Pekiti Tirsia Kali (PTK)
Pekiti-Tirsia Kali (PTK) is a Filipina Martial Arts style designed for close quarter combat with stick, blades and other weapons.
PTK has been adopted by various elite military and law enforcement units around the world as one of their preferred combative training programs.
It is a highly intuitive and practical martial art. Forms and footwork related to the stick, are also applied to knife (with adaption), and vice versa. The knife is used in normal or hammer grip, called sak-sak in PTK, and also reverse or ice-pick grip known as pakal in PTK.
PTK footwork and techniques are especially adaptable to multiple opponent / attacker scenarios. The footwork in PTK allows rapid movement between positions, presenting opportunities for various techniques and combinations, making it practical and useful in real life situations with proper training. Balance, body mechanics, speed, coordination, and other attributes also are learnt during PTK drills and practice.
PTK is a family system of martial arts going back at least 4 generations starting with Norberto Tortal who founded the martial arts system in 1897. It was further developed by his grandson Conrado Tortal, and the system is now headed by (Grand Tuhon) Leo T Gaje Jr., the grandson of Conrado Tortal. Grand Tuhon Leo Gajo introduced the system to US in 1972.
Today, Grand Tuhon teaches the art of PTK to students of martial arts, personal security, law enforcement, and the military in various countries. There are now schools and instructors in various countries that teach Pekiti-Tirsia Kali.