Gatkenjitsu is a martial art and system of consciousness development utilizing the simple walking cane as a vehicle for fitness and self-defense. This art is a synergistic combination of Gatka, an ancient art of the use of weapons from India, developed and advanced by Sikh Warriors from Northern India, American Kenpo Karate an American martial arts system developed and advanced by Ed Parker, and Kundalini Yoga and Meditation as taught by Yogi Bhajan.

The purpose of this system is to attain inner balance, physical harmony and to preserve and promote peace. The true warrior journeys first through his/her own consciousness using his body as a vehicle for developing focus and inner harmony. He releases his own limited ego to merge with the greater force of the One in an effort not to injure or attain power but rather to experience and preserve peaceful unity.

The peaceful warrior is one who fosters peace in any environment in which he is present. If there is disharmony or violence of thought, word or deed, it is the duty of the peaceful warrior to eliminate violence and restore peace, through the least disruptive, least injurious, most harmonious method possible. Gatkenjitsu is designed to provide an effective method for the peaceful warrior to fulfill this duty.

Gatkenjitsu uses the vehicle of the walking cane. The walking cane is a simple, often natural everyday implement, which is healthy, and useful on its own (provided you walk with it).

In times of old many a highwayman or would be robber got his come-uppance at the hands, or should I say stick, of a skilled aristocrat. The walking cane was a symbol of status, an instrument for self-protection, and a method for protection of the community.

Gatkenjitsu teaches a number of practical, effective, and "street smart" self defense uses of the walking cane. These techniques are effective and easy to learn, enabling the practitioner to walk with a confident, self assured and relaxed attitude.

Confidence with the tool is achieved via a series of individual flow patterns, coordination exercises, interactive partner drills, and the self-defense techniques. The flow patterns, and coordination exercises stretch and stimulate all of the major muscle groups. These drills combine low impact movement with the breath, providing a good cardio-vascular workout for men and women of all ages and at all levels of fitness. The interactive partner drills do the same while also developing ambidextrous hand/eye coordination and mental focus, and the self-defense techniques put it all together into a system that is simple, effective, legal, and confidence inspiring.

The walking cane, both straight and curved, is an effective instrument for self-defense, community protection and, when necessary, attitude adjustment. Walking canes are legal to possess and carry and are available in a variety of forms for individual creativity.

In these challenging times Walking Tall-Gatkenjitsu makes the walking cane a portable, reliable companion for health, fitness, self-protection and spiritual upliftment.