skills in equal portions to help one fully competent in defending themselves and others. It is a system that can only be used in defence as per:

"When all other means have failed, it is proper to take the sword in one’s hand"

In addition to giving the student defensive skills, it also helps the individual with other aspects of their life: makes the mind alert and responsive, maintains the body in a near perfect condition and makes soul fearless, compassionate and tranquil.

The techniques involved are extremely effective for defence and attack as well as visually spectacular. The Sikhs mastered Gatka and perfected its use in battle. Many battles were won by the Sikhs, despite almost always numbering far fewer than the opposite forces. The techniques within Gatka were combined with the spiritual practices of the Sikhs to create a perfect fighting system. Opposing forces have documented how awesome these Sikhs were at battle!

The art of Gatka involves a series of integral combat training systems that include several systems of duels armed - unarmed and the use of weapons of defense and offence. It aims at the coordination of mind & body through the meditation of spiritual verses of Gurbani, a holistic system by which the character and moral attitude of a student is shaped.


Introduction

Gatka is the traditional martial art of the Sikhs. 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 or herself.

When learning the art, you go from bare handed combat to using various shastars (weapons) such as kirpans, sticks, lathis, marotis, nun chucks, axes and a lot more.

The first shastar that a student will use is a stick normally made out of bamboo, sometimes called a Marati. With the stick you are taught all of the basic physical movements and the mental attitude required. Once these techniques have been learnt then these can be applied with other shastarsas you gain more experience.

Kirpans type Shastars come in different shapes and sizes and can also come in different styles. Some the kirpans that are used by practitioners are: Talwar, Gurj, Standard, Thega, etc. Once the various techniques have been mastered, you go onto to sparing with shastars and this is when you will then be introduced to shields. Shields come in many forms and shapes. They vary a lot – some are large and heavy; some have spikes on them for attacking; some are very basic and are only used for defence only.

Sparing is a completely different level of functioning. It can be very dangerous sparing with kirpans and axes and requires strict discipline, concentration, clartity of mind and restrain. Some shastars are not used in action but are worn by the practitioner for defence. These are either placed in our "kamar kasa" (belt) or around our dastars (Turban) such as a "chakar" (metal ring).

Some instruments used in war were not even weapons such as the Ranjit Nagara, the drum of victory, was used to boast the morale of the Sikhs going to battle, during battle and coming out of battle. Even Bani was used to help in battle the soldiers during wars. Gurbani helped even the weakest Sikhs to fight heroically. The Bani, Shastar Mahma from the Dasam Granth is one such Bani.


Meaning of Word ' Gatka '

According to 'Mahan Kosh' edited by Kahan Singh Nabha, 'Gatka - a three-hand span stick, used to teach the first part of club fighting. It has a leather covering. In the right hand holding a Gatka and in left hand a 'Phari', two men play with each other. Persian - Khutka. (See 'Mahan Kosh').

Thus, Kahan Singh Nabha believes that the words 'Khutka' and 'Gatka' are used for same meaning.

When we seek advice from 'Urdu-Punjabi-Hindi Kosh' published by the Language Department, Punjab for word 'Khutka', we find these meanings with other: - 'Kutka', 'Mota Danda' (motw fMfw) (cudgel), 'Thhosa' (Tosw) (thumb) etc.

Therefore, according to this 'Urdu-Punjabi-Hindi Kosh', the word 'Khutka' is synonymous with 'Kutka'.

The word 'Kutka' has been translated into 'short cudgel' by 'Punjabi English Dictionary' Published by Singh Brothers, Amritsar.

According to 'Mahan Kosh' edited by Kahan Singh Nabha, 'Kutka' is 'Chhota Ate Mota Sota' (Cotw Aqy motw sotw) (short thick stick).

Let us again consult 'Punjabi English Dictionary' Published by Singh Brothers, Amritsar, this time for word 'Gatka'. According to this dictionary, the word 'Gatka' stands for 'a leather covered club used in fencing'.

According to 'Standard Illustrated Dictionary of The Hindi Language' compiled and edited by Prof. R. C. Pathak, the word 'Gatka' means 'a leather-covered club used in fencing, a truncheon, a mace, a club.’

According to 'Standard Illustrated Dictionary of The Hindi Language' compiled and edited by Prof. R. C. Pathak, the word 'Gadaa' means 'a club, an Indian club, a mace'.

