Gatka speed and a variety of twirling maneuvres. This style of fighting was often used by peasants and commoners for whom the staff was a domestic tool and a convenient implement oself-defense. Stick-fighting or employs either the single or double stick. The stick or "danda" is generally the length of three handspans. Sticks and club-type weapons include the following. Gatka Gatka ( Urdu: "") is the name of an Indian martial art associated with the Sikhs of the Punjab region. It is a style of stick fighting, with wooden sticks intended to simulate swords. The Punjabi name "gatka" properly refers to
Gatka official matches, the gatka is paired with a leather shield called a "pari". The fixed distance of sparring was introduced from British fencing during the colonial era. Points are scored for hitting or touching ("shu") the opponent with the stick, but hits to vital points are forbidden. Victory by touch is known as "shubaji". While "khel" gatka is today most commonly associated with Sikhs, it has always been used in the martial arts of other ethno-cultural groups. It is still practiced in India and Pakistan by the Tanoli and Gurjara communities. In Manipur, thang-ta practitioners refer to their own sword-practice