Punjabi Gatka

Punjabi Gatka

(Please note this article is for information only and no way of preaching voilance or any illegal activity)

Gatka is the traditional martial art of the Punjab. It is based on the basic principle of unification of the mind, body and spirit in a rhythm of life to train a  person to be able to defend him or herself.

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

The first equipment that a learner will use is a stick normally made out of bamboo, sometimes called a Dang, a Sota, a Danda and 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 weapons (shastars) as 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, chura, Standard, Burchee 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, clarity 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 dastars or pug (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' (mota sota) (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 tay Mota Sota' (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 tay 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 tay Mota Sota', cudgel, truncheon and club. The word Gatka is of Punjabi 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 Punjabi or 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 or hatheen (hand-to-hand) weapons. The foundation of the art is the Pantra 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 Pantra. This is a balance and co-ordination exercise and is to be practiced 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 Pantra dexterity exercises. Many weapons are taught with special methodologies, in addition to the Pantra 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 pantra 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 pantra exercise is practiced at the same time as the prayer or Jaap Sahib Bani 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 Punjabis or 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, it’s 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 religious 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.

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 practicing 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 Shastars (Weapons)

Below is a list of some common Shastars (Weapons) used in Gatka:

    Barcha — The spear is a long shafted weapon and has a hook at the spearhead used to pull away the opponent's shield.

    Chakram - The chakram is a flat steel ring, five to 12 inches in diameter, from half an inch to an inch and a half wide, and with a sharp outer edge. While not being used, it is carried "fixed" to the Turban. Several of different sizes were often carried on a pointed turban, the "dastar ungaa" or behind the back. It is held between the thumb and index finger and thrown towards the opponent with an underhand flick. Thrown with sufficient force and accuracy it can cut off a green bamboo three-quarter of an inch in diameter at a distance of thirty yards.

    Dahl or Shield. It is nearly always round and varies in diameter from about eight inches to about twenty-four. Some are very nearly flat while others are strongly convex. The edges may be flat or rolled back in the reverse curvature of the shield. It is held by two handles fastened to ring bolds that pass through the shield and are riveted to bosses on the outside, sometimes formed to spikes. Between the handles there is a square cushion for the knuckles to rest against. The handles are so placed that, when tightly grasped, they force the backs of the fingers against the cushion giving a very firm and comfortable hold. These shields are nearly always of steel or leather.

    Gurj or Mace: Indian maces have great variations in their shape. From simply curved steel bars to Persian influenced maces with openings in the head which gives a whistling sound when the blow was struck to plane massive heads. They often have guard hilts like the Khanda

    Katar - The Katar is a double-edged and straight bladed dagger used to pierce armour. The handle has two sidebars to provide protection and a better grip.

    Khanda - This is a typical Indian sword and has a broad, straight blade, usually widening towards the point, which is blunt. Sometimes it is also double-edged.

    Kirpan - The Kirpan is a short curved dagger and all Sikhs are required to carry it by tradition.

    Lathi - The lathi or quarterstaff is a wooden stick as tall as the warrior and made of oak.

    Marati - Training device: The Marati is a bamboo stick with wooden or cloth balls on its ends. It is mainly used for training purposes but there are variations with blades or burning cloth on its ends, to attack and distract elephants and for psychological warfare.

    Soti - This is made from fire hardened bamboo or ratan, 1m long and usually has a hand guard. It is mainly used for practice and "playing Gatka", the training fight. For combat they were replaced by oak ore ironwood sticks, without hand guards.

    Tapar - The battle-axe is very distinct from the normal axe and sometimes has a dagger concealed in the handle.

    Talwar - The sword is usually curved with a thin and sharp blade. The Talwar is greatly respected and treated with care.

    Tir Kaman - The bow (arch) and arrow is a potent weapon. The arrow is made of steel heads with reed shafts. The bow (arch) is also composite and made of layers of wood and steel.

    Chakar - The Chakar looks like a wagon wheel with weights at the end of each spoke. The chakar is wielded by grasping the centre and spinning it around, causing damage upon anyone coming too close to the spinning weights.

History,

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. Traditional Sikhs called Nihangs, who stand by their outlook & attire of Gurus' times to this day, have carefully preserved this grand martial tradition. They are generally nomadic and are fully trained in Gatka, which they perform at fairs. This art is taught at Gurdwaras with the aim of keeping alive the historically prized soldierly spirit of Sikh Society.

The ninth 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. 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.

As far as the Sikhs can recall Gatka goes back to about 1200 years, but some say it goes back a lot further? In the past few centuries, Gatka has mainly been practiced in India by the Nihang Singhs, who are Sikhs who believe in the importance of preserving the type of dress (Bana) and weaponry as was worn by the Gurus. Their history is not very well known.

External Links

http://www.gatka.de/

http://www.gatka.co.uk/index.htm

http://hathka-gatka.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/index.jhtml

http://www.punjabgatkaassociation.com/

http://www.internationalgatka.org/

http://www.gatka.eu/

http://www.flickr.com/groups/gatka/