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Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! Why is literature on Indian martial arts so rare? There are countless books on Chinese, Japanese and Korean martial arts, but probably only about 5 Kalaripayattu books, and only 4 Gatka books (two in English and two in Punjabi). The first Gatka book was published in 1936 by K. S. Akali. He refers to Gatka as a ‘sport’ and exponents as ‘players’. No association to Sikh warriorhood, etc. And the pentra doesn’t seem correct. Also, it only covers the soti; no dhal talvar, barcha, etc. Then there is Nanak Dev Singh Khalsa’s Gatka book written in the 1980s. It’s mixed with H3O-style yoga. I remember emailing the author directly back in 2000 to obtain his book, which I had read about in an old online Gatka article. He told me to forget about the book and gave me the mobile number of his new Ustad, named… Nidar Singh! In 2000, I travelled to India specifically to obtain books on Indian martial arts (previously could only find brief mentions of IMA in desi magazines and newspapers). In India, I came across large book markets. They had tons of books on school education, poetry, religion, but no Gatka books. Fortunately, though, as I was about to leave from a small store, the shopkeeper pointed to a dusty old book. He said it was titled “Lathi Shiksha”. It was an illustrated manual on quarterstaff fighting written in deep Hindi. Includes some mystical-seeming geometrical patterns. I assume they are the directions of stick-fighting forms. It was so fragile that the pages would break off if bended. No date on it, but could be from the 1940s or 50s. There is a short booklet called Shastar vidya, by Baba Gian Singh (published by Budha Dal). I believe it was first published decades ago. Most of it is full of warrior philosophy and martial verses from the Dasam Granth. There are some dagger-fighting descriptions towards the end. Then there is a 2017 book called “Shastra vidya: The Ancient Indian Martial Art of the Hindu Kshatriyas”. It’s got textual evidence (from Hindu scriptures, epics and treatises) and includes illustrations to go with the descriptions. It covers weapons like bhindipal, vajr, trishul, gada, mayukhi, dhanush, etc. But it’s not by Nidar Singh! I’m surprised Nidar Singh hasn’t brought out a book yet on Shastar vidya.

Wjkk wjkf. Is the environment more important to sikhs then to be thyar bar thyar (ready upon ready). Now it is no question every sikh, Whether they are a singh or singhni, should keep shastars on them, such as the kirpan which dasm patshah gave us, and encourage brothers and sisters to even buy a gun and be trained in the use of guns and other martial arts (including gatka). But the guru sahib also told us to keep and train in korsvari or horseback so we can use this skill in battle. The modern equivelant of a horse (because horses would be useless in todays conflicts)for battle would be a jeep. But the environmental impacts of the jeep from its emissions damage the earth and lead to global warming. So is it better to get a more fuel efficient vehicle and care for the environment and sacrafice staying thyar bar thyar with a jeep. An example of this is guru hargobind sahib ji and guru har rai sahib ji. Guru hargobind sab ji started miri piri making us saints and then soldiers. And as saints we should take care of our surrounding environment. Or the story of how guru har rai sahib jis palla hit and broke a rose head and guru hargobind sahib ji said play and walk carefully and do not destroy gods creation. I just wanted to know what the khalsa panth thought about this idea, should sikhs stay thyar bar thyar and get vehicles like jeeps even with the impact of the environment or should sikhs be more environmentally friendly with the sacrifice of being thyar bar thyar. Bulla chuka kehma muaf. Wjkk wjkf

VahiGurujikaKhalsaVahiGurujikiPat-h Elusive Fighting is on SKY Sikh Channel tonight between 7pm and 8pm. It will be part of the Sikh Organisation for Prisoner Welfare show. Students who attended the Fighting For Freedom seminars in order to raise money for our innocent Khalsa families illegally tortured and imprisoned in India, will be interviewed and the seminar video shown: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=334174250062645&set=vb.432861230092196&type=3&theater For those who don't have SKY, you can watch here: http://www.sikhchannel.tv/watchus/ Please find ways to get involved and help SOPW and help raise funds for our forgotten Heroes. It's fine celebrating and remembering Shaheeds at smagams etc, but let us not wait until our Heroes are dead to celebrate their bravery and good deeds, and indeed, let us focus our TIME AND EFFORTS MORE on trying to help and support those, and the families of those, that are still ALIVE. Anyone interested in learning with the School of Elusive Fighting please email: e l u s i v e f i g h t i n g @ g m a i l . c o m BhulChukMaakKarni Dhanvaad Ji

