techniquesof
sanatanhindusikh
shastarvidiya

Main reason why certain modern 'Gatkabaj', in the West seek out foreign arts is the lack of 'Platha' techniques in their Gatka. 

The greatest short-coming of modern Gatkabaj is lack of 'Pentra'.'Pentra' is defined by a modern Sikh dictionary thus:

'Pentra- position, posture, stance; strategy; strategic posture, tactical deployment.'
('Punjabi-English Dictionary', Pa595)

Pentra is the heart and soul of Sanatan Hindu Sikh Shastar Vidiya. As Sanatan Hindu Sikh Shastar Vidiya Gurdev, Akali Nihang Baba Mohinder Singh ji once explained:

'If your Pentra is complete. Your Gatka is complete.'
(Sanatan Hindu Sikh Shastar Vidiya Gurdev Akali Nihang Baba Mohinder Singh Ji)

Here, Akali Nihang Baba Mohinder Sikh refers to 'Chatka Gatka'.

Pentra in 'Chatka Gatka' refers to battle strategy, tactics and footwork (body movements). These encompass all scenarious - from the smaller hand-to-hand/one-on-one situation to all out war between entire nations. Jahir Gatka's greatest technical flaw is the total lack of 'Pentra'. Present day 'Jahir Gatka' knowledge only contains approximately 5%, if that, of the 'Mool Pentra' that exists within Sanatan Hindu Sikh Shastar Vidiya.

This 5% is flowered in various ways to make into a complete spectacle to entertain the ignorant. Concepts such as introducting ritualistic dancing, musical instruments, strobe lighting, blindfolds and non-Indian weapons are a common occurance. In India, many 'Gatkabaj' also attempt to mirror the skills of 'Baazigar', however, they fall short due to relevant training that accompanies these feats of balance, strength, agility and stamina.