ABOUT
OUR STORY
With the establishment of Gurmat Studies Foundation and opening of Guru Nanak Academy in 2003, founder Bhai Parminder Singh Ji was seeking a teacher for Gatka classes. With the cooperation of Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara in Toronto, Ustaad Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji arrived in Surrey shortly after Diwali Jor Mela in 2003, and Surrey's Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara was formed.
Under the leadership of Bhai Parminder Singh Ji and Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji, the Academy and the Akhara grew rapidly in the first year. The first students of the Akhara trained rigorously, over four hours a day and seven days a week, as the time that Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji would be staying in BC was undetermined.
Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara Surrey in 2004
USTAAD BHAI CHARNJIT SINGH JI
Ustaad Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji hailed from the village of Partapgarh (Batala) in District Gurdaspur, Punjab. Inclined to Gurmat philosophy and Khalsa traditions from a young age, Ustaad Ji first left home to receive training in Gurmat Vidya at Dera Baba Harmeet Singh in Chaudharpur Village, Gurdaspur. It was here that Bhai Sahib first received Gurbani Santhya, Ghor-Swaari (horse-riding), and began their learnings in Shastar Vidya Gatka. Bhai Sahib was commonly known by the name "Partapgarhiya," after their hometown.
Following their stay in Chaudharpur, Ustaad Ji moved on their journey of Gurmat Vidya to Tapokban Dhakki Sahib in the village of Maksudra, District Ludhiana.
Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji participating in an akhara during their years at Tapoban Dhakki Sahib.
(Courtesy, Tapoban Dhakki Sahib)
After sometime at Tapoban Dhakki Sahib, Bhai Sahib then stayed for an extended time at Damdami Taksal, Mehta Chowk, where they learned deeper Vidya of the historical granths, such as the Gurpartap Suraj Granth (Suraj Prakash), and Panth Prakash. During this time, they also took a leadership role in running the Akhara at the Damdami Taksal headquarters in Mehta Chowk, under the Jathedari of Bhai Hari Singh Gatkeyi, whose ordinary residence was at the Taksal Dera in Samastpur. In Mehta Chowk, Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji became popularly known as "Dhakki" in recognition of their many years staying at Tapoban Dhakki Sahib.
Ustaad Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji with the gatkeyis of Damdami Taksal Mehta Chowk
During these years, Ustaad Ji participated competitively in Gatka across India. They traveled to Bombay in 2002 to participate in the first ever International Gatka Tournament with Akal Akhara (Amritsar). Also in this time, Bhai Sahib received the Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa Award from Khalsa College Amritsar as a part of the Gatka Party of Damdami Taksal.
Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji with Akal Akhara being honoured by
Gatka Master Ustaad Baba Pritam Singh Ji (Ranjit Akhara Budha Dal) in 2002.
In 2003, Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji began their journey overseas, arriving in Toronto in 2003 to teach Gatka on the invitation of Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara (Toronto) and Sri Guru Singh Sabha Malton. After approximately 2 months of training and creating a lasting legacy of gatkeyis in the region, Ustaad Ji set out to BC at the invitation of Bhai Sahib Parminder Singh Ji.
Ustaad Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji with Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara Toronto in 2003.
SURREY AKHARA ORIGINS
In 8 months in Surrey, Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji created a generational impact on the Sikh sangat, which is felt to this very day. The parchar of Shastar Vidya Gatka spread at a rapid pace throughout the Lower Mainland. Alongside daily classes in Surrey, Bhai Sahib began to teach during school hours at Khalsa School Surrey at the invitation of Ustaad Gian Singh Ji, and also made regular trips to teach in Abbotsford. Bibi Rena Kaur was also amongst the first students of the Akhara in Surrey. In under 8 months the Akhara participated in several pardarshanis and Nagar Kirtans under the guidance of Ustaad Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji.
Bibi Rena Kaur participating in an Akhara in Oliver, BC in March 2004.