VahiGurujikaKhalsaVahiGurujikPat-h Come and enjoy a learn tradititional martial exercises and intelligent responses to street violence in a respectful and intellgent environment and do sangat with like minded Panthic indivuduals. Enjoy home made organic vegetarian food. Support your brothers and sisters, children of Dasmesh Pita, who are languishing in India's cruel jails. 100% of funds goes to Sikh Organisation for Prisoner Welfare. Send your name and contact number to H Singh on elusivefighting@gmail.com to book your places. ParmAtma Aap Ji Nu Dharam a te Khushiyan Bakshan Sri Akaal Ji Sahae

VahiGurujikaKhalsaVahiGurujikiPat-h Via the invite of a sangat in East London, Elusive Fighting will be holding an Intro Seminar THIS SUNDAY 4th August - 11am to 3.30pm for those who are looking to seriously learn the traditional 'fighting' arts. Our aim is to promote a 'martial culture' rather than provide simple MA tick box exercise, in that you will inherit and be able to pass on a 'thinking' or 'live' fighting culture to your next generation. This is not sport nor demo orientated. You will learn the art of the sword, stick, knife and hand to hand as per 'extant' fighting cultures. We will also show you how one set of principles is applicable to all scenarios. Kara and Sri Sahib use amongst many other weapons is also taught as per the schools transposable knowledge of the South East Asian Arts. We do not want window shoppers or 'comparors'. Call H Singh on 07967 638212 or email elusivefighting@gmail.com if you would like to attend, we will send you more details. Sri Akaal Ji Sahe

What does Elusive Fighting look like? Click here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=282012048612199&set=vb.432861230092196&type=2&theater Command of Guru Gobind Singh: “Daily, with complete love and concentration, train with (meditate on) your weapons” Confused...? When you hear stories of the old Khalsa being amazing warriors when comparing to the Khalsa you see today...? Are you ready to take the first step and develop Teeth and Claws which makes a Lion/Lioness true to their form? Develop the skills and confidence to defend yourself, your family and your Panth... For those NOT already learning a fighting art (our aim is not to poach or compete with others), if you have the following characteristics, you are invited to learn from the School of Elusive Fighting: Humility Politeness and respect (towards all people, all faiths and all jathebandiyan/sampryada) Dedication Passion Open Mindedness Courage Hard Work Ethic Discipline DISCRETION We teach armed and unarmed fighting based on principles derived from rare traditional fighting systems of South East Asia (predominantly, but not only, Filipino and Chinese). The Sword, Stick and Knife are the basic weapons students learn (we move on to many variations of these i.e. the short staff and fighting axe). We also teach use of the Kara based on elusive fighting. The principles to use each or a combination of the above are one and the same, in essence, the art is very simple, the devil lies in the detail. Footwork, evasion, positioning, fast take downs, nerve/muscle/bone manipulation, multiple opponent and weapons strategies, and internal power generation are the core principles of the art. Street psychology, awareness and the practice of street scenario applications is an integral part of the learning. You will also learn old school traditional fighting exercises to develop fighting energy, fighting flexibility and fighting movement. We specialise in escapes from grabs and hold ups, so this art is highly suitable for females. The art does not rely on the training of strength and speed, but more so, on body mechanics and timing. The classes are kept small and operate as family environments, so full respect for all students is assured. No type of bad behaviour (in or outside of class) is tolerated. Commitment of 1 class a week is required. This means making the class your priority, and re-arranging other social and work issues. This is not a 'MA tick box' or Hobbyist class. It is for serious students only, who wan to invest in a martial inheritance and pass it on to the next generation. Currently classes are held on Saturdays in South London, Hayes and Coventry. We are looking to set up a class in East London once we have enough interest. Central London (London Bridge) classes for Women are held on Wednesday evenings and for Men on Thursday evenings. There is no modern teaching structure i.e. belt/grading system, nor are there any competitions (this is not a sport). Classes are taught using old school methods, very relaxed yet focused atmosphere, and learning is organic (natural). Progress is purely dependant on the students practice. The Teachers aim is not to keep paying students for 20 years, but to teach as quick as the student is willing to learn (with quality). We are not affiliated to any cults, MA school/society, controversial personality or jathebandi. If you are DEADLY SERIOUS and interested in learning, then kindly let us know a little about yourself, your previous martial arts experience and why you would like to learn from us. Drop us an email on: elusivefighting@gmail.com. Please do not contact us ‘out of interest’. We are only interested in speaking to those who are ‘ready’ to commit and learn. Dhanvaad Daas H Singh Click here for INSPIRATION: http://www.facebook.com/ElusiveFighter This is the battle of life, the Dharam Yudh for which we should always be prepared. Only those who succeed in their own battle (life), can fight other battles of Dharma, physically (external) and mentally (internal) and attain temporal and spiritual glory. Only such a soul has the right to wear and handle the sword of Guru Gobind Singh, and become his Holy Soldier, the Khalsa. None else, none else.” ~ Guru Gobind Singh ~

