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.
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.
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.