On May 7th, 2004 a tragic accident took place in Alberta, as sevadaars of Gurmat Studies Foundation were headed in a van from BC to the Edmonton Nagar Kirtan. This accident ended the worldly journeys of Bhai Parminder Singh Ji, Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji, and Bibi Rena Kaur Ji. Each of these Gurmukhs deeply impacted the Sikh community of the Lower Mainland in their own way, and their legacy continues to be celebrated by the Sikh sangat of BC.
After a short period of rotating instructors, the leadership of Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara Surrey was officially taken on by the students of Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji in Fall of 2005 - Bhai Tegbir Singh, Bhai Daman Singh, and Bhai Navdeep Singh. The Akhara once again began to grow and expand over the following years. In this period, the Akhara began to participate in Gatka events around North America and around the world, including traveling to and participating in various competitions. Members of the Akhara were honoured many times in these years by securing podium finishes and accolades in the tournament sphere.
These years also saw the Akhara increase its outreach in sharing the art of Gatka. Beyond just Nagar Kirtans and pardarshanis at Sikh events, the Akhara also participated in many events outside of the Sikh community to promote and display the art of Gatka, with perhaps the highest honour being that of performing during the Olympic Torch Relay during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
From 2013 until the onset of the COVID-19 lockdowns, classes were taught by Ustaad Onkar Singh, who remained committed to carrying forward the Akhara's seva to the Sikh community.
Ustaad Tegbir Singh leading ghera at the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay in New Westminster.
Bhai Daman Singh leading ardaas for the Akhara at the annual 3 Gursikh Barsi Smagam in 2006
THE MODERN ERA
In 2021, the Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara renewed operations after a period of hiatus. Activities first resumed with the establishment of the Akhara's Victoria branch, Jatha Sant Teja Singh. This was followed shortly after by the re-launch of Surrey Akhara's class offerings under Ustaad Tegbir Singh. Around this time, a documentary on the life and legacy of Ustaad Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji titled "#BiggerThanKarate" was released online by Silk Road Productions, which was supported by the Akhara.
During 2022 Hola Mahalla, Ustaad Tegbir Singh Ji met Ustaad Tejinder Pal Singh Ji during the Mahalla at Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Surrey. Ustaad Tejinder Pal Singh Ji hails from Sultanpur Lodhi's Miri Piri Gatka Akhara and was trained by the Late Great Bapu Sohan Singh Ji. In the re-launch of Surrey Akhara classes, Ustaad Tejinder Pal Singh Ji became a part of Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara and due to his extensive experience and technical knowledge, gatkeyis come from far and wide to train and learn vidya.
The Akhara continues to operate both of its branches committed to teaching Khalsa warrior traditions and sharing in the values of Gursikhi. Members of the Akhara continue to compete in competitions around North America; participate in Nagar Kirtans and Sikh events; and continue to outreach to wider communities about the art and tradition of Shastar Vidya Gatka.
In May 2025, the Akhara was invited to perform Gatka at a professionally sanctioned boxing event at the invitation of former UFC & ONE Championship MMA fighter, Arjan Bhullar.
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Members of Toronto, Surrey, and Victoria's Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara photographed together for the first time at Damdama Gatka Championship 2026.
RESPECTING ELDERS
Over the years, Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara has been blessed with the hazri of great Gurmukhs, and the Akhara is forever indebted. The practice of honouring holders of Vidya was modeled in the Akhara at the earliest stages by Bhai Parminder Singh Ji and Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji, who would welcome the sharing of Vidya by any and all senior practitioners of the art form.
The Akhara holds Ustaad Mahavir Singh Ji and Ustaad Gian Singh Ji in great regard, the two senior-most teachers in the Lower Mainland, who have trained countless Sikhs in the art from even before the arrival of Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji, and they continue to give counsel and support to the Akhara today.
