Requirements for a Gatka Student
There are four major interlinking areas that require development for any Gatka
practitioner: Physical; Technical; Mental; Spiritual.
Physical
Gatka is not overly demanding in terms of physical strength, which allows
women and children to be equals in its practice. One must have strong stamina and flexibility, but muscular strength is not a requirement. The secret of Gatka technique lies in its free and flowing movement, hence the need for flexibility and stamina.
Techincal
Gatka technique is not difficult to pick up - there are relatively few set
movements which a student encounters in the initial stages. It is for this reason that
Gatka was easily picked up by the young warriors of the past and used effectively in battle.
Advanced students do also practice the set movement techniques, but since the techniques
quickly manifest themselves in the students' natural movement patterns it is not necessary
to continually cover the same ground. It is important for any martial artist to manifest
the technique of their art into their natural movement in order for the art to be fully
utilised when needed.
Mental
For advanced students, more importance is placed on achieving mental stability
and alertness. Good physical conditioning and technique are of little use if one is not
mentally prepared for the challenges one faces during a fight situation. A student's mind
must be competely focussed on the task at hand, free of all irrelevant worries, desires, concerns
and hopes.
A good Gatka practitioner is often spotted by the nature of his or her personality and
attitude. Ego has no place in the mind of a warrior, it is a disabling virus. Complete
surrender of the mind (to God) must occur before the ills of the mind can be cleared.
Morally, one must be of high standards so that one feels confident and compassionate
during an encounter.
Spiritual
Mind conditioning can only take one so far - thereafter spiritual practice is
essential to completely calm and enhance the mind, allowing for faster processing
of information that is received via the five senses and instincts. Spiritually, the
practice of Sikh teachings is encouraged in order to achieve the greatest strength of
spirit. Elated spirits helps one to fight courageously. Previously unknown techniques
manifest themselves in the art of the warrior whose spirits run high towards the ultimate
Spirit of God.
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