Pekiti-Tirsia: A Martial Arts Style from the Philippine Islands

My first formal exposure to Pekiti-Tirsia was through Terrence Bowlin circa 2008. Since then, my son and I have enjoyed training from him. Terrence spent 15 years as a Corrections Officer in Huntsville, Texas where his Pekiti-Tirsia and Yabe Jiu-jitsu prowess were often tested by convicted criminals with nothing to lose.

As a part of my development as a student, Master Bowlin gave me a homework assignment: learn the history of Pekiti-Tirsia. The following is an excerpt of what I learned as part of that research.

Dating back to the late 19th century, Pekiti-Tirsia is a martial arts style that has not only withstood time, but it has endured myriad threats from invaders of the Philippine Islands and lived on to become a combat export of its own. Consider its well-established presence in the United States and Europe as prime examples. At the helm of Pekiti-Tirsia, Leo Gaje, Jr. has been recognized in martial arts halls of fame throughout his years and is continually sought after for instruction. Thus, it is no surprise that he was one of the keynote teachers at a Martial Arts Super Show in Las Vegas, hosted by Century Martial Arts.

Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje, Jr. was born in the Philippine Islands in 1938.  He is the grandson of a renowned grand master of Kali and has trained all his life in Pekiti-Tirsia (a style dating back to 1897).  His son, Leo Gaje, is reported to be the sole heir to lead Pekiti-Tirsia going forward.  Leo Gaje, Jr. moved to the United States in 1972 and has been teaching his combat art to law enforcement, military personnel, and the public for decades. 

Grand Tuhon Gaje makes a clear distinction between Pekiti-Tirsia as an active, combat art vs. what he calls passive, sport martial arts. One member of his association posted that there are no secret movements in their style. Specifically, he meant to say that everything he teaches is clearly outlined in guidebooks and is evaluated with no subjectivity; the movements are either executed correctly or they are not.

Where arts like karate base some of their power on Ki (or Chi for those who study kung fu), Pekiti-Tirsia relies on the principle of the L.L. This means “long life.”  If you combine Ki with L.L., then you “kill.”  Add the L.L. to Chi, and the result is “chill.”  This philosophy speaks well of the natural, relaxed, and smooth movements of Pekiti-Tirsia with a clear nod to their potency. 

The number three is considered the most powerful number in Pekiti-Tirsia. Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje said that he carries three knives, for example:  One is good. Two is better, and three is best. Naturally, he plans for contingencies and employs depth in defense. Pekiti-Tirsia makes use of sticks and empty-handed movements as well as bladed weapons.  Its tactics are supposedly a core part of the U.S. Army Combatives program now, as well as an element of Russian Federation military curricula.

Famous practitioners that have joined the ranks of Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje’s organization include (Bruce Lee’s protégé) Dan Inosanto. Guro Dan and Grand Tuhon Gaje have worked together to develop still another style.  Hence, it’s a reflection of Kali’s progressive nature in perpetual pursuit of perfection. After all, a mistake in a knife fight can be catastrophic, and so styles like Pekiti-Tirsia are in the business of getting techniques and concepts right to ensure “long life.”