Thus, comparatively the terms 'Khutak', 'Khutka', 'Kutka', 'Gatka', 'Gadka', ‘Gadd’ and 'Gadaa' are close to one another, if not completely the same. These words are translated into 'Mota Danda', 'Chhota Ate Mota Sota', cudgel, truncheon and club.

There could be many kinds of 'Kutka' or 'Gatka' depending on their size or shape.

This can be compared to 'Khanda' and 'Talvaar'. Both words have been used for sword. At the same time, the word 'Khanda' is used for a particular kind of double-edged sword also. In the same way, 'Saif' is a sword, but of a different kind.

Well, after this discussion given above, we reach conclusion that the word 'Gatka' stands for cudgel, club or short thick stick.

Comparatively the terms 'Khutak', 'Khutka', 'Kutka', 'Gatka', 'Gadka', ‘Gadd’ and 'Gadaa' are closer to one another, if not completely the same. These words are translated into 'Mota Danda', 'Chhota Ate Mota Sota', cudgel, truncheon and club. The word Gatka is of Indian origin. The martial art, in which Gatka is used as a weapon, is called Gatkabaazi. Because the main weapon used in this martial art is Gatka, so people often call this martial art Gatka itself, instead of Gatkabaazi.

Now, it is very common in Sikh circles to use word Gatka for all traditional martial arts, in which traditional weapons are used.


Technique

The word Gatka actually refers to the wooden stick used in training called soti, which is equipped with a basket hilt. The entire martial art is based on the correct use of a vast array of melee (hand-to-hand) weapons. The foundation of the art is the Panthra which refers to the form, coordination and method for moving the feet, body, arms and weapons correctly, in unison. Gatka technique starts with a simple four-step movement called the Panthra. This is a balance and co-ordination exercise and is to be practised repeatedly. The movement requires equal and simultaneous use of both hands and makes one ambidextrous. This basic movement is followed when using all weapons and imparts impeccable balance to the practitioner.

Gatka is normally taught with rhythmic accompaniment, and the object is to achieve fluid, natural and flowing movement, without hesitation, doubt or anxiety. All the movements including attacking and blocking methods are all based upon the positions of the hands, feet and weapon(s) during the Panthra dexterity exercises. Many weapons are taught with special methodologies, in addition to the Panthra exercises.

The most common weapon used by Gatka exponents today is the lathi (a stick of varying length), but all of the other traditional weapons are still taught. Probably the most common combination of weapons in the hands of Gatka practitioners of today and in the past is the sword and shield. As one advances in their experience, they learn about the special "chambers" and other techniques, which are unique to certain weapons, such as the khanda (two-edged sword), the tabar (axe) and the barcha (spear).

The panthra exercise is a flowing, non-stop movement, and there are no specific preset "moves" similar to say, karate in Gatka. Rather, the methods of moving, turning, stopping, attacking and defending are learnt and the application depends on the circumstances at the time. The panthra exercise is practised at the same time as the Jaap Sahib Bani prayer is being sung. Also, a three-beat-per-cycle is played by a drummer at the same time. This assists in developing natural and flowing co-ordination. Just like the various "beats cycles" in Jaap Sahib, advance Gatka incorporates these different cycles and rhythms.


Art

In its physical form , Gatka is the original feudal art of the Saint Soldiers "Khalsa", for whom the way of life is the same as the art of war. A separate entity from the art of mere fighting, its a way of life. The balance of fighting skills, religion, healing and philosophy are the elements which consolidate into this great martial art. Any martial tradition ("Bir Bidiya"), skill, belief or art which is not beneficial to both the exponent and society is not a martial art, the following must exist:

• Disciplined training
• A moral philosophy
• Dedication and a sense of duty and respect, where a balance and understanding of both cultural and martial ways is established.

Through its own evolution and efforts of a group of Instructors and schools ( Akhara's ) around the world, it has progressed through the years to its present position as a martial art of great valor. Its theory, techniques and methods have been handed down through the centuries and today have been molded into an art with all of the action and history of the past contained within its present training. It is practiced in a way that it proves useful at any time and is taught in a way that it is useful in all walks and duties of life.

The Spiritual attributes of this art are instilled with the realization that one is participating in an art developed by spiritual warriors who possessed great valor, honesty and integrity, the principles and traditional concepts as laid down by great saints, bhagats, peers of various religions and faiths and Sikh Gurus off and during the evolution of the Sikh religion.

