Pekiti-Tirsia Kali

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 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 Master Gaje likes to paraphrase it, "to cut up small, in close."

The Pekiti-Tirsia International System of Kali is comprised of 5 main weapons categories:

Solo - Single stick, sword or spear
Doble - Double stick or sword
Espada y Daga - Sword and Dagger
Daga y Daga - Knife to Knife (both single and double)
Mano y Mano - Hand to Hand

Pekiti-Tirsia International is based on 3 Principles:

1) 3 Ranges - You are taught Close Range first as this is the most dangerous and difficult to master; then Medium, then finally Long Range.
2) 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) 3 Opponents - You are taught to be prepared to fight at least 3 opponents; therefore, you don't spend much time on any one opponent.

"In the field of strategic knife defense, the Pekiti-Tirsia System of Kali is one of the most progressive, practical and sophisticated systems of tactical knife self-defense and edged weapon awareness that I have encountered." -Guro Dan Inosanto

"Leo Gaje, his art is based on the blade and may just have more street realism than any other." -Inside Kung Fu magazine, February, 1981

Simu Patricia Everett instituted the Kali Program at White Lotus in 1980, based on her studies of the Modern Arnis style of Remy Presas. She and Headmaster David J. Everett then sought out and began training with the noted Filipino Martial Arts Master, Daniel Inosanto (Bruce Lee's protégé). In 1985, the Everetts met and began extensive training under Grand Master Leo T. Gaje, head of the Pekiti-Tirsia Kali System and were named Connecticut State Representatives for Pekiti-Tirsia. Mr. Everett also trained extensively with Grandmaster Gaje's senior Instructor, Tuhon (Master) William R. McGrath.

Today White Lotus and Headmaster David J. Everett serve as the Northeastern Regional Director for the Pekiti-Tirsia International System of Kali, which functions under the direction of Tuhon William R. McGrath.

Tuhon McGrath has developed a well-defined and extensive curriculum for use by Pekiti-Tirsia International Instructors, students and schools, which aids in the learning and dissemination of the vast Pekiti-Tirsia Kali curricula and base of knowledge. For more on Tuhon McGrath and Pekiti-Tirsia International please go to our links and affiliates page. Also, we hold frequent seminars with Tuhon McGrath at White Lotus, which are open to individuals of all levels of experience - call for detail or check out our Upcoming Events page.