Pekiti-Tirsia HISTORY:
The Pekiti-Tirsia system of
kali is an infighting combat system. Its name is roughly translated as to cut
into small pieces, up close. It is primarily concerned with close quarters
combat and employs the traditional full-length stick, typically 30 inches in
length or more. It was founded by Conrado B. Tortal from the Negros Occidental
of the Visayan region. Today its tradition survives in the many students of the
system, headed by grand tuhon Leo T. Gaje, jr. of Bacolod City. President of the
Pekiti-Tirsia International system is tuhon William McGrath of New York. The
senior Canadian representative is mataas na guro Philip Gelinas of Montreal.
CHARACTERISTICS:
The Pekiti-Tirsia system is also called the Doce Methodos (the 12 methods or
subsystems of the Pekiti-Tirsia system), referring to the distinct groupings of
techniques and related application methods which represent the core principle of
that subsytem. A condensed form of 64 movements illustrates many of those
subsystems such as abcederio, quartos cantos, dakup y punyo, etc. Most stick
styles possess an 8 or 12 attack form but none other has such an extended form.
Grand tuhon Gaje developed this form as a learning aid, allowing beginners to
access some measure of the otherwise overwhelming body of knowledge.
In addition, the footwork of Pekiti-Tirsia distinguishes it from other styles.
At close range (or corto), it is similar to a cat stance with most movements
executed from a coiled position, the body loaded to generate power from the
abdomen instead of purely from the arms or shoulders. In corto, there is neither
the time nor the space to wind up for strikes so the body delivers the critical
reaction and power advantage.
Photos of training show the particular footwork and close range emphasis.