Gik'tal (more properly, ghIqtal) was the name given to a fake martial arts test devised by Worf for Sito Jaxa in 2370 as a means to teach Jaxa to stand up for herself if unfairly attacked.
The challenge was presented to Jaxa as a prerequisite to enter Worf's advanced mok'bara class. She was blindfolded and told to defend herself as Worf attacked. After being knocked down several times, Jaxa removed the blindfold and labeled the test unfair.
Worf lauded her, saying she had passed. He explained that it took courage to say the test was unfair. He added, "But perhaps the next time you are judged unfairly, it will not take so many bruises for you protest."
Jaxa caught on to Worf's deception when she realized that gik'tal was the Klingonese word for "to the death," which was not reflected in the test. (TNG: "Lower Decks")
At least one Klingon dramatization of the battle between Kahless and Molor featured the phrase at Kahless' first appearance, when he declared that he would rather fight (and die) than live under Molor's tyranny. (TNG: "Firstborn")
External link[]
- ghIqtal at the Klingon Language Wiki, the Dictionary of Contemporary Klingon