techniquesof
sanatanhindusikh
shastarvidiya

The various skills of combat that are found within Sanatan Hindu Sikh Shastar Vidiya include 'Platha'.

This is the traditional name given to 'unarmed' combat - but in actuality it is not entirely unarmed in the western martial sense. In the writings of Bhai Chaupa Singh, an attendant of Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh there is given some advice to Sikh warriors:

'The Sikh of the Guru will not fight with hands and feet [Unarmed combat] with anyone. Let him look out for the honor of his long hair.'
('Rehitnameh', edited by Piara Singh Padam, Pa. 89)

The Khalsa warriors of old were fully aware that in close-quarter hand-to-hand combat, long uncut hair could prove disadvantageous. The hair could provide additional grappling/manipulation aids by which an opponent could destroy him.

As such, it has to be appreciated when the ancient warriors fought what is termed 'unarmed combat', a 'Bagh Naka' for close quarter combat grappling was employed in left hand together with a 'Kara' for striking the 'Marma'.

These two 'Platha' weapons the Akali Nihang Singh Khalsa is expected to wear at ALL times.