What is Pekiti-Tirsia Kali?

Pekiti-Tirsia Kali is a close-quarter, in-fighting combat system from the Philippines against multiple opponents based on the use of the Blade. Pekiti-Tirsia is a system of complete strategies and tactics utilizing all close quarters weaponry, at all ranges, which provide protection from strikes and attacks, destruction of opponent’s weapons, and domination of any combat or self defense situation.

The Pekiti-Tirsia Kali system is an authentic Filipino fighting art formulated and perfected by generations of the Tortal family of Negros and Panay islands. The family patriarch, Grand Tuhon Conrado B. Tortal, passed this system and its attributes onto his only grandson and sole heir, Grand Tuhon Leo Tortal Gaje, Jr.


Today, Pekiti-Tirsia is trained and executed in combat and survival by military operators, law enforcement officers, and citizens across the free world. The strategy, tactics, and techniques of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali are ancient in origin, yet ultra advanced that its fighting values always remain new. Weapon ranges vary from but are not limited to single and double stick/blade, single and double knife, stick and dagger, empty hands, Dumog (combat wrestling), malayu sibat (spear).

Principles of Range

When talking about distance in fighting, during close quarters, you are up toe-to-toe against your opponent in close distance. Most of the attacks may be done in flurries through short distances where you may not see exactly what the other person is doing. The attacks are not see entirely because of limited vision. This is more deadly.

Close quarter fighting in Pekiti-Tirsia

Fighting close quarters also exposes the body through a number of bodily weapons. The more you fight closely, the more you are susceptible to your opponent’s weapons.

Whereas, distance fighting enables you to see from a distance what the other person is doing therefore, one can plan his/her attack and/or defense more. What someone should be aware of when fighting at a distance, is that the body is exposed from long range weapons. Examples of these are long swords, spears and staves, projectiles weapons and guns. Although this is true, one can still clear away from these weapons types since you are at a range meaning you have the option to engage or flee the situation at hand.

In Pekiti-Tirsia, it is advised that if you go close quarters, you finish off the opponent in the shortest amount of time. Only 3 seconds is allowed for you to get in, deliver your goods, and then get out. This is with the assumption that you are not only fighting with one armed opponent.