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Summary of Question:	Gatka
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 4/23/2002 8:08 PM MDT

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa

Waheguru ji ki Fateh

I have read into Gatka web searches and have learned a lot of things.

I was wondering is there a self defense technique in sikhi that does not involve any weapon, but the use of your body alone, for example like Karate or Kung Fu. If not, can we ( the Khalsa Panth) develop a self defence system based on the "empty hand" ?

The reason I am asking is because I feel that self defense such as Karate or Kung Fu is more universal form of defence. You may not have a weapon with you on person at all times. Or lets say that your Kirpan is too small or falls when fighting. And another thing is that before the invention of gun powder and guns, people used weapons like swords, spears etc, however, in the present time warfare is conducted in the sphere of technology. Weapons like guns, missiles, to fighters and satellites etc.

Presently the Sikh Nation fought (would fight) through guerilla warfare tactics. I know this sounds really crazy but in the future what ways will we be defending ourselves, and what methods will we be using and will develop? I am NOT saying we set up guerilla warfare training camps at our Gurdwaras.
I guess what I am trying to say is that Gatka won't be useful when fighting against convetional armies in the future. And when in close combat self defense against just one opponent, won't it be better to carry a gun?

Please enlighten me.

If possible can you please put this question into the discussion forum, I would like to know what everyone else thinks. Thanks.

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa
Waheguru ji ki Fateh

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Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa.
Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh.

Wow. That's a lot-I guess you're seriously thinking about the security of the Panth, which is an understandable use of a young warrior's mind.

To your first question about hand-to-hand martial art in Sikhi.

There is a HIGHLY controversial form taught by a Sikh man in London named Nirdair Singh. It is called: Chatca Gatka. It is without weapons and focused on hand-to-hand combat in a battle field so it is very intense. There is a lot of controversy around this form, and nothing definite has been settled, but one argument says this form came through the Nihung tradition.

As to modern warfare. This is a question that faces all of humanity. As smart as we are, we have developed so many ways to engage war that we are in danger of destroying the entire planet through nuclear and biochemical weapons. So what does it mean to be a warrior in the 21st century? That is something to meditate upon and ask Guru for guidance on. There way be many ways to insure the security of the Panth that do not involve weapons, at all. Becoming involved in politics and fighting for equal rights, for instance. Or becoming an entrepenuer and creating jobs for your community. The fights that have to be fought in the 21st century stretch from the marketplace to the governments and, in reality, the battle field is the last place we want to go because of the sheer destructive magnitude of the weapons.

So why study Gatka? Guru gave us an incredible gift in the form of Gatka, because gatka is a self-discipline, a self-training. Even if you never use it for practical battles, it will train you to see yourself differently, and interact with the world differently. It is a very subtle, and beautiful art that gives you strength, grace, fearlessness and power. Engage the battle in the marketplace by day, practice gatka by night. The swords have a lot to teach us.

PS. I will ask the discussion moderators to post your question in the discussion forum.

Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa.
Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh.

GPK