techniquesof
sanatanhindusikh
shastarvidiya

The traditional Hindu Sikh unarmed combat is divided into two main categories - 'Musht Yudh' and 'Mall Yudh'.

These are described as:

1) 'Musht Yudh'
Literally means 'Fist (musht) combat (yudh)'. The general meaning of Musht Yudh is unarmed 'Marma' striking techniques. Marman are struck utilising various techniques employing varieties of different fists, open hand strikes, finger jabs, elbows, knees, kicks etc.

2) 'Mall Yudh'
This is name given to grappling, joint-breaking, flesh-tearing, biting and choking techniques.

Bhai Ranjit Singh, a one time student of Sanatan Hindu Sikh Shastar Vidiya speaks of 'Platha' thus:

'Platha is fighting without weapons. Without weapons hand-to-hand as I have shown to disarm some one's weapon, they are all techniques of Platha. All techniques of Platha, all stratagem of Platha are to disarm someone. If you do not have a weapon and an armed opponent is coming, then disarm him. If then you desire not to engage with a weapon, then throw the weapon aside. Fight him hand-to-hand take hold of him. Your total fighting art is only then complete if you know everything. If you do not know Platha for instance, your weapon brakes in battle, what will you do then? Concede defeat, get beaten or die? Platha is also essential as Shastar Vidiya. The Pentra of Platha is essential. You must have all the skills only then is your fighting art complete.'
(Bhai Ranjit Singh, transcript of interview, 4th March 2001)