How big is a gatka ring?
Officials' detail · Events and equipment · 1 of 2Bouts are fought in a circle 30 ft across that may not be changed; the line is part of it. Players start on lines 4 ft either side of the centre. Around it runs a strip at least 4 ft wide, inside a 50 ft square for officials and teams. A player with both feet outside the circle is disqualified.
How it works
- Circle: 30 ft.
- Line: inside.
- Start lines: 4 ft from centre.
- Play domain: 4 ft strip.
- Reserved space: 50 by 50 ft.
- Both feet out: disqualification.
- One out, one in air: disqualification.
- Benches: set sides.
The glossary has the play area, the play domain and reserved space, the disqualification (gatka), the ground referee, the side referees and the bout.
Tricky cases
A foot on the line. Out?
No. The line is inside.
One foot out, the other in the air. Result?
Disqualification.
Can the circle be smaller indoors?
No.
Where do coaches sit?
At set sides of the reserved space.
Why the rule exists
A strict boundary stops a player escaping attacks by running away.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Circle | 30 ft | L G 5.2 |
| Line | Inside | L G 7.1 |
| Out | DSQ | L G 9.3 |
From the rule book
NGAI and World Gatka Federation, Gatka Rule Book (updated 8 July 2021), rules 5.2 to 5.4, 7.1 and 9.3. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: NGAI and WGF Gatka Rule Book, July 2021.