techniquesof
sanatanhindusikh
shastarvidiya

Gatka competitions breed individuals that are grossly lacking in combat skills, who are egoistic individuals that convince themselves that they are the Guru's warrior par-excellence.

The crowds assist in massaging the already inflated ego of the Gatka players.

It has to be noted that these same light hits and flicks are generally ignored in real 'Chatka Gatka' and are term 'Cham Mas'. Proper Khalsa Sanatan Hindu Sikh Shastar Vidiya, 'Hadh Torh' competitions, suit the aggressive martial mind set of the ancient Khalsa warrior Nihang Singhs who are competent in 'Chatka Vidiya'. Only such competitions truly test the combat effectiveness of Khalsa training.

There is no disputing/bickering in such competitions as one competitor is left standing – the other in no position to continue fighting. To this day, practitioners of Chatka feel demeaned/ashamed should they enter any contest that is not 'Hadh Torh'. It is like offering pureed vegetables to a carnivore, or a stick of celery being given to a 'Singh' (tiger)!

An ancient Akali Nihang saying beautifully describes how a Khalsa warrior should conduct himself:

'What should a 'Shastardhar' Singh be?
Like a hungry tiger prowling the jungle.'