Gatka is a martial art from the North of India practised by the Sikhs. It is intended to harmonize mind, body and spirit. Originally, most Sikhs were farmers and they had to be able to defend themselves with simple tools, used in everyday life. Gatka is based on the Indian martial art Shastar Vidyaa (Shastar = weapon, Vidyaa = essence/art). The origins can be traced back as far as 7000 years. Shastar Vidyaa stems from old Indian traditions like ayurveda or yoga. Gatka is one of the 64 arts of the old vedic philosophical tradition. Unlike other martial arts Gatka also relates to the female part in us (Chandi). Its power and skills express themselves in almost dance-like, flowing movements.

The Sikhs were well-known for their martial art. They combined Gatka with spiritual practices.

Nanak Dev Singh as Gatka Rider

In Gatka balance, rhythm, breathing and meditation are trained. Right-handers are trained left-handedly and vice-versa, which means the halves of the brain are adjusted. If you practise Gatka regularly your body will be tempered and flexible, your spirit will be focussed in the present.

Origin of Gatka

Gatka is commonly referred to as an Indian Martial art. Specifically Gatka refers to the martial art used by the Sikhs of northern India. Actually Gatka is the name of a stick used to practice sword fighting. The word Gatka is a slang expression coined in the nineteen hundreds to describe a number of stick, staff and sword styles made for use in public demonstration. Much of the Gatka forms practiced today are Europeanized versions of segments of what was the original martial art of India known as Shastar Vidyaa.