SOTI TRAINING

for Beginner's

by ajnasingh
Welcome to the world of Gatka!

If you are new to this dynamic martial art this Pdf is an attempt at presenting a complex

and awesome martial art that can make a difference in your life.

The martial art of Gatka helps to find Focus in a world of digital distractions.

Keeping the mind sharp , the body fit and the spirit unshakable, all in keeping with it's

connection to rich history of Sikh Warrior tradition ( real combat ) . Gatka has

adapted to modern times because of it's relevance and versatility.

But you must practice regularly. Sorry ! NO FREE PASS

Previously in the other 2 Pdf's:

I st Pdf : Gatka for Beginner's ( Single Marati ) and 2 nd Pdf: Gatka Pantra

Basic principles of Gatka Training ( Posture, Warm ups...)

Importance of mastering the Basic Pantra:

Right foot stays and moves on White squares, Left foot stays and moves on Black
squares, throughout the Basic Pantra . If this doesn't make any sense, go back to the
beginning ( Gatka Pantra Pdf ) and practice, until it becomes second nature. It is the
necessary foundation.
How to spin the Marhatti ( Gatka Training Stick ) was introduced . Importance of

FIGURE " 8 " sideways

forward or reverse movement for dynamic flow.

Activating your Gatka Sphere by the spinning of the Marhatti, in simple patterns...

In this Pdf we will learn how to make your own Soti (Gatka Practice Sword) for Gatka
Training , and introduction to simple and basic exercises using your Soti.

Now we transition from :

MARHATTI ( Training Stick ) to SOTI ( Training Sword )

The Marhatti has 2 ends that spins in circles and spirals. The Soti being a sword does
not spin but swings in diagonal and circular motion, cutting and slashing moves and
also direct thrusts ( jab ).
The Gatka wooden sword "Soti", is considered a weapon and treated as such, with
reverence and respect. It is not a "toy" but a martial art sword made of wood (bamboo).
It is a weapon , that can inflict pain, unlike the marhatti.

STICKS ( wood / Gatka) to replace Swords ( metal / Shastar Vidya : the Science of
metal weapons that can kill, art of WAR )

Just like the deadly Katana of ancient Japan was replaced with the Bokken ( aikido
wooden sword ) and Shinai ( Kendo wooden sword ), so the metal swords in India were
replaced by the Soti for training. Less lethal, and more acceptable in a civilian
population, and in times of relative Peace.
That is why the non-agressive art of aikido was created by Uyeshiba O-Sensei out of
the old traditional combat arts that existed prior. Mellowing the "martial way" to "martial
art" for modern times.

However the techniques are the same when using a wooden sword .

Why bamboo?

Bamboo is a naturally strong and light, and has the advantage of absorbing impact of
hits. Won' t break too easily. The Kendo Shinai is made of 4 strips of bamboo tied
together, giving it bounce and strenght .
 First a look at traditional Gatka SOTIS (made in India)
Usual lenght 36-39 inches. With soft cloth handguard.
The SOTIS are for Gatka Practice ( Wooden Sword sparring )

Inside look of SOTI handguard.

A. Bamboo Stick B. Bamboo sword. C. Gatka Soti

Necessary supplies: Bamboo Stick ( 36 - 39 inches lenght, 3/4 or 7/8 inches diameter )

Simple , easy to find materials to create a great Practice Sword for Gatka.
1. Old clean blue jeans
2. Cut 2 strips of 5 " X 10 " from jean pant leg.
3. Cut thick foam to 4 3/4" X 9 3/4"
4. Scissors
5. Measuring Tape
6. Foil Tape (for tip of sword)
7. Black electrical tape ( red electrical tape missing from photo)
8. Flexible plastic lid ( honey or yogurt lid...) cut 4 inches diameter ,"X" cut in center
9. Small ruler for measuring
10. Utility Knife for cuttting tape
11. Duct Tape cut in 12 leghtwise forming 2 strips.
12. Strong needle and thread (not shown) to stich edges of jean pouch.

