Shashtars/Equipment for Gatka events
The National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) has approved following Shashtars/Equipment which are being used during all types of Gatka events in all schools, colleges and universities besides Khelo India or state sports departments. Kindly follow NGAI rules book 2021 in this regard.
1. Gatka Soti (ਇੱਕ ਅੰਗੀ)
2. Gatka Soti & Farrie (ਦੋ ਅੰਗੀ)
 
Shashtars for weapons demonstration
It is clarified here that weapons demonstration events will only be held during traditional (Virsa Sambhal) tournaments/competitions and not to be held during Gatka sports competitions/evets in schools, colleges or university games. The following are the approved Shashtars/Equipment for Gatka and weapons demonstration by the International Sikh Martial Art Council (ISMAC) which is regulating, reviving and promoting Sikh Martial Art (Shahstar Vidiya) in India and abroad. Kindly follow ISMAC rules book 2021 in this regard.

Laathi (laa-thi)/(Daang) (daa-ng) – It is a straight wooden or bamboo stick/club as tall as the warrior or having 5-1/4 feet length. The Gatkabaaz showcases sparring moves with martial techniques for self-defence and attacks by clasping this shashtar (weapon) from one end.

Marhatti (mar-hatti) – The Marhati is also a wooden or bamboo stick/club having cloth knots on its both ends. Gatka practitioner holds it from the middle and spins it in fast circular motion. Its’ length is usually measured from toe to earlobe of a warrior. Usually Gatkai swirls twin Marhatis holding them in his both hands.

Chakkar (ch-akkr) – The Chakkar looks like a cycle wheel with small solid balls at the end of each spoke/string. The Chakkar is swiveled in a circular motion by grasping it from central hub. Its diameter varies from 2.1/2 feet to 3.1/2 feet according to age and height of a Gatkabaaz. In earlier times the Chakkar had iron spokes having iron weights at each end and was used to proceed further during war as arrows can’t pierce through it during its fast gyration.

Sword (Kirpan) (kir-paan) – The Kirpan have a curved blade made of iron or steel having handle to clasp in hand. Its other end is pointed and kept in a sheath. Its size may vary from 4 inch to 3.1/2 feet accordingly while using it as self defence, weapon demonstration or wearing as a compulsory Kakkar as all Sikhs are required to carry it by tradition. The Gatkai showcases defensive and offensive techniques by sparring, whirling this weapon during demonstration.

Talwar (tl-waar) – Also called backsword/sabre and is usually curved with a thin and sharp blade of iron or steel having a handle to grip it tightly at one end. Its other end is pointed and kept in a sheath. Its size may vary from 2.1/2 feet to 3.1/2 feet and greatly respected and treated with care. The Gatka player showcases defensive and offensive techniques by sparring, whirling this weapon during demonstration.

Jamdhar (jm-daarh) – It is alike Talwar but having curved blade that broadens towards point.

Shield (Dahl) (dha-al) – It is always round, convex and varies in diameter from about eight inches to about twenty-four. It is made of iron or steel and edges may be flat or rolled back in the reverse curvature of the shield. It is held by twin handles fastened to its interior side for safeguarding form sword attack or during hand to hand fight. The shield made of leather, Rexene for the purpose of competition is called Farri.

Khanda (kh-andaa) (Broadsword) – This is a typical Indian broadsword and has a broad, straight double edged blade, usually widening towards the point, which is blunt. It is made of iron or steel and having length from 2.1/2 feet to 3.1/2 feet. It is often moved with defensive and offensive techniques while clasping with both hands during demonstration.

Barchha (bar-chha)/Nagni (naag-ni) (Spear) – It is a long shafted wooden weapon and may have a hook at the spearhead used to pull away the opponent’s shield. The length of stick may vary from 5 feet to 6 feet. Earlier it was also used to attack the opponent by holding it or throwing it while riding the horse.

Gurj (gu-rj) (Mace) – Indian maces have great variations in their shape, length, weight and size of rounded head made of steel.

Katar (ka-taar) – The Katar is a small double-edged and straight bladed dagger with pointed end used to pierce armour. The handle has two sidebars to provide protection and a better grip. Its length may vary from one feet to 1.1/2 feet and is usually carried in belt (Kamarkassa) (kamr-kassa).

Kamand Toda (ka-mand-toda) – This weapon was made of iron or steel used to seize Soti, Daang, Gandasi, Khanjar etc from the opponent. Also called “T.T. Sudhar” it has long iron handle with two or more loose chains having solid balls attached at the end. It was sparred with a motive to disarm the opponent.

Safajung (sa-faa-jung) (Tabar) – It consists of a short curved blade made of iron with a long wooden handle, or haft and may have a sharp edged point on other end.

Gatka Stick (Soti) – A Stick of 39 inch long weighing 500 gms is used for combat Gatka just like a sword is used in real fight. It is used as a substitute for sword and retains usage techniques/ characteristics of sword while playing.

Farrie (Farr-ee) – As the stick is a substitute of sword for Gatka combat, similarly Farri (leather shield) is a substitute of shield. The Farri shall be made up of Leather or Rexene or Fibre. It shall be of 8 inch diameter (for sub-junior) and 10 inches for junior and senior age groups. Its weight shall be 125 gm for sub-junior and 175 gm for junior and senior age groups.