The Guru has ordained that his Khalsa learns the art of fighting. Singhs today have lost their fearsome reputation as 'Men of Action'. Are you ready to step up and develop Teeth and Claws which makes a Lion/Lioness true to their form? Develop the skills and confidence to defend yourself, your family and your Panth... For those NOT already learning a fighting art (our aim is not to poach or compete with others), if you have the following characteristics, you are invited to learn from the School of Elusive Fighting: Humility Politeness and respect (towards people, all faiths and all jathebandiyan/sampryada) Dedication Passion Open Mindedness Courage Hard Work Ethic Discipline DISCRETION We teach armed and unarmed fighting based on principles derived from various traditional/family fighting systems of South East Asia (predominantly, but not only, Filipino and Chinese). The Sword, Stick/Salotar, Knife are the basic weapons students learn (we move on many variations of these i.e. the fighting tabbar/axe). We also teach use of the Kara based on the same principles. The principles to use each or a combination of the above are one and the same, in essence, the art is very simple, the devil lies in the detail. Footwork, evasion, positioning, fast take downs, multiple opponent strategy and internal power generation are the core principles of the art. Street psychology and awareness and the practice of street scenario applications is also an important aspect. You will also learn old school traditional fighting exercises to develop fighting energy, fighting flexibility and fighting movement. We specialise in escapes from grabs and hold ups, so this art is highly suitable for bibiyan/females. The art does not rely on the training of strength and speed, but more so, body mechanics and timing. The classes are kept small and operate as family environments, so full respect for all students is assured. No type of bad behaviour is tolerated. If you are DEADLY SERIOUS and interested in learning, then drop us an email on elusivefighting@gmail.com please do not post any questions here. Please do not contact us ‘out of interest’. We are only interested in speaking to those who are ‘ready’ to commit and learn. Commitment of 1 class a week is required. This means making the class your priority, and re-arranging other social and work issues. This is not a 'MA tick box' or Hobbyist class. It is for serious students only, who wan to invest in a martial inheritance and pass it on to the next generation. Classes are held on Saturdays in South London, Hayes and Coventry. Central London (London Bridge) classes are held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings (separate for Men and Women). There is no modern teaching structure i.e. belt/grading system, nor are there any competitions (this is not a sport). Classes are taught using old school methods, very relaxed yet focused atmosphere, and learning is organic (natural). Progress is purely dependant on the students practice. The Teachers aim is not to keep paying students for 20 years, but to teach as quick as the student learns (with quality). We are not affiliated to any cults, MA school/society, controversial personalities/charities or jathebandi. Contact elusivefighting@gmail.com in the 1st instance. Dhanvaad. This is the battle of life, the Dharam Yudh for which we should always be prepared. Only those who succeed in their own battle (life), can fight other battles of Dharma, physically (external) and mentally (internal) and attain temporal and spiritual glory. Only such a soul has the right to wear and handle the sword of Guru Gobind Singh, and become his Holy Soldier, the Khalsa. None else, none else.” ~ Guru Gobind Singh ~