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Tegbir Singh and Paneet Singh with Ustaad Mahavir Singh and Ustaad Gian Singh at DGC24
Other great Gurmukhs and Parcharaks who have blessed the Akhara with their hazri include Jathedar Sant Baba Maan Singh Ji Guru Nanak Dal, Jathedar Baba Jagjit Singh Ji Guru Nanak Dal, Giani Jangbir Singh Ji Damdami Taksal, Giani Sher Singh Ji Budha Dal Ambala, Bhai Amolak Singh Ji Australia, Ustaad Uptej Singh Ji UK, and many others.
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Jathedar Sant Baba Maan Singh Ji graces the Akhara in 2013.
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Jathedar Baba Jagjit Singh Ji takes Fatehnama with Ustaad Tegbir Singh Ji at DGC Juniors 25
In July 2023, the Akhara hosted the first ever Damdama Gatka Championship - a new Gatka tournament presented by Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara BC to carry forward the vision of Ustaad Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji to platform Shastar Vidya Gatka as it deserves to be showcased, with an eye towards bringing global attention to the treasured art form. This was followed by DGC Juniors in December 2023, geared toward school-aged competitors. Both events continue to occur annually and are attended by players and sangat from around the globe.
The fifth installment of the Damdama Gatka Championship, entitled DGC V, is set to take the stage on July 10 & 11, 2027.
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Ustaad Tejinder Pal Singh declared Jobanpreet Singh of New Jersey the
Singhs Division Champion of DGC26
TIMELINE & ACCOLADES
November 2003
Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara is established in Surrey, BC
August 2004
Ustaad Tegbir Singh wins 1st place in Yudh International Gatka Competition
Fall 2006
Classes begin taught by Ustaad Navdeep Singh at Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar, New Westminster
2010
Classes begin taught by Bibi Bavenjit Kaur at Gurdwara Khalsa Darbar, Vancouver BC
August 2016
Bhai Tarveer Singhs wins 1st place in Yudh International Gatka Tournament.
2020
Surrey classes are put on hold due to the impacts of COVID-19.
April 2022
Victoria Akhara hosts its first demonstration in celebration of Sikh Heritage Month at Royal BC Museum
September 2022
Victoria and Surrey host their first joint Akharas in a tour across Vancouver Island, visiting Port Alberni, Nanaimo, and Paldi.
December 2023
The first ever DGC Juniors is held at Khalsa Secondary School.
FIGHT ACCOLADES
1st Place Singhs Secondary -
Bhai Mantej Singh
3rd Place Singhs Intermediate -
Bhai Akaal Singh
2nd Place Kaurs Intermediate -
Bibi Tripta Kaur
August 2024
Akhara participates in Yudh International Gatka Tournament,
Senior Kaurs MVP -
Bibi Gurjap Kaur
Senior Singhs MVP -
Bhai Pardeep Singh
December 2024
DGC Juniors 24 is held at Khalsa School Newton
FIGHT ACCOLADES
1st Place U18 Singhs Division -
Bhai Harshaan Singh
2nd Place U18 Singhs Division -
Bhai Gurkirat Singh
2nd Place U18 Kaurs Division -
Bibi Jasleen Kaur
July 2025
DGC25 is held at the Cloverdale Agriplex.
