What are the events in gatka?
I · Intermediate · Events and equipment · 1 of 3Gatka has two combat events: Single Soti uses one stick; Soti-Farri adds a shield. Each runs for individuals, teams and mixed pairs, in Freestyle or Full Strike. A team is three players plus a substitute; their points are added. Age groups run from Bhujang (under 14) to Bir (65 to 75), by age on 1 January.
How it works
- Single Soti: one stick.
- Soti-Farri: stick and shield.
- Techniques: Freestyle, Full Strike.
- Formats: individual, team, mixed pair.
- Team: three and a substitute.
- Team score: points added.
- Ages: set on 1 January.
- Entries: one individual, one team.
The glossary has the Single Soti and Soti-Farri, the Freestyle and Full Strike, the age groups (gatka), the team (gatka), the individual event and the knock-out and byes.
Tricky cases
Can a player enter an older age group?
Yes.
Can an injured individual be replaced?
No. Their event is over.
Can a team member be replaced?
Yes, by the substitute, if unfit.
How are events run?
As knock-outs, with byes.
Why the rule exists
Splitting Freestyle from Full Strike gives a separate contest for the full sword stroke.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | No substitute | L G 7.8 |
| Team | Points added | L G 9.2.1 |
| Ages | 1 January | L G 6 |
From the rule book
NGAI and World Gatka Federation, Gatka Rule Book (updated 8 July 2021), sections 6 and 7 and rules 9.2.1. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: NGAI and WGF Gatka Rule Book, July 2021.