Bhujangi

The clue is in the title! The book is so vast and deep, with many characters and stories, emotions and politics that it is impossible to summarise. Even if you dont like reading, the book is worth the money for the rare pictures alone. Have a look at the contents page on Amazon to see what is covered.

I finished the book last night, an amazing read and definitly worth the money. I dunno what all the fuss was about

I got my copy yesterday, a fantastic book of superb quality and content. Ive read half of it and should finish it off today.

There are some pics on the flickr link with frescos ruined by someone scratching "JAVED" on them. fools.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=2YotRSiLNgg

www.oriental-arms.com www.ashokaarts.com www.akaalarms.com www.michaeldlong.com

Be aware of Manmat in the guise of Gurmat.

Thanks for the comments, I have been trying to write caligraphy on and off for about 2 years, but im still trying to perfect Mool Mantar. This thread encouraged me to start practising again. I find making a stencil easier when you write up, take a peice of lined A4 paper and using a felt pen darken the lines and put that under the paper you write on, so you dont have to mess around with drawing lines and rubbing them out with an eraser.

Here is my attempt.

Matheen, please explain exactly which martial arts Niddar Singh has alamgamated into his fighting style? With refference to the Khat Ang Penthras, Sapt Ang and Dev Ang, which arts has he taken to form those? True traditional arts were complete and covered all aspects of fighting, the reason why modern day martial artists cross train is because they have a particular weakness in their art which can be supplemented with another. Shastarvidiya however is a true combat art which covers fighting at all levels.

I bought the magazine for refference purposes, Here is the article: MAI: Ustaad Ji (Sensei) – What is your martial art background? Harjinder Singh: In the last fifteen years or so, I have had some training in Kung Fu, Aikido, Karate training, and at present I am training in art of Kinjite Karate – a very rare form. But I am most experienced and trained in the Gatka art. MAI: What is the history of gatka? HS: Gatka is probably more than 10,000 years old, but the Sikhs adopted this art during the 16th century against the tyrant Mughal Oppressors. MAI: Is the art unique to the Punjab or was it influenced by other Oriental/Western martial arts? HS: It was widely spread in India but over the centuries it has become part of the Sikh heritage, due to the fact that Sikhs are mastering and defining the art to perfection. MAI: What areas of combat does Gatka encompass? HS: Gatka uses many form forms of footwork and handwork both armed, semi armed, fully armoured and un-armed. MAI: What are the principle tactics/strategy used by Gatka practitioners? HS: The principle tactics are to learn to defend one against many opponents. MAI: Is there a spiritual side to the art? HS: Yes there is, Gatka has a balance of spiritual and physical elements. MAI: Is Gatka a weapon based art or does it have empty hand components? HS: It consists of both empty hand and weapon based components. MAI: What are your favourite weapons and why? HS: I don’t have a favourite.. the weapon I pick up at training sessions, demo or sparring sessions is my favourite weapon, which ever one it may be. MAI: IS Gatka a complex art or easy to learn? HS: Like all arts it depends on the individual, although the science behind the art is easy to understand. MAI: Do you have a ranking structure in Gatka? HS: Yes MAI: What makes Gatka a unique art? HS: The uniqueness of Gatka is that its quite an open art and is able to adapt to an opponents moves with or without weapons. MAI: Are there many masters in the UK? HS: No MAI: As a master, do you have to accept challenges from those who want to test your skills? HS: No, and I consider myelf a learner on a journey to become a master.

I went to buy the issue, but when I saw the article I put it back on the shelf, awful (a bit like the "art)

How many people have even read Niddar Singhs book and what has been written in there about Kulwant Singh? Latest news is that the Hazoor Sahib lot have ripped up the "apology" and stated that it was all a mistake, the book is now on sale at Hazoor Sahib.