The Last Surviving Master of Shastar Vidya

**Goldenguy** · Posted On: 10/31/2011 8:57pm

Since there is no Indian/Pakistani forum in the traditional martial arts section, I decided to post this here.

Also, while there is an existing thread on shastar vidya, it's a bit old, and it is in the MABS forum- so I thought that it would appropriate to start a new thread in YMAS.

At any rate, this is a short article about a middle-aged Sikh and his attempts to preserve the traditional martial arts of his people. The great pictures of Mr. Singh in his full battle array and his arsenal of traditional weaponry alone are worth checking out the article.

And if you are so inclined, he is looking for disciples to carry on the art of shastar vidya.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15480741

**jspeedy** · Posted On: 10/31/2011 9:11pm

"Jangi mojeh: War shoes with toe blades"- flippin' sweet kinda reminds of a real life version of Ichi the Killer's badass boots.

Interesting story though. It has some similarities to BS arts though, the whole being the sole inheritor of the art learning from a mysterious hermit sounds all to familiar. Although, historically it sounds like this art may have more legitimacy than others, not to mention that it states there were other masters in existence when the guy featured in the article was still learning.

I also like that his sect of the Sikh religion get to eat meat, drink alcohol, and cannibis infused drinks.

Anyone else know if the legitimacy of this guys lineage can be verified?

**Bahuyuddha** · Posted On: 11/01/2011 12:05am

I found this video linked from the Wikipedia article section on Shastar Vidya revival, showing Nidar Singh demonstrating some of its techniques:

**Diesel_tke** · Posted On: 11/01/2011 8:24am

Pretty interesting article. Did anyone else notice that every time this guy met a master, he learned from them, and then they died shortly thereafter? The plot thickens....

I did like how he has a gun among his weapons. And typically in martial arts, I'm into cool toys, but his didn't interest me too much. I could really get into wearing a turbin like that, especially with a trident in it!!! But the shoes, no way I could wear those shoes!

**MikeRC** · Posted On: 11/01/2011 8:49am

According to the vid it trains "one man to fight two hundred and fifty."
I think we've found the true zombie fightin' art.

-Mike

**Auszi** · Posted On: 11/01/2011 8:52am

After spending a year in India, I would take anything that comes from there with a grain of salt. There is so much BS there its beggars belief. If there is someone willing to listen someone is ready to fill their ear with whatever they want to hear. They drink deep from their own kool aid as well.

Not saying this guy is full of it but I learnt to be very cynical of anything anyone said to me after my time there.

**jspeedy** · Posted On: 11/01/2011 8:56am

Originally Posted by Diesel_tke

Pretty interesting article. Did anyone else notice that every time this guy met a master, he learned from them, and then they died shortly thereafter? The plot thickens....

I did like how he has a gun among his weapons. And typically in martial arts, I'm into cool toys, but his didn't interest me too much. I could really get into wearing a turbin like that, especially with a trident in it!!! But the shoes, no way I could wear those shoes!

What are you talking about? The razor shoes are clearly the best looking and most functional part of the whole outfit. The trident turban does have a certain appeal to me.