Evolution Unleashed: The Grandmaster's Transformation of an Art

7/22/20233 min read

Mir Naazir is a renowned martial artist who has dedicated his life to mastering the ancient art of Sqay. Born in the picturesque region of Kashmir, India, Mir Naazir developed a deep fascination for martial arts from a young age. His passion for Sqay was ignited when he witnessed a mesmerizing display of this traditional art form during a local festival.

From that moment on, Mir Naazir embarked on a rigorous journey of training and self-discovery, determined to become a master of Sqay. Under the guidance of esteemed Sqay instructors, he sharpened his skills and embraced the unique moves that make this martial art so captivating.

One of the signature moves in Sqay that captured Mir Naazir's attention was the use of the Tura, a versatile fiber stick. With unwavering dedication, he immersed himself in mastering the techniques involving the Tura, understanding its offensive and defensive capabilities. Strikes, blocks, and disarming techniques became second nature to him as he trained tirelessly to perfect his proficiency with this unique weapon.

Mir Naazir's journey in Sqay led him to discover the intricate and dynamic move known as Loba. The circular motion of the hand while holding the Tura allowed him to strike his opponents with precision and grace. Through countless hours of practice, he developed the timing, coordination, and accuracy required to execute this move flawlessly, showcasing his expertise in the art of Sqay.

In his quest to become a well-rounded practitioner, Mir Naazir delved into the defensive techniques of Sqay. He mastered the art of Khwankay, a move that enabled him to evade incoming attacks with swift and graceful movements. By adopting a low stance and bending his body backward, Mir Naazir demonstrated his agility and skill, evading even the most determined adversaries.

Apart from his mastery of unique moves, Mir Naazir dedicated himself to the holistic training approach of Sqay. One aspect that fascinated him was the partner training drill using fiber sticks. Engaging in controlled fighting with his fellow practitioners, he honed his reflexes, timing, and coordination. This drill not only enhanced his combat skills but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual growth among the Sqay community.

Throughout his training, Mir Naazir recognized the importance of discipline and respect in Sqay. He embraced the values of etiquette and adherence to a code of conduct, always showing profound respect to his instructors, fellow students, and the martial art itself. His punctuality, positive attitude, and unwavering dedication exemplified the core principles of Sqay, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.

"Sqay teaches us discipline, respect, and the importance of perseverance – qualities that extend far beyond the arena."

Today, Mir Naazir stands as a revered master of Sqay, a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering commitment to the art. His biography serves as an inspiration to aspiring martial artists and a testament to the rich heritage of Sqay in the Indian subcontinent. Mir Naazir continues to share his knowledge and passion for Sqay, ensuring that this traditional martial art remains alive and thriving for generations to come.

"Reviving a martial art is a testament to your love for culture, resilience, and determination. Embrace the challenges, harness your inner strength, and never lose sight of your ultimate goal. Your journey will inspire others to embrace their own heritage and rediscover the power of ancient traditions."

It is because of his hard work and endeavor that Sania Subash from Port Blair, received the Prime Minister's Bal Puruskar in Sqay. And not just this, every year the camps in Jammu and Kashmir are organized, where Instructors from Asian and European Countries come and are trained by Grandmaster Mir Nazir. Apart from this, his endurance to spread the grandeur of Sqay made him write three books‘Sqay Pride of Kashmir’, ‘Martial Art & Islam’, and ‘Martial Art Self Defense for Women’. All of his efforts towards reviving the Sqay show, "Amidst the thorns and shadows of difficult paths, find strength in every step, for it is through adversity that we sharpen our resolve and discover the resilience within. Embrace the challenges, tread with unwavering courage, and with each hurdle conquered, you'll rise higher, forging a trail of triumph that illuminates the way for others to follow." The Grand Master is presently serving as Secretary General of the International Council of Sqay.

Words of the grandmaster, “ I want to preserve this traditional art form of Kashmir by passing it on to the young generation.”

Nazir said, adding that this feeling has been his driving force for all these years.”