Pekiti Tirsia Kali
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Pekiti-Tirsia Kali is a system of Kali, a style specific to the Filipino Martial Arts which contains hundreds of systems and varied styles. Pekiti-Tirsia Kali was founded in 1897 and is the family system of the Tortal family. The sole heir and guardian of this system is Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje, Jr.
Pekiti-Tirsia is the only Kali system recognized by the Philippine government used to train Force-Recon Marine Battalions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Special Action Force (SAF) contingent of the Philippine National Police.
This martial art fighting style is currently experiencing a rise in popularity owing to the fact that a loose version of the fighting style used by Matt Damon in the Jason Bourne series of films - The Bourne Identity and The Bourne Supremacy. A more accurate view of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali (Sayoc Kali) can be seen in the movie The Hunted (film)"
Origins & History
It was developed and improved during the years 1930-36 by Conrado Tortal. Tortal was from Panay, the island that the chieftains from Borneo settled on when Kali came to the Philippines.
The Muslim chieftains established a colony on Kalibo, Aklan — this is sometimes cited as the origin of the name "Pekiti-Tirsia Kali". Another reason is that a practitioner of the art is trained in carrying a knife, which is called a "kalis".
Pekiti-Tirsia Kali has been passed on to Tortal's grandson, Grand Tuhon Leo Tortal Gaje, Jr..
Pekiti-Tirsia Kali is one of the oldest Kali-Systems of the Philippines. It originated in the central region of the Philippines, in the province of Negros Occidental. Today Pekiti-Tirsia Kali is represented by the sole heir of the system Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje, Jr. the only grandson of the Great Grand Tuhon Conrado B. Tortal.
In the year 1997 the Centennial Celebration for 100 years of Pekiti-Tirsia was celebrated in Subic Bay, Zambales, Philippines last October 25, 1997. Pekiti-Tirsia is the only Filipino Martial Art that made the first one hundred years celebration.
Grand Tuhon Gaje pioneered the teaching of Kali in the USA. He and his Pekiti-Tirsia Kali earned recognition and respect from major Martial Arts Organizations such as Jewish Karate Federation, The United States Karate Association International and the United States Karate Federation.
Fighting methods
In the Pekiti-Tirsia system, long-range, medium range, and close-quarter fighting (CQF) are integral parts of the system. Special attention is given to CQF fighting.
In traditional practice, Kali techniques — a ritual dance with sharp weapons — are performed at sunrise. The Kali student whose strengths are supposed to be drawn from the sun also directs his eyes towards it, and avoids blinking for as long as possible. He also accustoms himself to seeing sharp swords swinging towards him without fear.
Kali's movements involve slicing swords in a circular motion, symbolic of the orbits of the moon and the planets. They also incorporate triangular movements symbolic of constellations. In ancient times, Kali was taught in rituals and were then used pragmatically to survive against adversaries and wild animals.
Pekiti-Tirsia Kali incorporates applied fighting methods, based on one set of fighting principles and movements, effective with both empty hands and any type of weapon. The Pekiti-Tirsia methodology originates from offensive and counter offensive principles against all types of attacks.
Tournament Sport
"In the year 1998 Pekiti-Tirsia Philippines, Inc. organized the "Battle of Grandmasters". A tournament following the Total Submission Policy - fighting without any protection gear (no glove no helmet!) with unpadded sticks, no referee, no time limit, no rules. Fighting was done on challenges (Master and Grandmaster division) and as a challenge tournament (advanced students). The tournament was open to all styles, and Masters and Grandmasters from more than 15 styles have been personally invited - but only Pekiti-Tirsia fighters were willing to fight under the said conditions."External links
- [Pekiti-Tirsia Kali]. (includes info on Leo T. Gaje, Jr.)
- [Practical Self Defense Training Center historical resource of Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje]
- http://www.pt-go.com
- [The Martial Arts Resource]
- [The FMA FAQ]
- [The Kali/Eskrima Digest email forum]
- [Filipino Martial Arts Digest] (Includes two articles about Pekiti Tirsia Kali)
- [The Texas Kali Association]. (includes training opportunities and information on Pekiti Tirsia Kali)
- http://www.bladefighting.com/pointstoponder.htm Interview with Tuhon Gaje about "Defense"
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