Learn Gatka step-by-step: Basic Pentra (Lesson 1)

Sikhseverywhere presents a series on gatka - the Sikh spiritual-martial art. You will be able to learn the fine points of gatka starting from the basic first pentra to advanced fighting techniques. These instructions will allow anyone to start learning gatka and hopefully also develop interest and join a gatka academy for more training.
Gatka is most importantly a spiritual-martial art. It is not a mere sport or fighting technique. Gatka is a unique and special part of Sikhi and every Sikh is encouraged to learn to play gatka and make it an integral part of their lifestyle. Gatka is a fantastic merger of banee (meditation on Guru's words) and banaa (the Khalsa aura and form).
Gatka has several central elements that will be seen in the episodes prepared by the Sikhseverywhere team:
1) Ardaas: Gatka starts with an entreaty for blessings so the gatka player never misuses gatka with malintent. The gatka fighter's mind is always in simran - even in the fight.
2) The pentras or the body movement that allow one to synchronize the body and the weapon for optimum defensive and offensive strikes. Staring from the basic "plus-pentra" one learns and uses many types of body movements.
3) The special pentras used to "greet the weapons with respect".
4) The "salaami" or salutation given with the weapon.
5) The seven elemental strikes done while moving in pentra with each type of weapon.
6) The movement to rapidly retreat from a position while wielding a weapon to create both defensive and offensive strikes.
7) The movement to advance rapidly from a position to create defensive and offensive strikes with a weapon.
8) Special "jumps" to move rapidly back and forth while striking with a weapon.
9) The final "free-flowing" movements and strikes to create havoc while covering a large space as if fighting a group of attackers.
It is important to start each session with a warm-up sequence of exercises so the muscles, ligaments and joints are ready.