1st Place Singhs Champion -
Bhai Antarpreet Singh
2nd Place Singhs Division -
Bhai Gurmukh Singh
2nd Place Kaurs Division -
Bibi Kiranjot Kaur
3rd Place Kaurs Division -
Bibi Simran Kaur Chaniana
Bibi Rena Kaur MVP Award -
Bibi Jaspreet Kaur
September 2025
Akhara participates in first Akaal Gatka Cup in Kelowna, BC
1st Place 14-16 Singhs Winner
Bhai Harshaan Singh
14-16 Singhs MVP
Bhai Roop Singh
3rd Place 14-16 Kaurs
Bibi Jasleen Kaur
July 2026
DGC26 takes place at Khalsa Secondary School
Kaurs Division Champion -
Bibi Simran Kaur Chaniana
Kaurs Division 2nd Place -
Bibi Jaspreet Kaur
Kaurs Division 3rd Place -
Bibi Simran Kaur
Bibi Rena Kaur MVP Award -
Bibi Jasleen Kaur
Singhs Division 2nd Place -
Bhai Antarpreet Singh
December 2003
First pardarshani for Surrey Akhara hosted by Gurdwara Kalgidhar Darbar
Fall 2005
Akhara resumes under the formal leadership of Bhai Tegbir Singh, Bhai Daman Singh, and Bhai Navdeep Singh
December 2006
Khalsa Jor Mela Competition
1st Place Open Singhs -
Ustaad Tegbir Singh
1st Place Junior Singhs -
Bhai Karandeep Singh
2nd Place Junior Singhs -
Bhai Paneet Singh
2013
Ustaad Onkar Singh begins teaching classes in Surrey
2017
Classes begin taught by Bhai Simren Singh in Bellingham, WA USA
September 2021
The Akhara begins classes in Victoria, BC establishing the Jatha Sant Teja Singh branch.
May 2022
The Akhara supports Silk Road Productions in the creation of the #BiggerThanKarate documentary
September 2022
Victoria and Surrey host their first joint Akharas in a tour across Vancouver Island, visiting Port Alberni, Nanaimo, and Paldi.
December 2023
The first ever DGC Juniors is held at Khalsa Secondary School.
FIRAYI ACCOLADES
1st Place Primary Kaurs -
Bibi Nihaal Kaur (Age 10)
Bibi Anand Kaur (Age 8)
Bibi Sehj Kaur (Age 7)
Bibi Sahib Kaur (Age 6)
1st Place Primary Singhs -
Bhai Heera Singh (Age 7)
3rd Place Kaurs Intermediate -
Bibi Jagjot Kaur
September 2024
Akhara participates in 2024 Jauhr-E-Teg Gatka Muqabla.
Senior Kaurs 2nd Place -
Team Mata Sundri Ji
Bibi Simran Kaur Grewal
Bibi Simran Kaur Chaniana
Bibi Gurjap Kaur
December 2024
DGC Juniors 24 is held at Khalsa School Newton
FIRAYI ACCOLADES
1st Place U18 Singhs -
Bhai Mehar Singh
2nd Place Age 10 Kaurs -
Bibi Harseerat Kaur
1st Place Age 9 Girls -
Bibi Anand Kaur
3rd Place Age 9 Girls -
Bibi Aades Kaur
1st Place Age 7 Girls -
Bibi Sahib Kaur
July 2025
Akhara participates in Maidan-E-Jung 2025
1st Place Kaurs Division -
Bibi Simran Kaur Chaniana
December 2025
DGC Juniors 25 takes place at Khalsa Secondary School
FIGHT ACCOLADES
1st Place U17 Singhs Division -
Bhai Harshaan Singh
2nd Place U17 Singhs Division -
Bhai Roop Singh
3rd Place U17 Singhs Division -
Bhai Akaal Singh
1st Place U14 Kaurs Division -
Bibi Nihaal Kaur
3rd Place U14 Kaurs Division -
Bibi Bhajan Kaur
July 2026
DGC26 takes place at Khalsa Secondary School
Kaurs Division Champion -
Bibi Simran Kaur Chaniana
Kaurs Division 2nd Place -
Bibi Jaspreet Kaur
Kaurs Division 3rd Place -
Bibi Simran Kaur
Bibi Rena Kaur MVP Award -
Bibi Jasleen Kaur
Singhs Division 2nd Place -
Bhai Antarpreet Singh
May 2004
Passing of Gurmukhs Bhai Parminder Singh Ji, Bhai Charnjit Singh Ji, and Bibi Rena Kaur Ji
November 2006
Akhara makes its first international trip to participate in Yuba City Nagar Kirtan in California.
