To instruct the principles of physical and mental defense, enabling the practitioner
to develop techniques for efficient and effective self defense, by maintaining an
instructional, training, and testing environment that will enable each individual
the opportunity to pursue and achieve the highest level of Martial skill they are
capable of.
Pekiti-Tirsia is a Filipino Martial Art developed by the Tortal family of Negros,
an island in the central Visayan region of the Philippines and brought to the U.S.
in 1972 by Grand Tuhon (Master) Leo Tortal Gaje'. In the Illongo dialect of Visayan,
Pekiti-Tirsia literally means Close-Thirds; in the west we would say Close-Quarters;
or as Grand Tuhon Gaje' likes to paraphrase it you cut him up small, up close.
Pekiti-Tirsia International system of Kali under the direction of Tuhon William McGrath
is comprised of 5 main weapon categories:
Solo - Single sword, stick, or spear.
Doble - Double sword or stick.
Espada y Daga - Sword and Dagger.
Daga y Daga - Knife to Knife (single and double).
Mano y Mano - Hand to Hand.
Pekiti-Tirsia is a logical system based upon the analysis of combat using proven
principles to allow the creative ability of the practitioner to adapt to any weapon
system for use in all combative conditions.
Because Pekiti-Tirsia is a such a close system it is strongly dependent upon its
footwork. The footwork of Pekiti-Tirsia distinguishes it from most all other systems.
Regardless of how you employ your weapons footwork is vital to survival. At close
range (corto), it is similar to a cat stance with most movements executed. from a
coiled position. The body loaded to generate power from the hips with the uncoiling
of the abdomen and upper body rather than purely from the arms or shoulders. In corto,
there is neither the time nor the space to wind up for strikes so with the proper
footwork the body delivers the critical reaction and power advantage. Footwork or
maneuvering is always executed in combat regardless of what strategy or tactics you
employ. Footwork is the foundation of the system and the key to all fighting strategies.
It provides protection, offensive, and counter-offensive maneuvering and after situational
awareness is the number one method of protection..
Pekiti-Tirsia is a comprehensive system based upon proven combative principles.
Each weapon category presents an opportunity to visit the same combative principles
and experience how the nuances differ when using the different weapons. IE. a short
weapon rather than a long weapon.
Pekiti-Tirsia International is based on 3 principles:
3 Ranges - Close range is taught first as this is the most dangerous and difficult
to master, then Medium, and finally Long.
3 Levels - Along with every attack you are taught several counters to that attack,
as well as several recounters to each counter. You develop the ability to think
at least 3 levels ahead in a fight.
3 Opponents - You are taught to be prepared to fight at least 3 opponents, therefore
you don't spend too much time on any one opponent.
