Mandala Sebastien Poirier brings a wealth of knowledge in Doce Methodos gained from his experiences as a long time student of the legendary Tuhon Philip Gelinas.
Pekiti-Tirsia is strictly a combat-oriented system, as opposed to a sport-focused fighting style. It is a fighting system that focuses on edged, impact, and improvised weapons. PTK has been adopted as one of the preferred combative training programs by several elite military and law enforcement units around the world. It is considered a highly lethal method of self-defense.
Traditionnaly, Pekiti-Tirsia's movements are based on the traditional blade art of arnis (arnis, kali, eskrima are used interchangeably based on the region and dialects of Philippines), which involves slicing swords in a circular motion, symbolic of the orbits of the moon and the planets. It also incorporated triangular movements symbolic of constellations. In ancient times, Kali was taught in rituals that were then used pragmatically to survive against adversaries and wild animals.
Pekiti-Tirsia Kali specifically was a family system that goes back at least four generations, starting with Norberto Tortal. It was further developed and improved during the years 1930-36 by his grandson Conrado Tortal. The system is now headed by Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje, the grandson of Conrado Tortal.
Grand Tuhon Gaje introduced his system to North America after arriving in the US in 1972. His style earned recognition and respect from major martial arts organizations and has been an influence on the Dog Brothers, Dan Inosanto and other FMA practitioners.
All fighting ranges are integral parts of the Pekiti-Tirsia system, but special attention is given to closing in to kill in close quarters combat. Integral to this is a coiled close quarters stance that allows evasion and generation of powerful strikes even within close range. Pekiti-Tirsia is about quartering the opponent, or 'cutting up into little pieces', emphasizing destruction with counter offence while not getting hit. The Pekiti-Tirsia methodology originates from offensive and counter offensive principles against attacks from all ranges, angles and threat levels. There is less emphasis on purely defensive techniques per se, as this is not seen as an effective survival strategy.
Pekiti-Tirsia Kali incorporates several weapon categories:
There are various subsystems of training that have evolved over the years, including:
TRI-V is a methodology for Pekiti-Tirsia Kali that emphasizes direct combat tactics. It was originally designed for the Philippine military for urban & jungle environments.
Learn MoreTRICOM is a series programs designed specifically for police, military and security organizations wishing to adopt a complete combatives / defensive tactics system.
Learn MoreAs per the Dog Brothers credo, full contact stick fighting aims to develop "Higher Consciousness through Harder Contact". No judges, no referees, no trophies.
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