January 2010
Akhara hosts a pardarshani as a part of the official 2010 Winter Olympics Torch Relay in New Weminster, BC
2015
Classes in Abbotsford are taught by Ustaad Tegbir Singh through Shan-E-Khalsa Gurmat Academy.
Summer 2019
Gatka is performed by Sikh characters by actors trained by the Akhara in the stageplay "All's Well That Ends Well" at Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
March 2022
Victoria Akhara hosts its first demonstration in celebration of Hola Mahalla at Gurdwara Singh Sabha Victoria
Summer 2022
Surrey classes resume under the leadership of Ustaad Tegbir Singh and a team of new and returning sevadaars.
July 2023
The first ever Damdama Gatka Championship is held at Khalsa Secondary School.
2nd Place Senior Kaurs -
Bibi Simran Kaur (Lail)
3rd Place Senior Kaurs -
Bibi Simran Kaur (Grewal)
Bibi Rena Kaur MVP Award -
Bibi Gurjap Kaur
2nd Place Junior Singhs -
Bhai Prabhsher Singh
3rd Place Junior Singhs -
BhaiAntarpreet Singh
July 2024
DGC24 is held at the Cloverdale Agriplex.
1st Place Senior Kaurs -
Bibi Simran Kaur Grewal
2nd Place Senior Kaurs -
Bibi Simran Kaur Chaniana
3rd Place Senior Kaurs -
Bibi Kiranjot Kaur
2nd Place Senior Singhs -
Bhai Antarpreet Singh
Bibi Rena Kaur MVP Award -
Bibi Kiranjot Kaur
September 2024
Akhara participates in 2024 Ranjit Gatka Mukabla
Senior Singhs 2nd Place -
Bhai Antarpreet Singh
Senior Kaurs MVP -
Bibi Simran Kaur Chaniana
Junior Singhs MVP -
Bhai Harshaan Singh
May 2025
Akhara hosts a demonstration at a professionally sanctioned boxing event at the invitation of Former UFC & ONE Championship MMA Fighter, Arjan Bhullar.
August 2025
Akhara participates in Jauhr-E-Tegh 2025
2nd Place Kaurs Division -
Team Mata Kaulan Ji
Bibi Simran Kaur Grewal
Bibi Simran Kaur Chaniana
Bibi Gurjap Kaur
3rd Place Singhs Division -
SBDSJGA
Ustaad Tejinder Pal Singh
Bhai Gurwinderjit Singh Rajan
Bhai Antarpreet Singh
2nd Place Junior Singhs -
SBDSJGA Bhujangi Fauja
Bhai Harshaan Singh
Bhai Roop Singh
Bhai Akaal Singh
December 2025
DGC Juniors 25 takes place at Khalsa Secondary School
FIRAYI ACCOLADES
U18 Singhs 1st Place -
Bhai Gurtej Singh
U18 Singhs 2nd Place -
Bhai Mehar Singh
U14 Kaurs 2nd Place -
Bibi Harseerat Kaur
U14 Kaurs 3rd Place -
Bibi Aiknoor Kaur
Age 9 Kaurs 1st Place -
Bibi Sehj Kaur
Age 9 Kaurs 2nd Place -
Bibi Jannat Kaur
Age 9 Singhs 1st Place -
Bhai Heera Singh
Age 7 Singhs 1st Place -
Bhai Rahaao Singh
July 2026
Akhara partcipates in Akaal Gatka Cup 2026
1st Place 14-17 Kaurs
Bibi Jasleen Kaur
2nd Place 14-17 Kaurs
Bibi Kudrat Kaur
1st Place 14-17 Singhs
Bhai Harshaan Singh
14-17 Singhs MVP
Bhai Ekamjeet Singh
1st Place 11-13 Kaurs
Bibi Nihaal Kaur
1st Place 11-13 Singhs
Bhai Bhajnaam Singh
3rd Place 11-13 Singhs
Bhai Shaan Singh
2nd Place 8-10 Kaurs
Bibi Rehmat Kaur
8-10 Kaurs MVP
Bibi Sahib Kaur