gatka
themodern
sikhmartialart?

Warriors able to participate in 'Dand Yudh' were of the highest calibre – exceptional amongst warriors.

The warrior selected as most competent to defend the honour of his King, through 'Dand Yudh', wielding his chosen weapon in free play would move to the center of the battlefield. As he progressed towards the center, he made gestures of insult to the opposing army, and then turned around to his own King and army and made salutations and gestures of submission. The form, grace and elegance of his gestures would reveal his competency with weapons/footwork/timing/agility, etc.

In addition to this, the warrior would cycle through various distinct 'Mudra'. According to Indian tradition, all wars and battles are watched by various heavenly dieties and attaining their favours through salutations may mean the difference between victory and defeat.

As he got within the enemy's hearing range, the 'Dand Yodha' would speak of his warrior Gurdev 'Parampara', whilst issuing challenges and shouting insults to the enemy. The opposing King seeing all this and gauging the opposing Dand Yodha's skill and strength selected a competent warrior from amongst his own soldiers and sent him out to answer the challenge of the enemy.

The opposing warrior, in a similar manner to his opponent, set of dancing ritualistic steps and wielding his chosen weapon. He saluted his own and insulted the enemy.