Shastar Namaskar - ( The Pantra ) involves a series of integral body movements which are unique to each individual.
The physical movements enable the student to circumvent the shastars, in various turns, jumps and angles on completion of which the student asks the instructor or head in charge for permission to retrieve and begin training. ( Aggya Lehnee )
There exists no ritual in the form, freedom of expression of ones fighting spirit contained within the body is encouraged.
However certain patters are visible in different Akharas relating to the techniques and movements of the Pantra.
This is due to the individuality and methods adopted by the style being taught in that Akhara.
The primary factor still remains common, that of the physical salutation of the body to the weapons and obedience in faith and honour to the use of the weapons for righteous cause whne all other means have failed.
During this fine display of interlaced techniques, the student is able to show his flexibility, strength, ( lachak , joor ) and graceful display of movements of the hand and feet in correlation with the body.
As with everything in life there are paths that leads us from one place to the next.
The art of Shastar Namaskar is the first and most important path for any student training with any weapon.
The eyes, the footwork, the courage , the strength are all elements of this Namaskar.
In effect the whole body becomes an eye which is focused on the array of weapons set for training in the Akhara.
These movements can be very explosive, dynamic and spontaneous or very controlled , subdued and passive.
It is at this stage that the student begins to develop his training in the art of using weapons for single, dual and multiple combat techniques. Practicing various manoeuvres of attack and defence according to the form of Gatka
(Gatke de Ang- limbs of Gatka ) being taught by the Akhara.
Shastar Namaskar - Salutation