techniquesof
sanatanhindusikh
shastarvidiya

Early last century, Akali Nihang Singhs greatly deride martially futile competitions such as those seen within the world of Gatka.

Nihang Pritam Singh who up to that point had been practicing the sport form of Gatka, speaking of the great Sanatan Hindu Sikh Shastar Vidiya Gurdev Baba Giana Singh's attitude towards such competitions commented:

'He [Baba Giana Singh] told us just one thing - this 'Vidiya' is not just for playing, but it is warfare. That player who strikes the other players nose is the groom, and all others are as if wedding party guests. Placing that [Chatka] Vidiya ahead of all others I decreased all my other Vidiya and began to learn the battlefield arts.'
(Nihang Pritam Singh, transcript of interview, 1999)

Historical evidence testifies to the vicious nature of sparring within Sanatan Hindu Sikh Shastar Vidiya. In the 'Rehitnama' attributed to Bhai Chaupa Singh, it is made quite clear that Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh approved of Khalsa warriors who in training received wounds on the face:

'He who was with long hair, the master [Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh], greatly increased his honor. He who came with weapons bound, and greatly honored them. He who had wounds on his face he the Guru praised.'
('Rehitnameh', Piara Singh Padam, Pa. 103)

In contrast, the soft and almost child-like 'Jahir Gatka' competitions undermine the principles of 'Chatka' (killing with one swift blow). Such competitions breed weak, egoistical and self-delushioned warriors that have NO place in the Khalsa 'Dal'. Any warrior who does not train for true combat will be weak in combat. Considering that within 'Jahir Gatka' competitions only utilise 'Mansui' weapons and where combat is constrained, it can be easily concluded why this type of competition only produces weak individuals (the term 'warrior' should not be synonymous with a 'Gatkabaj').

One should not forget the combat-castrating rules that accompany Gatka that are martially disgraceful. Any person, without any training whatsoever can swing a 'Gatka' stick in an entertaining manner. In fact, he/she may become better at swinging a stick should they steer clear of any Gatka 'Ustad'!

After all, entering such into 'Gatka' competitions, guarantees that no real serious harm can come to them - and most of these competitors lack self-discipline. Their inherent lack of ability to land decisive blows, results in a flurry of light taps or touches. These events usually end with a good many disputes but are resolved with a final hug or handshake.