The martial mind, the discipline, the focus of the truth all elements of the MIND, the principles laid down for the warrior/practitioner/mankind is that the personality of ones self is a temporary alliance of wants and desires, (The material) and that life it self is no more than an illusion (The dream) , one can aspire to no greater heights than to die gloriously for the truth. To die is a metaphor which relates to all aspects of life from the daily duties as a citizen of a country , a noble, a peasant, a king, a parent, a soldier or a saint. The duties of the saint soldier has no margin in the way of life. The principles are all the same in any field and walk of life for all mankind. The prime objective, achieving a balance of the outer and inner elements. The ultimate, to die fighting in the field of battle.


"They alone are truly and fully live on this earth who remember the Lord and are ready to fight for the righteous cause. Brittle is our body; it does not last long. Let us use it and get into the boat of YASAS (nobly earned repute) and cross the ocean of repeated births and deaths. Let us make this body the residence of forbearance and fortitude and light in it the excellent lamp of wisdom. Let us there-after hold in our hands the sword of knowledge-realisation (Gnana) and bravely destroy with it, the demon of cowardice in us."
- Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji


"Khalsa lived poised in sword's sharp edge, and he kissed its cold steel. Indeed Iron had gone into his soul at his nativity. But it would be a great mistake to associate the Khalsa with the wanton wars and bloodshed. he took to the sword because of a crisis of conscience."
- Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji 

Gatka During Gurus' Period

• Baba Budha Ji who witnessed the period of Sikh history from Guru Nanak to Guru Hargobind trained an army of Sikhs, called the Akali Sena or Budha Dal in Gatka.

• 6th Guru., Shi Guru Hargobind Ji The sixth guru led a soldierly life to infuse the spirit of self respect & honour among the hapless peasants, habituated to living as slaves for centuries & exploited by the Mughal invaders. During his time Gatka warriors successfully defended the Golden Temple of Amritsar from a Mughal siege.

• 9th Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji was supposedly seen practising Gatka alone by the Mughal army, his speed and accuracy was both an alarming and surprising experience for them.

• 10th & last Guru. However the real lift of Gatka began in his son's time Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji who is and was described as the most perfect person on earth, as he was very intelligent and could speak and write a number of different languages with equal comfort. He was spiritually blessed by his father and had great athletic abilities. He was known as the greatest master of weaponry of his time and it is assured that he was taught Gatka by his father and his followers from a very young age. His ability was much admired by his army of followers and to this day the fact that he and his army fought and won so many battles against countless numbers of Mogul soldiers with a very limited amount of men and weapons, to this day leaves historians all over the world surprised.

• 10th master established the Khalsa (brotherhood) tradition, which unified the Sikh community into a powerful fighting force. He appended Ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur's teachings to Adi Granth. Thus updated Adi Granth, was given the formal socio spritual status of the 'ONLY Guru' for the entire HUMANITY for times to come, by him.

• The Sri Guru Granth Sahib on date is enlightening & guiding not only Sikhs of the world alone, but all other seekers as well on the path of Truthful Living. It radiates universal love for each other as nothing but Human Beings, under the unseen (but not unknown) control of One Lord TRUTH. Compilation of 'Sarab Loh Granth' and the 'Dasam Granth' are other two works of his times.

Gatka today

Since India's independence from colonial rule, gatka has been managed and promoted in India by the Panjab Gatka Association and the Gatka Federation of India. The latter organization formulated and standardized rules and regulations for gatka as a sport, and providing free training through seminars, workshops and camps under the new rules. The Panjab & Chandigarh Education Departments have introduced gatka into the school sports calendars in the state, while the School Games Federation Of India also incorporated gatka into the 56th national school games calendar 2011-2012. Once considered a primarily male domain, gatka is now commonly practiced by females as well. To promote and popularize the art outside India, the Asian Gatka Federation, Commonwealth Gatka Federation and World Gatka Federation have also been constituted. From 2011, the Panjabi University Patiala have started to host All India inter-varsity gatka championships annually.

Today gatka is most often showcased during Sikh festivals, as well as Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations in the Panjab. Gatka is one of the competitions held during an annual sporting event in the rural Indian city of Kila Raipur, and the Sikh community of Malaysia often holds gatka demonstrations during certain festivals. Once considered a diminishing art by UNESCO and SAARC, the intense and concerted efforts of these Gatka federations has popularized it amongst the students in north India.