Martial arts

At Aro Ling we offer short courses and retreats to teach the Gar-tak martial art and its associated meditation practices, which include dance and standing meditations. Gar-tak – the Dancing Tiger – is a specifically Buddhist form of martial arts and is taught primarily by Lama Barchen Dorje, supported by the other Aro Ling Teachers. The teachings of Gar-tak are designed to engender honour and nobility – to be able to take the fearless step of a warrior to prevent harm coming to others. Even those without great physical or martial prowess can obtain insight into the essential decency and dignity of the human condition through these practices. For those who wish to take the martial practices further, Gar-tak contains unarmed styles, sword forms and horse archery.