What is a full strike in gatka?
I · Intermediate · Scoring and fouls · 2 of 3Checked 15 October 2026
In the Full Strike event only a full strike scores: the stick goes back round or over the head, at least to the back of the neck, and comes forward to hit with a straight arm. A palt and a feint count. A half strike, with no swing round the head, is a foul. Freestyle needs no swing.
How it works
- Full strike: round or over the head.
- Back of the neck: at least.
- Arm: straight on contact.
- Palt: counts.
- Feint: counts.
- Half strike: foul.
- Freestyle: no swing needed.
- Points: same values.
The glossary has the full strike, the half strike, the palt, the Freestyle and Full Strike, the points for a strike and the jhakani var.
Tricky cases
A half strike lands cleanly in Full Strike. Points?
No. It is a foul.
Does a palt count?
Yes.
Does Freestyle need the swing?
No.
Are points different in Full Strike?
No. Only which strikes score.
Why the rule exists
Requiring the full swing keeps the sword stroke that defines traditional gatka.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full Strike | Swing needed | L G 10.4 |
| Half strike | Foul | L G 5.72 |
| Freestyle | Straight arm | L G 6 |
From the rule book
NGAI and World Gatka Federation, Gatka Rule Book (updated 8 July 2021), rules 5.39, 5.72, 6 and 10.4. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: NGAI and WGF Gatka Rule Book, July 2021.