“Gatka is a Sikh martial art and traditionally it is believed that its theory and techniques were taught by the Gurus. It has been handed down in an unbroken lineage of ustāds (masters), and taught in many akhāṛās (arenas) around the world. One must note that gatka was employed in historical Sikh wars and has been thoroughly battle-tested.
It originates from the need to defend dharam (righteousness), but is also based on the unification of the spirit and body (mīrī-pīrī). It is, therefore, generally considered to be both a spiritual and physical practice.”
-Oxford Handbook of Sikh Studies
Gatka, a Sikh martial art, can be dated back to the 15th century and nowadays, it is an act of leisure or even a sport for people of all ages and genders. In this project, which is titled “Miri Piri (The Spirit and The Body)”, I am using photography and video to look at how this tradition has evolved and who keeps it alive. Every Sunday there are Gatka classes held at Jot Parkash Gurdwara, in Brampton. The Misl Shaheedan Gatka Akhara Damdami Taksal hosts the classes. They start with kids classes from 5- 6:30pm, followed by adult classes from 6:30- 8pm. Every week the same group of people, the same kids and the same instructors gather together to refine their skills and to learn new ones. They gather to refine their skills and learn new advanced movements. They also come together to learn more than just the physical aspects of Gatka but also the history and spiritual aspects too. All of which are equally important to the art of Gatka.
After attending a few classes, I quickly realised this was more than just classes, it was a community. The instructors were passionate about teaching and the kids were excited to learn. Spending time week after week in this community and space allowed me to speak to instructors and students on a more intimate level. By having regular conversations, I was able to understand what Gatka means to the people there and why they choose to learn it. There are many people dedicated to keeping this practice alive and I hope my project can contribute to that as well.