Martial Arts - Combat - Self Defence Classes: Classes are held on Saturdays in South London, Hayes and Coventry. Central London (London Bridge) classes are held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings (separate for Men and Women). The Guru has ordained that his Khalsa learns the art of fighting. Singhs today have lost their fearsome reputation as 'Men of Action'. Are you ready to step up and develop Teeth and Claws which makes a Lion/Lioness true to their form? Develop the skills and confidence to defend yourself, your family and your Panth... For those NOT already learning a fighting art (our aim is not to poach or compete with others), if you have the following characteristics, you are invited to learn from the School of Elusive Fighting: Humility Politeness and respect (towards people, all faiths and all jathebandiyan/sampryada) Dedication Passion Open Mindedness Courage Hard Work Ethic Discipline DISCRETION We teach armed and unarmed fighting based on principles derived from various traditional/family fighting systems of South East Asia (predominantly, but not only, Filipino and Chinese). The Sword, Stick/Salotar, Knife are the basic weapons students learn (we move on many variations of these i.e. the fighting tabbar/axe). We also teach use of the Kara based on the same principles. The principles to use each or a combination of the above are one and the same, in essence, the art is very simple, the devil lies in the detail. Footwork, evasion, positioning, fast take downs, multiple opponent strategy and internal power generation are the core principles of the art. Street psychology and awareness and the practice of street scenario applications is also an important aspect. You will also learn old school traditional fighting exercises to develop fighting energy, fighting flexibility and fighting movement. We specialise in escapes from grabs and hold ups, so this art is highly suitable for bibiyan/females. The art does not rely on the training of strength and speed, but more so, body mechanics and timing. The classes are kept small and operate as family environments, so full respect for all students is assured. No type of bad behaviour is tolerated. If you are DEADLY SERIOUS and interested in learning, then drop us an email on elusivefighting@gmail.com please do not post any questions here. Please do not contact us ‘out of interest’. We are only interested in speaking to those who are ‘ready’ to commit and learn. Commitment of 1 class a week is required. This means making the class your priority, and re-arranging other social and work issues. This is not a 'MA tick box' or Hobbyist class. It is for serious students only, who wan to invest in a martial inheritance and pass it on to the next generation. Classes are held on Saturdays in South London, Hayes and Coventry. Central London (London Bridge) classes are held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings (separate for Men and Women). There is no modern teaching structure i.e. belt/grading system, nor are there any competitions (this is not a sport). Classes are taught using old school methods, very relaxed yet focused atmosphere, and learning is organic (natural). Progress is purely dependant on the students practice. The Teachers aim is not to keep paying students for 20 years, but to teach as quick as the student learns (with quality). We are not affiliated to any cults, MA school/society, controversial personalities/charities or jathebandi. Contact elusivefighting@gmail.com in the 1st instance. Dhanvaad. This is the battle of life, the Dharam Yudh for which we should always be prepared. Only those who succeed in their own battle (life), can fight other battles of Dharma, physically (external) and mentally (internal) and attain temporal and spiritual glory. Only such a soul has the right to wear and handle the sword of Guru Gobind Singh, and become his Holy Soldier, the Khalsa. None else, none else.” ~ Guru Gobind Singh ~

Wahegurujikakhalsawahegurujikifateh What are the top 10 shasters you would have in your shaster arsenal and why? Wahegurujikakhalsawahegurujikifateh

Vahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa Vahe Guru Ji Ki Fat-h Daughters of Shamshere Pita, in this age of darkness, where women are being exploited and abused worldwide, ensure you have the skills, heart, psychology and knowledge to give yourselves a fighting chance should God forbid, you ever face violence. We run a class specifically for Ladies on Wednesday evenings near London Bridge - 5.30pm to 8.00pm. We also have a class in West London on Saturdays. Train with other intelligent, respectful and like minded Ladies. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=197087130438025&set=vb.432861230092196&type=2&theater Below is a little more info: Learn how to protect self on the street using the intricate wisdom of the ancient battlefield arts of South East Asia. We are now welcoming a limited amount of new students for the start of 2013. Develop: spatial awareness, manipulative and fluid footwork, evasive movement, escape tactics from all types of holds/grabs, disarming knives/sticks/dangerous objects, striking with maximum efficiency and devastating impact, street awareness, surprise tactics and real fight psychology. Avoid – hours on exercises which do not help your fighting ability, competition mindset, obsession with certificates and belts, promises that ‘your’ martial art is the best, cultish martial arts environments and McDojo’s which invent ways to keep you as paying students for 20 years. You will learn one predominant style of fighting which will teach you to use the sword, stick and hand in using one set of principles. You will practice drills and exercises which will improve your; ambidexterity, balance, timing, response/reflexes, judgement, intelligent anticipation, monitoring of the opponent, understanding of body mechanics, correct breathing, internal energy generation, fighting strength and peripheral vision. Later you will be introduced to some rare Chinese fighting styles to increase your unique repertoire and fighting ability. The first half of each class focuses on the progressive learning of the traditional skills i.e. sword and stick arts alongside fighting skills, whilst the second half of each class focuses on real life scenarios and applications for the street. The class is kept small to increase one to one learning and ensure that only students of a respectful and focused nature can learn and progress together. The class is informal, friendly and students help each other. Learning is organic and occurs at the students own pace as there is no pressure of gradings/testing and expectation of competing in competitions. E-mail elusivefighting@gmail.com for more information.