Sikh martial arts competition brings youth, community together
CBC
Youth in Winnipeg's Sikh community are competing in a Gatka tournament this weekend, teaching participants the importance of self-discipline and staying rooted in their culture, an organizer says.
"The biggest thing with Gatka is being able to build that discipline and ensure that they understand what hard work prospers to," said Rajbir Singh from Misl Winnipeg, who helped organize the Saturday event at Maples Community Centre in Winnipeg.
Misl Winnipeg started in 2019 with the goal of engaging Sikh youth in the community, teaching them about their culture's history, and making sure the next generation can carry knowledge from the Sikh religion, Singh said.
Saturday's event aimed to do that by holding a Gatka tournament – an ancient martial art form with a focus on self-defense performed by Sikhs since the 17th century. This is the organization's first time hosting the tournament.
"It is very much a show of strength," Singh said, adding that "we also want to show the younger generations that you can easily engage in and gain something from this religion."
Youth ages five to 18 participated in a turban tying competition, a Gurmukhi, which is a script used by Sikhs for writing Punjabi, spelling competition and a Sikh painting competition.
Those older than 18 could compete in the Gatka tournament, with the winner receiving a ceremonial sword, called a kirpan.
Participants compete in one-no-one combat with a stick and a leather shield. The goal is to strike the opponent to gain points and progress to the next round.
Jagdeep Singh, a student at the University of Winnipeg, started taking part in Gatka when he came back to Canada after a trip back home to India. He had initially moved to Canada in 2006.
He said he was excited to take part on Saturday since he's been practicing for so long.
"The game helps me become more confident in life," Singh said. "It keeps us close to our religion," he added.
Participant Devkarn Singh, a University of Manitoba student, came to Canada with his family in 2017. He said Gatka is a fundamental part of the Sikh religion.
"Gatka is really needed to be a Sikh," he said.
About 50 to 60 people attended Saturday's event. Rajbir Singh said it was a way for people to build a sense of community.
One of the two Saskatoon teens charged after a national security investigation into alleged online violent extremism has been released from custody, while the second is still waiting for a bail decision.
The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal has ordered former Chilliwack school trustee Barry Neufeld to pay $750,000 for violating the Human Rights Code by publishing hate speech and discriminatory content against 2SLGBTQ+ people.
York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween will retire in June, the board that oversees the service announced on Thursday.
The P.E.I. Fisherman’s Association is pushing back against the provincial government’s attempts to grant a sitting cabinet minister the ability to maintain his lobster fleet.
Premier Danielle Smith wants to hold a referendum in October on measures to limit immigration to Alberta and changes she believes would give the province more rights under the Constitution.
Mayor Olivia Chow gave a key to the city on Thursday to a Toronto doctor, community leader and long-time seniors' advocate.
Yukon's government has set the rent cap — for the last time.
Five NDP leadership candidates are set to take the stage in what will be the final debate before members decide who will land the party's top job.
Alberta's lab services are facing yet another move as the provincial government forges ahead with its health system restructuring process.
B.C.’s most populous city is now part of a growing trend of crime where perpetrators threaten residents and businesses with violence in exchange for money.
As Stratford continues to grow, some say it's time for the P.E.I. town to revive a group that supports local business owners.
The Alberta government launched a new online portal for families to see vacant assisted living spots in their community, something Premier Danielle Smith compared to websites that show a full range of available vacation bookings or rental properties.
A federal program meant to improve access to care for Indigenous peoples has been costing the N.W.T. government millions of dollars because the federal government underfunds it, say some leaders in the territory.