Do It Yourself (DIY), save money, customize your Soti the way you want. Easy to repair.
 SOTI (Gatka wooden sword)

1. Bamboo stick lenght 37 1/2 " X width 7/8 " (from Hardware store)
2. Plastic handguard made of recycled lid of Honey container ( flexible plastic ) 3 1/2 "
3. Duct Tape cut in 1/2 lenghtwise and wound around bamboo each side of Plastic lid
4. Red Electrical Tape spun around , thicker in the middle for Pummel ( for good grip )
5. Black Electrical Tape wound to form the end of the handle of the SOTI
6. Metallic Tape to define tip of Soti ( visual aid in practice)
For " FULL - ON " sparring, you will need a better handguard similar to the traditional
ones in India, to cushion and protect hand and knuckles ).

Making the handguard pouch .

Which goes over the bamboo sword, actually the bamboo sword is inserted in the 2
holes of the jean pouch , turning it into your very own Gatka Soti .

Cut 2 peices of jean material 10 " x 5 " .

Cut 1 or 2 peices of flexible Hard foam 1/4 inch smaller on all side 9 3/4" X 6 3/4 "
 Place the layer of hard flexible foam sandwiched in between 2 layers of
of recycled old cotton jean material . Stitch at 2 inch intervals

Then cutting 2 circles through both ends of the jean pouch.

Holes are a bit smaller than diameter of your bamboo stick. ( Snug fit )
 A Bamboo Sword becomes a real Gatka SOTI

And that's about it. You may want to adjust or decorate to your personal liking.

You are now ready for practice!

Define your Space / akhara (arms lenght + 3 feet both sides and around your body )
wether inside or outdoors. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Practice safely.

Becoming familiar with your Soti is necessary. Being an extension of your arm / whole
body it will almost become a part of you. When you pick up your Soti feel the weight of
it. How it feels in your hand...

Practicing with your Gatka SOTI ( introduction to solo practice exercises )

Focus will be on developping your personal Gatka skills gradually and with confidence.
Ready Stance ( Right foot forward, left foot back 90 degrees heel to heel)

Soti in front of body.

Swinging Soti in figure "8" sideways Infinity symbol cover your Gatka Sphere
Forward swing going down diagonally then reverse swing going up diagonally. Body
doesn't move , the action is in the wrist, Soti follows. Good wrist / arm & shoulder
loosening exercise.
Soti trajectory from Soti on shoulder to basic Ready Stance( alert but relaxed ) , Soti in
front of right foot 1' off floor (ground)
First partice slowly, then add your "Ki" ( energy and speed ) to it and dead stop before
you hit the floor. Repeat many times ( 20X minimum ) Learn to control your Soti.

Side view of Ready Stance . Basic Move: Block and Hit Back.
Lifting the Soti for a High Block (Yellow line) against head strike (attack) which flow into
an instant counter-attack (Green line) as it HIts and returns to Ready Stance.
Wait for opponent to attack , receive his Hit and return it right away. One move. Grace in
motion. Power in flow.
 Basic Pantra (4 steps) with Gatka Soti

Facing Front

1. 2. 3. 4.

As looking from the front . From Ready Stance (1) start with blocking as you move
sideways ( 2 ) finishing as you pivot and land a strike on head of opponent ( 3 ), then
continue on the other side, Block (4) then Hit (1) .
This way you learn to defend first and then return the energy swiftly and instantly, "in the
blink of an eye". The High Block is a natural reaction to protect one's face and head, it is
an instinctive response to an attack from above one's head. It empowers you in a non-
violent way, by waiting for your opponent to engage you, justifying your active response.
Always ready to fight back if needed.
Repeat many times, until it flows naturally . This is the beginning of Gatka Sword Play.
Give and Take , just like chess. ( Without a partner of course! ) It prepares your neuro-
muscular awareness (Brain / nerves and muscles) and outer sensitivity (Gatka sphere).

Later you can do a (BLOCK / HIT ) at every move within the squares , as you

move in Basic Pantra. 1.Block/Hit 2.Block/Hit 3. Block/Hit 4. Block /Hit

Which will make 8 moves per Pantra sequence. ( 4 Blocks / 4 Hits ) Repeat and feel
what you are doing. ( 5 - 10 X is good! )

Focus and Feel. No day dreaming!

That is why warm-ups are necessary , to prepare ( avoid injuries) and also disengage
from other activities and get into the "Gatka Space".

To be continued...

Will cover Gatka Sparring ( sword play for fun and real self defense ) , stretching
exercises for flexibility, Sikh spiritual warrior practices ( to develop Inner Power ),
Meditation and Music , How to make a Shield (Fari), double Soti Training ...

Happy Training!