Hounslow, London (KP) - After Sikh marital arts expert Uptej Singh demonstrated his Gatka skills blindfolded in front of the British Prince Charles and his wife, his name and pictures were splashed across the British newspapers with headlines such as : “Don't dare try this at home”, and “Surely that man with the sword isn't. . . oh yes he is.”
The Gatka demonstration was held at one of Britain's biggest Sikh temples in Hounslow, West London. Prince Charles’ wife, Camilla could hardly bear to watch the hair-raising display of Sikh swordsmanship by Uptej Singh’s and his associates of the “Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara”.
Camilla shielded her eyes with her hand as the couple watched the spectacular show that used razor sharp swords and scimitars. The black-clad martial arts experts performed feats of high-speed, mock combat with traditional Sikh weapons.
The royal couple were visiting the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha to mark Commonwealth Day a forthnight ahead of their trip to India. During the demonstration, Uptej Singh, was blindfolded as he sliced pieces of fruit being held by fellow members of the group.
It was as he held the huge scimitar over the body of one of them that Camilla covered her face, unable to watch.
But Uptej Singh, who is an IT engineer, executed a perfect slice of a watermelon resting on the stomach of the other man. After the display, the prince laughed when Singh said: "Don't try this at home."
Born in Kenya, Uptej Singh’s family came to Britain when he was very young. Along with becoming an IT professional, Uptej Singh is a seasoned expert of Gatka and several Oriental martial arts disciplines. He is also an excelled musician, mastering the art of the tabla and sitar.
Uptej Singh has traveled extensively around the world, teaching and demonstrating his skills in Gatka, his Akhara has won many awards in Punjab and abroad in various Gatka competitions, and has received letters of appreciation from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib.
He currently teaches Gatka at the Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara in Leyton, East London. More information is available at:
http://www.internationalgatka.org/bfs.
