Gatka
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Gatka is a traditional Sikh martial art. It is largely weapon-based. The three primary types of weapon are:
Gatka's origins are not certain. What is clear is that it emerged formally from its original birthplace in the Punjab region of northern India during the times of the 6th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Hargobind Sahib (early 17th century), who learned and instructed his Sikhs to learn the martial art. However, Gatka existed long before then. Some have said that Gatka is the original grandparent of all modern martial arts which came out of northern India towards China (although this is not commonly taught outside of Gatka).
The Sikhs mastered Gatka and perfected its use in battle. Many hundreds, if not thousands, of battles were decisively won by the Sikhs, despite often being outnumbered. The techniques within Gatka were combined with the spiritual practices of the Sikhs to create a complete fighting system. Opposing forces are documented to have cursed the Sikhs.
The Sikhs actively used Gatka in warfare for over 200 years, until they finally enjoyed peace under their own rule, free from the Mughal Empire. Since then, Gatka has been passed down as a tradition amongst the Sikh generations. With the emigration of Sikhs to western countries such as the UK, Gatka has grown again in the hearts and minds of the new generation of Sikhs. Now, in the 21st century, martial artists in the West are slowly beginning to recognize Gatka and enquire about it.
External links
- International Gatka Federation (IGF) (http://www.gatka.de/)
- International Gatka Organisation (IGO) (http://www.internationalgatka.org/)
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